Introducing our 2023 Kingston Business Awards judges spanning across Canada!

Heather Bergdahl

Heather Bergdahl was born and raised on her family farm at Holdfast, SK. She moved to Moose Jaw to study Business Accounting at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. She has worked for non-profit organizations for more than 20 years, which includes over 12 years as Office Administrator at the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce.

Her visionary perspective has brought in new proposals and concepts to support the growing business community in Moose Jaw. She is service-focused and dedicated to aiding the members and future members of the Chamber. Working in a small Chamber of Commerce office (2 full time staff) she wears many hats, such as membership development, event planning, bookkeeping, budgeting, front line customer service, assistant to the CEO and Board of Directors. She also represents the Chamber of Commerce on several community committees.

Outside of the office, as a mother of two, she can be seen around the community supporting her children in their various activities. Because she isn't busy enough, she and her husband have a Eavestroughing business, they operate on weekends.

Melissa Syer

Melissa Syer began a seventeen-year military career in 2001. After graduating from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2005, she worked on HMCS Algonquin and HMCS Calgary as a Bridge Watch Keeper and as a specialist in under water warfare. After her time in the fleet Melissa spent six years recruiting for the military in Vancouver and Calgary. While working as a recruiter, Melissa earned a Masters in Professional Communication and was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her excellence and leadership in this field.

Melissa's military career culminated at Joint Task Force North with a move to Yellowknife in 2016, where for three years she led a team in planning and executing operations in Canada's North.

Retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Melissa transitioned to civilian life in 2019 as the Capital Planner for the Department of Infrastructure with the Government of the Northwest Territories. Having spent her career living and visiting cities across Canada, Yellowknife is where she and her husband, Tim, have decided to put down roots. As Executive Director for the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce Melissa is thrilled to serve the business community in a career full of challenge and reward.

Morgan Peters

Morgan Peters is the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce's Policy Manager, a position he has held for more than 10 years. He leads the chamber's public policy research and development efforts to further the interests of chamber members. He works directly with the members to develop and advance policy priorities, communicate these priorities, liaise with stakeholders, and manage new projects. He is also the writing lead on all policy papers, press releases and public documents.

Morgan has an undergraduate degree in History and English from St. Francis Xavier University as well as a law degree from the University of New Brunswick. He practiced criminal and family law prior to joining the chamber. He is married with two children, ages 10 and 5.

Stefanie Cara

Stefanie Cara is a Senior Membership and Sponsorship Manager at the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce in Victoria, British Columbia. Previously the Small Business and Young Professional Program Manager at the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Stefanie has eight years of experience helping small businesses and entrepreneurs grow their business and prosper in the community. Before working in the Chamber world, Stefanie spent seven years in the non-profit sector as a National Program Manager for the Arthritis Society and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation managing grant programs and stakeholder and corporate partner relations.

Tricia Barrett-Butler

Tricia Barrett-Butler is a Chamber professional with over eight years of experience dedicated to local business growth and prosperity.