The Town of Virden has filled the Virden Community Events Manager position. The Melville, Saskatchewan product, Debbie Kish is excited about stepping into this role. The farm girl attended school in Regina and British Columbia, and made the move to Manitoba about ten years ago. Kish explained, “My family and I love Virden, my daughter Amanda and her partner Paul Rhodes own and operate Gopher Creek Coffee Company. We hope to purchase property in the future, I am a farm girl at heart and own horses. Living in the city is nice but we enjoy the rural life, much more.”
Kish worked for the Employment Skills Center for seven years prior to this move. “Yes, it was a very difficult decision to leave Virden Employment Skills Center and Peggy Foy. I loved my job. However, I saw no way to move forward in that position and the budget restraints did not allow for any flexibility; financially the funders have cut everything down to the bare bones. I know Peggy will find someone to fill my shoes and I am sure they will do an excellent job.”
This is not Kish’s first time working with large complexes, as she used to plan and organize local events such as the Recruitment Expo, Manitoba Oil Show and Golf Tournament. Along with these local events she also worked with the Regina Pats when she was employed with the Regina Exhibition Association and Canadian Agribition Association.
Kish said, “I am excited to be working with the Town of Virden. I really think my position is still in its infancy and I am looking forward to working closely with [Town of Virden CAO] Rhonda Stewart, Mayor Jeff Mc- Connell and the Council in developing it into something positive within the community. I will still be doing the Recruitment Expo and the Oil Show, the golf tournament and inviting other agencies to work with me in bringing those forward.
Looking forward with enthusiasm, Kish continued, “I also have been given a million ideas from individuals that I hope to sort out and work with, to make some of them happen. I am very open to any ideas the community may have to assist me in promoting Virden and the surrounding area. All are welcome to contact me.”
