by PAUL RAYNER

With a new opportunity arising, the face of tourism for the Turtle Mountain Development Corporation and International Peace Garden is leaving her post.

Last week, Tourism Development Officer Aggie Buhler announced she was leaving to take a new full-time position with the Pembina Valley Development Corporation. She said the changes in the outlook of the eastern Manitoba organization gave her an opportunity she could not ignore.

“The thing that attracted me to take the position,” Buhler stated, adding she applied during the Christmas period, “is that the entire focus is regional, and they cover a large area from Oak Bluff to Manitou and everywhere in between. The Pembina Valley Development Corporation has changed their focus from business development to regional tourism. It is exciting and a great thing to be involved in because it involves such a diverse area.”

The new job will be based in Altona, and she will be starting in the middle of February.

“There are so many attractions there. It was something I wanted to be a part of.”

Buhler started in her current position in the spring of 2006, one half of the split in jobs between tourism and business development. Her time was split between the TMCDC and the International Peace Garden. Over that time she has worked on many initiatives, some of which stick out in her mind.

“Everything has been so neat and it was great to see results,” Buhler explained. “The Turtle Mountain Challenge was a big one, and working on the Peace Garden’s 75th anniversary was special. It has been exciting to be a part of these initiatives, and great to get the ball rolling. I see this as an area that will continue to grow because it is such a vibrant community.”

At the Boissevain & District Chamber of Commerce meeting on January 22, when the announcement was made, many members expressed their appreciation for Buhler's work. One was Chamber President Donna Fraser.

“I’ve been blown away by the ideas suggested and the things you have brought forward,” Fraser stated. “I think Altona is very blessed.”

These thoughts were echoed by TMCDC President David Stead.

“Obviously I’m very disappointed to lose someone of Aggie’s caliber,” Stead said, “but she got an opportunity of a lifetime. I certainly don’t bear her any ill feelings. We do have some momentum here, and we want to keep it going.”

Stead said he found out last Monday about Buhler’s decision. At the time of speaking, he had not met with the TMCDC executive or board proper, so he could not comment with any accuracy about what would happen with the position.

“We have to re-group to see what the plan will be. I really can’t predict what will happen until we meet. It is possible the position will be replaced, but we really can’t say until we have met as a board.”

He did say Business Development Officer Shirley Bell could possibly deal with a few tourism issues on an interim basis. They do want to continue with their recent progress.

“Tourism and economic development have seen some progress, so we want to see that continue.”

Buhler, who will be finished in her present position at the end of the month, admitted she would miss being a part of TMCDC and the Peace Garden.

“I really enjoyed working here and being a part of the community,” she stated. “I was really involved in church and community things. I enjoyed working on projects in Boissevain and the Peace Garden. I worked with fantastic people, but it was a really good opportunity I could not pass up.”