Guy Meyer has taken the helm of the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society, having been hired as the new CEO to succeed Ryan Schmidt.

Having officially started in the position May 1, Meyer comes to the role from Edmonton and has only recently been introduced to the local community.

“What drew me most to the opportunity was the near limitless possibilities of growth and expanding the services and things that we do for the community, in and around the community,” said Meyer. “I come in following a long line of amazing leaders who have done some amazing things for [this] organization over the years, and I am humbled by what they have been able to accomplish. I am looking forward to growing the legacy.”

Meyer explained his background consists largely of building and exiting businesses in the manufacturing and services industry. He was hired to grow and expand the Agricultural Society in order to increase its capacity to deliver programs to the broader community.

“Business functions practically the same in every industry and I have had businesses in quite a few. Being a not-for-profit society does not change the basic underlying principles that in the end, you have to have more money than you spend to stay alive long enough to get more money,” said Meyer. “That is fundamentally true to any business operation at all, period. What truly drew me to the opportunity was the near limitless scope and scale that could be brought to bear on a future envisioning of the society.”

Though he currently still resides in Edmonton, Meyer said he has travelled back and forth several times since his onboarding to the Agricultural Society, and plans to move into Strathmore in the near future.

He said he has developed an immediate affection for the community as a result of the people he has met.

“People are basically kind and loving everywhere, but in Strathmore I have never felt more welcomed, and I truly feel like I am home,” he said.

As he settles into his new position, Meyer said the rest of his team largely still has the reins as the Agricultural Society prepares for its summer season, including the Cowboy Town Concert, Renaissance Faire and the Strathmore Stampede.

Come September, however, the organization will enter its review and planning stages. Meyer plans to assess their processes, policies and procedures.

“I am blessed to have such an extremely talented team of employees and staff. I am blessed to know that we have 400 dedicated repeat volunteers come and help us on an annual basis, which is truly amazing,” said Meyer.

“Between now and Sept. 1, there is not a lot of change that I am planning because the staff is very busy at this time of year and I want to respect their ability to perform … Budget planning time, December is when the membership and the board vote on the budget process, and then we get into the new year. I am hoping that we have what is necessary to at least begin the process of bringing the Western Events and Cultural Center to life at some point next year.”

Meyer added he is open to having conversations with members of the surrounding community about any topic related to the Agricultural Society.