Thank you, Cherie!
The Board of Directors of the Old Strathcona Business Association (OSBA) announces that effective today, Executive Director Cherie Klassen will be stepping down from her role. Over the past eight years, Cherie has led OSBA with vision, dedication, and remarkable perseverance. When she first joined in 2017, the organization was facing significant challenges, including staffing shortages, limited resources, and declining engagement. Through her leadsership, OSBA was revitalized and positioned for long-term impact.
Among Cherie’s many accomplishments:
- She grew the OSBA team from a single staff position to a permanent staff of four,
plus seasonal ambassadors, ensuring stronger service to members. - She spearheaded the creation of signature initiatives such as the Winter Whyte
Light Up, while modernizing OSBA’s marketing approach and doubling its digital
reach. - During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cherie provided steady leadership locally and city
wide, serving as Chair of the Edmonton BIA Council and advocating for measures
that directly supported businesses, including levy relief and recovery grants. - She secured more than $700,000 in grants and sponsorships to expand
programming, enhance public spaces, and deliver innovative projects—including a
$187,000 Prairies Canada grant for permanent street furniture, which has earned
national and international attention and recognition. - Under her direction, OSBA consistently operated under budget, grew revenue, and
significantly improved member awareness and engagement. - Cherie’s advocacy also helped secure funding to support safety initiatives and
outreach, directly responding to member concerns. - Her leadership was recognized nationally when she received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2023 for her contributions to Edmonton’s business and community life. The Board extends its heartfelt thanks to Cherie for her tireless work on behalf of our members and the broader Old Strathcona community. Her efforts have left a lasting mark on our organization, Old Strathcona, and our city.
In Cherie’s own words “Leading OSBA and the business community over the last several years has been incredibly rewarding and challenging. Navigating a global pandemic and the
economic uncertainty that followed allowed us to push boundaries and be innovative with attracting customers to return to Edmonton’s favourite shopping district. I’m so incredibly proud of the work my team and I accomplished and Old Strathcona will always hold a special place in my heart.”
We wish Cherie all the best in her future endeavors and are deeply grateful for her years of service, her many successes, and her unwavering commitment to making Old Strathcona a vibrant and thriving destination.