UCP hopeful Gruninger believes her work ethic will stand out

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on August 31, 2024.

Submitted photo - Shauna Gruninger, a local entrepreneur, wife and mother, is one of three nominees hoping to run as the UCP candidate in Lethbridge West.

Three members are in the ring to see who the nominee will be to represent the UCP in a Lethbridge West by-election.

One of these nominees is Shauna Gruninger a local entrepreneur, wife and mother.

Ahead of a UCP members forum on Sept. 12, Gruninger hopes to use her name and experience to stand out.

“I’m focused right now on getting the message out to who we are and what we do and the process. And so then that way I can represent Lethbridge West,” said Gruninger.

One of Gruninger’s goals is to help strengthen the community in whatever capacity she can.

“I’m all about being the best version that we can be and figuring out the best way to make our community as strong as it can be, whatever that looks like,” said Gruninger.

Being an entrepreneur Gruninger believes there is a place for small, medium and large businesses and plans on continuing those relationships with business owners.

“I’m involved and have been in small and medium size businesses before. I think I have a very good idea on how to connect with other business owners and individuals so that they really feel comfortable with somebody standing up for what we want, how we’re going to get it,” said Gruninger.

As a business owner, Gruninger knows how important clear and effective communication is. She has been the team lead for her real estate team for seven years and has seen great success thanks to her communication skills.

“I’ve been in charge of running and operating to make sure everybody’s on together. Communication is a big one. Making sure that we are on the same page,” said Gruninger.

Gruninger also says she is a person of integrity while making sure she keeps the best interests of who she is working for a top priority.

“I’m very clear I’m not a person to answer something without making sure I get the correct answers. I will always do my research. I will always be part of whatever organization or group that we need to make things bigger and better,” said Gruninger.

Along with her successful business career, Gruninger has been involved in the community, especially with her three children.

Gruninger believes children are our future and supporting them in extracurricular activities will benefit them in the long run.

“My kids have always been part of sports, which I’ve always, for our family, has always been a big factor of keeping them busy, athletic, learning about teamwork. And I always feel that whether it’s sports or music or anything, it’s just giving kids an opportunity to learn life experiences, whether it’s individually or team,” said Gruninger.

Gruninger was a volunteer for the Junior Canadians two times when her kids were involved in Little League. She has also spent time in schools educating children on the importance of money management, which she got feedback from one fellow parent on the impact it had on the children.

“I had one mom come up to me (her boy was nine or 10) and says, ‘All he came home and said was Shauna said, we need to save our money and buy a house later when we get older,” said Gruninger.

Whether it’s for businesspeople or for the family oriented, Gruninger believes her work ethic will help her stand out and be the voice for Lethbridge West.

“I think I will be a very strong voice. I think that I will be a very good candidate to represent Lethbridge-West and I will do everything that I can. My work ethic is very clear of who I am and what I do as a business owner and as a mom. I have children that are very successful as well, and I think that all speaks to who I am and my integrity and how passionate I am about making things better.”