Chamber plans busy year

2008 will see new challenges and a new board of directors eager to carry out the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce’s many programs and community events, Chamber president Christine Denby said last week.
“We have a big year ahead,” Denby noted, adding the Business, Retention & Expansion project (BR&E) is “well on track” with new community development officer, Cassandra Parise, at the helm.
“The Home and Leisure Show dates are booked [May 2-3], and the committee has already met and looking forward to new members with fresh ideas,” she added.
As for another popular annual event, “Quest for the Best,” Denby said “we’re looking to meet with Tom Fry and his group at making plans that will work well for both groups.”
As well, the 13th-annual business awards banquet will be held in the fall.
Denby noted the Chamber, as “The Voice of Business,” also will continue to lobby various levels of government, in partnership with its regional, provincial, and federal counterparts.
One example (as first reported in last week’s Times) is the co-operative effort with the BIA to work with the town to develop an “economically feasible” recycling program for local businesses.
“We’ve sent out an e-mail and fax advising our membership that we’re working with the BIA on presentation to town council regarding non- residential recycling,” said Denby.
“With that presentation, I’m hoping that our partnership with the BIA will become that much stronger.”
As for the issue of outshopping, Denby said “it’s not something that will end with Christmas shopping but something we will continue throughout the year, by thanking Fort Frances and district for ‘keeping our town in business, by keeping our business in town.’”
“We are going to continue with our customer service program if our membership is interested, which goes hand in hand with promoting local business,” she added.
As for the year past, “We looked forward to a big year in 2007 and it was indeed that—very busy with new programs, events, and projects,” Denby remarked.
“Our membership faced much change in 2007 given different economic pressures, some good and some not so much,” she added.
She added the recent election to fill vacancies on the Chamber’s board of directors “indicates a strong interest not only in our Chamber but Fort Frances as whole.”
The new board consists of Wanda Barker (Super 8), Barb Cournoyer (TD Canada Trust), Lillian Gerley (The UPS Store), Bev Kotnik (Good Impressions Printing), Krista Mauro (RBC Royal Bank), Leo Melanson (B93•FM), Kevin Nielson (Shoppers Drug Mart), Pam Parsons (Enterprise Rent-a-Car), and Paul Sunstrum (Canadian Tire).
Anne Renaud (Confederation College) volunteered to be an alternate.
“I am eager to continue working with [Chamber manager] Dawn [Booth] and Cassandra [Parise] and the new board as we continue to foster and nurture new and existing partnerships to the betterment of the Chamber and Fort Frances and district,” enthused Denby.
She encouraged businesses and tourists to check out the Chamber’s website (www.fortfranceschamber.com), read its brochures, and stop by the office (474 Scott St.) to learn what the Chamber can do for them.