Staff
While the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce has had a tough time filling seats on its board of directors at times in the past, that doesn’t appear to be the case this year.
Election nominee announcements for the board are coming up at the Chamber’s annual general meeting set for next Tuesday (Nov. 27) at 5-7 p.m. at La Place Rendez-Vous.
And Chamber manager Annely Armstrong said this morning she already has a list of 10 people who either have put their names forward or had their names brought forth by other board members.
“We have a good number. We’re very happy with that,” she remarked, noting the nominations committee met last week and was a little surprised by the response.
“We were fully prepared [for a lesser response] and figured that this time would be no different,” Armstrong admitted. “But I sent out one e-mail and the response kind of shocked us all. . . .
“Within 24-48 hours, we had eight of those names.
“Then we had one more, and then one yesterday came in,” she added.
Current directors have been sent nominations forms to fill out if they want to put their names back on the ballot.
Armstrong said she’s aware of a couple who have stepped down due to time constraints.
Those interested in putting their name forward, or would like to nominate someone else, must complete and return a nomination form to the Chamber office via e-mail (thefort@fortfranceschamber.com) or fax (274-8706) by this Friday (Nov. 23).
Armstrong clarified that nominee announcements will be made at next Tuesday’s annual general meeting, but ballots will be sent out after that time.
Individuals do not need to be a business owner to sit on the board, but your affiliated business must belong to the Chamber.
The board of directors meets once a month, excluding July and August.
Directors also serve on various subcommittees, such as the one for the home and leisure show, which also usually meet once a month.
The responsibilities of a director are:
•to help formulate and review various policies, proposed actions, programs, and projects so the best interest of the Chamber and community can be accomplished through concerted action;
•to provide the personal leadership, enthusiasm, and support necessary to help co-ordinate and build an effective organization geared to solving community problems; and
•to evaluate and act on issues which come, or should come, before the board of directors.
