Chamber directors sworn In, set goals

The 2007 Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce executive and board of directors officially were sworn in by deputy mayor Tannis Drysdale at its first regular meeting last Tuesday (Jan. 9) at La Place Rendez-Vous.
She brought greetings from Mayor Roy Avis, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to prior commitments.
Coun. Drysdale stressed the Town of Fort Frances is eager to work closely with the Chamber of Commerce over the next year, especially with the Business Retention & Expansion project, to ensure the interests of the local business community remain a priority.
Chamber president Christine Denby took over the helm from now past president Gary Rogozinski for her first meeting of the year.
Goals and objectives for 2007 were approved at the meeting, including:
•Community leadership—demonstrate to the area business community that the Chamber is taking a leadership role in representing their issues and the issues of the district;
•Communication—implement an effective communication strategy which raises public awareness of Chamber activities and programs, encourages input from the membership, and creates positive relations between members and the community;
•Membership growth/retention—attract new members and retain existing Chamber membership, leading to a broader based, more active voice in the community;
•Fiscal responsibility—present and meet a manageable budget that will demonstrate a positive cash flow while maintaining the needs of the Chamber;
•Partnership—focus on a working relationship with area organizations for the betterment of the business community; and
•Strategic plan—develop a plan with input from the board of directors and membership to formulate clear goals and objectives, action items, timelines, and long-range goals.
2007 will continue to be a busy year for the Chamber with various events, projects, and activities being planned.
For instance, January will see the implementation of a second Business Retention & Expansion project (BR+E).
The program is an internationally-recognized, community-based, volunteer-driven economic development tool that responds to business needs and issues.
It also encourages communities and local businesses to work together, enhances job creation and economic prosperity, and encourages the growth and stability of local business.
As well, a workshop on workplace mental health awareness is planned for the morning of Thursday, Feb. 1, in partnership with the local Canadian Mental Health Association.
The workshop will provide employers with a better understanding of workplace mental health issues and will help to increase the comfort level in discussing these issues.
For more information or to register for the workshop, contact the Chamber of Commerce office or the Fort Frances branch of the CMHA.
Quarterly “Business After Hours” will be held starting in February. Although the details still are being confirmed, the first mix-and-mingle event tentatively is planned for Friday, Feb. 2 at Plaza Lanes.
Other “Business After Hours” events will take place in March, May, and September.
April will see the return of the Spring Home & Leisure Show, scheduled for Friday, April 27 from noon-9 p.m. and again on Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Memorial Sports Centre.
Entitled “Tips, Tools & Techniques,” the 19th-annual Home & Leisure Show promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Exhibitor packages will be mailed out in mid-January, but anyone looking for more information on the show now is urged to contact the Chamber office.
The ever-popular “Quest for the Best” once again is being planned for July in conjunction with the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.
Although the two groups still are in contract negotiations, “Quest for the Best 2007” promises to be another amazing show!
Finally, the 12th-annual business awards banquet will take place on Saturday, Nov. 3 at La Place Rendez-Vous.
A variety of different awards will be handed out recognizing businesses, organizations, and individuals for outstanding business achievement and the contributions made to the economic growth and prosperity of Rainy River District.
In addition to these annual events and projects, the Chamber will be hosting the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce annual fall meeting in late September.
NOACC represents a membership of all Chambers of Commerce in Northwestern Ontario. Their non-partisan stance and strong grassroots support from more than 2,000 businesses make NOACC “the voice of business in Northwestern Ontario.”
The fall meeting will include guest speakers, entertainment, and resolutions for approval.
This year also will see the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce partner with Confederation College, the Rainy River Future Development Corp., and the local Business Improvement Association to offer the “Service Excellence” customer service training program.
The purpose of “Service Excellence” is to help those who interact with customers to recognize their impact on building customer loyalty, as well as provide them with the tools and techniques to ensure customers are being served in a consistently exceptional manner.
An open house forum currently is being planned for the business community.
For more information on the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, or any of the events or projects listed above, contact manager Dawn Booth at 274-5773.