Staff
The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is looking to possibly relocate from its current location at 474 Scott St.
Chamber manager Anthony Mason said yesterday the Chamber has expressed interest in the Fort Duty-Free property on Mowat Avenue (the former location of The UPS Store, which recently relocated to the 200 block of Scott Street).
But with news that the local Ontario Travel Information Centre will be closing at month’s end, Mason noted the Chamber also would be interested in moving into that building if possible.
Right now they’re waiting to see what happens with that property.
“We want to try and find a better location,” said Mason.
“Obviously, it’s still in the works and nothing has been confirmed yet,” he added.
Meanwhile, with the Chamber’s annual Home and Leisure Show coming up May 11-12 at the Memorial Sports Centre, it’s not too late for exhibitors to sign up.
Mason said more than 40 exhibitors have signed up, which already is more than last year, with more expected to register.
Businesses, services, and groups that want to participate can still do so if they contact him by Wednesday (May 2) at 274-5773, or email him at: thefort@fortfranceschamber.com
Mason advised them to visit the Chamber’s website at www.fortfranceschamber.com, download the registration package, fill it out, and send it in.
Mason said the home show is shaping up and will feature a variety of exhibitors, including Sunset Country Ford, which will use the ’52 Canadians Arena for a vehicle sale.
There also will be games like “Plinko,” with prizes donated by local businesses. And on the Saturday, “Minute to Win It,” which debuted last year to a popular reception, again will give people a chance to win $1,000.
As well, the Chamber will be kicking off its “Project Petunia” campaign at the home show, asking individuals and businesses to sponsor the program, which supplies flowers for planters seen in the community.
And the Fort Frances “Strongman” competition will coincide with the home show again this year, running from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, May 12.
The event will feature top-ranked athletes from Canada and the U.S. competing in several feats of strength.
The home show will run Friday, May 11 from 4-9 p.m. and Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission on Friday is $3 per person, with admission on Saturday being $5 or $20 per family (which includes admission to the “Strongman” competition).
In other news, the Chamber will hold its spring general membership meeting this Monday (April 30) at 11:30 a.m. at Moss Yoga Studio (335 Scott St.)
In addition to an update on Chamber activities from president Mark Caron and a treasurer’s report from Luke Skaarup, the meeting will feature special guest speaker André Bernier, general manager of Resolute Forest Products, and a presentation by Nicke Baird, director of Riverside Foundation for Health Care and corporate communications for Riverside Heath Care Facilities Inc.
Chamber members are encouraged to attend.
