Claresholm chamber of commerce looking for executive members

By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer

The Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting is coming up, and they will be looking for a new president, vice-president and directors.

At their Feb. 21 meeting, chamber members were asked to spread the word about the organization and encourage anyone they think may be a good executive member to either nominate them or put their name forward. The new executive will be chosen at the chamber’s annual general meeting at Grandma’s Kitchen on Wednesday, March 14.

Economic development

Chamber members nominated Lauren Billey to be the chamber’s representative on the Town of Claresholm’s Economic Development Committee.

Tony Walker had been the representative but, because he is not from the Town of Claresholm and the quota of non-town members on the committee is full, Walker had to step down.

Parting gift

Chamber members agreed to spend up to $70 on a parting gift for Justin Sweeney, the town economic development officer and a former president of the chamber.

Post cards

The chamber had established a committee to look at creating new Town of Claresholm post cards.

However, Lauren Billey, a chamber director, suggested a contest be run with the winning entry going on the new post card.

Chamber members agreed to pursue that approach instead.

Town representative

Donna Courage, a town councillor who had been the town’s representative to the chamber, said she was advised the chamber executive requested she be replaced with another councillor, and asked if the chamber membership felt that way too.

Billey responded the chamber is trying to re-brand itself and that would be the best approach.

Volunteer appreciation

Chamber members were informed that Claresholm and District Family and Community Support Services is hosting a volunteer appreciation on April 18 at the Claresholm Community Centre.

Breakfast club

Val Umschied advised members about a breakfast club that has started at the Journeys Centre for networking opportunities.

It meets at 8 a.m. the first Wednesday of the month, there are no fees, Journeys provides the coffee, and it is open to everyone.

Trade fair update

Billey also reported on the chamber’s recent Town and Country Trade Fair held at the Claresholm Community Centre on Feb. 2 and 3.

She said there was less traffic due to poor weather; she heard good comments about the new set up for the trade fair; and the process to organize and promote the trade fair has to start sooner.

Binders have been started for information, a questionnaire for feedback has been sent out to this year’s vendors, and a follow-up meeting will be scheduled.