The members of the new executive of Clearwater and District Chamber of Commerce took on the mantle of their offices at their inaugural meeting on Jan 9. Sheila Thiessen from the District of Clearwater was present as the Commissioner of Oaths to swear in the new officers.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, all of the members got to participate as newly minted president Jeff Lamond chaired his first meeting. A number of housekeeping items were dealt with and lots of good ideas were presented.
One of the priority items was a review of Chamber committees and their responsibilities. This gave members a better chance to decide which committees they wish to sit on.
Ted Richardson was appointed the chamber representative to Tourism Wells Gray for 2012. Sherri Madden was affirmed as the chair of a committee to review the constitution; Marilou Roy will assist. Other appointments will be made as members put forward their preferences.
One item discussed briefly related to the possible hiring of a manager to take some of the workload off the volunteers. This manager would also act as a point person for contact with people looking to the chamber for information. The priority is to find a person with experience who can jump into the job with little delay.
A discussion regarding the operation of the Wells Gray Infocenter was postponed to a later meeting. The new executive wanted to discuss this at an executive meeting in order to acquaint the new officers with the relevant issues.
Other items discussed were a membership drive, bringing in a guest speaker from another Chamber for a learning exchange, directors and officers insurance and the Shop Local program.
Members of the Chamber executive for 2012 are president Jeff Lamond, vice-president Dennis Greffard, secretary Anne Krawec, treasurer Joanne Ovenden. The one-year directors (term expires Dec. 31, 2012) are Leslie Groulx, Kerry Miller and Cheryl Thomas, with one vacant seat. The two-year directors are Sharon Chaytor, Ted Richardson and Marilou Roy, with one vacant seat.
A motion was passed to set the meeting night to the second Monday of the each month. When the second Monday of the month is a holiday, the meeting will be held on the third Monday of the month. The start time for the meetings will remain at 7:00 p.m.
The next meeting will be held Monday, Feb. 13 at 7:00 p.m.
– Grant Gale