Mayor Jim Ogilvie swears in board members: Pictured (l. to r.) are Ted Funston, Becky Pelkonen, Craig Campbell, Allyson Blake and Jenny Beatty

"Another Successful Chamber AGM"

On Friday night the Chamber of Commerce hosted a very successful and well attended AGM, Business Cards & Networking Mingle and Feature Presentation at Centre 64. Chamber President Schaun Goodeve chaired the AGM providing information regarding the Chamber's activities during the 2009/2010 period to 52 representatives of businesses, the City, organizations and interested members of the community.

President Goodeve presented the Chamber's organizational structure highlighting the extensive involvement of the Chamber in a broad range of initiatives such as membership support and promotion, community wide festivals & events as well as a financial overview of Chamber operations. It was interesting to note that Chamber membership has increased by 61% from 2005 and that there are currently 181 Chamber members.

The Chamber organizes and runs Kimberley Village Market that increased vendors from 40 ('09) to 51 ('10) and now draws over 300 people to the Downtown core every Sunday throughout the summer. "The Village Market represents a direct positive impact to local businesses by increasing consumer traffic and bringing hundreds to the front doors of businesses." President Goodeve indicated that the Village Market is but one way that the Chamber is impacting business activity. He noted that the Chamber JulyFest registered 190 bocce teams and 62 soccer teams participated this past summer. "JulyFest is a significant component of the Chamber's operations particularly in terms of organization and implementation. It is of course worth the effort because JulyFest draws thousands of visitors and generates tens of thousands of dollars for the local economy. This relates to significant ROI for our members".

The Visitor Centre, which is managed by the Chamber, has had 31,159 visitors to October 31. "This suggests a potential increase in rubber tire traffic and particularly 'staycations' which was an anticipated visitor trend during this recession".

Many in attendance were impressed at the long list of Chamber initiatives from reliable member surveys, seminars and round tables to lending out Chamber tents and providing insurance to various community groups to support their efforts.

President Goodeve formally thanked an acknowledged the dedication of outgoing Directors of the Board: Laurel Ralston (Consultant), Kathy Merkel (Kootenay Savings Credit Union), Matt Thompson (Story Co.), Tod Caton (BackSide Tours), Karly Berry (Sun Life Financial) and Don McCormick (True North Log Homes).

 A 2011 Directors election was held and three new Directors have joined the Chamber Board. Jennifer Beatty (Healing Touch Family Chiropractic), Ted Funston (Kimberley Alpine Resort) and Becky Pelkonen (St. Mary's Indian Band).

 Schaun Goodeve (Green Dimensions Consulting), Allyson Blake (Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa), Doug Schneider (Trickle Creek Golf Resort), Craig Campbell (Kimberley Rafting Co.), Jason Mitchell (Empower Energy Solutions), Ingrid Liepa (Connecting Link) and Jason Andrews (Edward Jones) are returning Directors.

President Goodeve indicated that the new Board of Directors will hold a strategic planning session to determine Chamber priorities for 2011. However he did note: "I can tell you that the Chamber will be in discussion with the City and other stakeholders to develop a plan of action to revitalize the Cuckoo Clock. This is based on input received from our recent membership survey. We need to determine total costs but we would like to see this project implemented in the Spring. At the core we would hire local trades and volunteers may be required for other tasks".

Kimberley Conference and Athlete Training Centre

Opening November 2010 - Get Your Business on the List

Exciting news for Kimberley!  Set to open in mid-October, our new Conference and Athlete Training Centre is all but complete.  This fantastic facility will provide Kimberley with year round economic and social benefits.  The City of Kimberley will celebrate the opening in style with at least two events.  We will share the details with you as they become available.

Get on the List!

Local businesses can take part in the Conference and Athlete Training Centre opportunity by ensuring that they are included in the Centre's inventory of products and services.  Representatives from the City recently attended the Incentive Works Trade Show in Toronto and obtained leads on 108 planners interested in our Conference Centre as a place to hold an event.  As well, there are already 11 events booked that could benefit your business.
Just print, complete and submit the form to the City of Kimberley or drop it off at the Chamber office.  The link is right below:

Conference Centre Business Inventory Form

Your Chamber will be holding two important events at the Centre in the coming months. These events will provide our members and the business community with the opportunity to experience the Centre first-hand.
November 19, 2010 - Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting
April 9, 2011 - Kimberley Chamber Business Excellence Awards

The New Chamber Member Business Directory

Now Available!
Another great reason to join your Chamber today!

The 2010/2011 Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce Member Business Directory is ready.  While Kimberley businesses and the Chamber are very much tuned into the "Internet Age", we recognize that there are many people who prefer to use more traditional print media for information.  The new Chamber Member Business Directory is printed in a handy, portable format that will provide exposure for our members and ready access by everyone. The directory is being distributed to local businesses, the City, the Library and other resource centers.
Member businesses are grouped according to sector such as Retail, Trades, Spas & Wellness, Professional Services, etc., and each business is assigned a code letter that will indicate its location - eg. B for Blarchmont, P for Platzl. In addition to member business listings, the directory includes a section for events and festivals. The result is a directory that will be valuable to local consumers, business people and visitors alike.  Contact the Chamber today for your copy of the directory.

To be listed in the next printing of the directory you must be a Chamber Member - it is one of the many benefits of Chamber membership.  You can apply for membership today by calling (250) 427-3666, by visiting our website at www.kimberleychamber.com or dropping into our office at 270 Kimberley Avenue.

Don't miss out on the next issue- Join Your Chamber Today!