The South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce rang in another year of working with the local business community at its annual general meeting and luncheon in the Valley Room on April 16.
Chair Carl Gimse, vice-chair Leon Chretien and secretary Ralph Myhill-Jones were acclaimed.
In the chair’s speech, Gimse noted the monthly meetings include representatives from the District of 100 Mile House and the Cariboo Regional District, and the Chamber has an “excellent” working relationship with both.
“We will continue to work hard to enhance the relationship that has been built.”
Gimse also recognized the diligent and helpful efforts of executive director Shelly Morton, who took over the job five months ago, and summarized some successful events she assisted the board with last year.
The group will lose treasurer Keith Greenhalgh and director Sean Watson, who have stepped down after completing their terms, and director Len Doucette who resigned mid-term.
Three new nominees – Joanne Young, Marvin Declare and Keith Jackson – were acclaimed.
The executive will be installed at the annual board retreat slated for May 3.
In her report, Morton noted the current membership is about the norm at 140, with a diverse range of new members from all over the South Cariboo replacing some departed ones.
She reminded businesses that members get free advertising on the website, and added the Facebook page is gaining in popularity and is successful in promoting community efforts.
She thanked all the 2013/14 board members, and noted they are local business leaders who are also kept busy working for the community in other ways.
“Their volunteer efforts are the reason our Chamber-sponsored events, both big and small, take place.”
Guest speaker District Councillor Spence Henderson updated the group on the status of business as seen at the District level, including nearly $5 million in building permit values in 2014.
“A strong U.S. dollar has already been having an impact at the [South Cariboo Visitor Centre]; they are busier than usual at this time of year.”
He said 2015 should see “continued, robust construction spending” and commercial building is expected to remain particularly strong.
“There’s one business that employs about 70-90 people, in Alberta up in the … oilfields, and they are locating their head offices in 100 Mile because it’s a solid, economical place where the situation is good.”
Other directors completing their current term are Rick Takagi, Craig Lee, Amanda Usher, Rainer Meyer, Rob Fry and Nick Christianson.
