The South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce board has a new leader for 2014/15.
Carl Gimse is the new chair, after past chair Jennifer Appleby stepped down due to her imminent relocation to another community.
Gimse says his suggested nomination by Appleby was unexpected, but he agreed to accept the responsibility.
Following the election of directors at the annual general meeting on April 3, for which some key directors were absent, the executive was selected shortly afterward at a private annual board retreat.
The business group’s vice-chair is once again Leon Chretien; Ralph Myhill-Jones is staying on as secretary; and Keith Greenhalgh will continue as treasurer.
Directors are Nick Christianson, Len Doucette, Rob Fry, Craig Lee, Rainer Meyer, Rick Takagi, Amanda Usher and Sean Watson.
Gimse says the board discussed its goals and aspirations for the coming year at the retreat.
He notes these include a move to more inclusion of businesses and support for events in the outlying areas of the South Cariboo.
“We want to play more of a role in the current issues.
“My personal feeling is we can do more for a community by getting involved with businesses rather than in politics. But, there are certain things that come up that I think we can play a role in helping out.”
A new committee was formed to create a platform of dialogue with area First Nations, consisting of Gimse, Chretien, Takagi and Myhill-Jones.
Gimse says something he learned from his grandfather is that when differences of opinion are encountered with any person or group, it is “always better to work in compromise than in confrontation.”
There is some movement at the Chamber toward looking at the financial feasibility of a pool or aquatic centre, Gimse adds.
“There have been many attempts at it, but there are ways and means of getting things that we want.”
He says the first step in finding the money to build a pool would be by considering expanding the South Cariboo Recreation boundaries, a topic also seen in some current public consultations.
Gimse notes he would like to see this taxation boundary encompass communities from Interlakes to 108 Mile Ranch and from 70 Mile House to Lac la Hache.
The board also is looking to further build on its renewed good relationship with the District of 100 Mile House and the Cariboo Regional District, he adds.
Meanwhile, Gimse notes the Chamber wants to bring in many of the diverse outlying resource and agriculture businesses and embrace more of the South Cariboo to help resurrect the booming community it once was.
“The Chamber needs to find ways to better serve non-retailers, our resource sector, non-profits and our geographically outlying members.
“These are the things that are important to me and our Chamber.”
