The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce has a few new faces on its board, albeit they are familiar faces.
The Chamber held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, March 23 at the Badlands Community Facility. Nathan Fleming of RBC has returned to the board for his second term. Cindy Clark of Canalta has also returned to the board, as did Jeff Hall of Meyers Norris Penny. Both have served previously as president. Landon Bosch has completed his term and stepped down and Darcy Thompson did not let his name stand.
It has been a busy year for the Chamber as President Shelley Rymal outlined in her report to the Chamber, and advocacy continues to be one of its focuses. Last year it worked with the Town of Drumheller Economic Development officer to create a document that outlines steps required to open a business in Drumheller. It also continues to work with other agencies such as Community Futures and Travel Drumheller to develop cohesive plans to work together.
The Chamber was busy last year with its many events including the Spring Expo, the annual Canada Day Parade and its golf tournament. It also hosted other events including its 5th annual Women in Business Mixer in June, it Business Excellence Awards Gala during Small Business Week and the annual Jingle Mingle. In 2017, it added its Lunch and Learn Series.
One pressing concern for the Chamber is the condition of the World’s Largest Dinosaur. It had a structural assessment completed in 2015, and it continues to work through the recommendations of that report. Last year the World’s Largest Dinosaur Legacy Fund provided $12,000 of grants to community projects.
In 2016, the Chamber had a membership of 231 and welcomed 15 new members last year.