The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce is moving forward after another successful year.
    Chamber members met on the evening of March 21 for the annual general meeting. While there, they were given an update on the Chamber’s activities for the new year and elected five board members to fill vacant positions.
    Seven nominees were given to fill the vacancies. After members did a secret ballot, the vacancies were filled by Linda Digby from the Atlas Coal Mine, Ed Mah, John Shoff of Reality Bytes, and Ryan Semchuk of 99.5 Drum FM for three year terms and Elaine Piwin of RBC for a one year term.

Five new board members were elected to the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce board on March 21. Deputy Mayor Lisa Hansen-Zacharuk (centre) swore in new board members Ryan Semchuk (99.5 Drum FM), Linda Digby (Atlas Coal Mine), John Shoff (Reality Bytes), and Ed Mah, who were elected for three year terms. Elaine Piwin (RBC) was absent, but elected for a one year term.

    The board positions, such as the new president, have yet to be decided.
    It was a busy year for the Chamber. One of the biggest new events was to reinstate the Small Business Awards during Small Business Week in October.
    “I really appreciate the return of the Small Business Awards and I hope we keep them going,” said Ed Mah, 2012 Chamber president.
    The World’s Largest Dinosaur Legacy Grant continued to support community initiatives. In 2012, the Legacy Grant gave back $64,856 to the Badlands Community Facility, Pioneer Trail Society, Rowley Community Association, 1st Drumheller Scouts, Homestead Museum, Nacmine Community Association, Drumheller Community Football Association, and Badlands Search and Rescue.
    “We gave money back to the community. We are very proud to continue to do that,” said Heather Bitz, general manager of the Chamber.
    The annual Chamber Golf Tournament was another success, with $7,100 donated to Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta as well as providing scholarships to one student each from Drumheller Valley Secondary School and St. Anthony’s School.
    The Downtown Drumheller Committee held a number of events downtown last year, including the first year of the Family Fun Days. However, due to a lack of participation, the Committee dissolved late in 2012.
    Overall, the Chamber experienced a decline in revenue in 2012 compared to 2011. In 2011, they received $324,613, but in 2012 revenue dropped to $271,442. In addition, expenditures increased from $288,719 in 2011 to $335,209 in 2012.
    Two major factors contributing to the difference was an increase in staff wages due to the return from maternity leave of general manager Heather Bitz and a loss of $43,248 for programs and events.
    The World’s Largest Dinosaur saw a small increase in net income to $53,096 last year and the Tourist Information Centre remained stable, with a net loss of $26,456.
    The Chamber is also looking ahead to a big 2013. They will be hosting the Alberta Chambers of Commerce Provincial Conference and Policy Session.
    “We are heading into an extra special year. We are hosting the Alberta Chambers of Commerce Provincial Conference,” said Mah. “It will be a great time to showcase the Valley and our dedication to the chamber movement.”

    A new initiative aims to create a space in Drumheller dedicated to the victims of violence.
    The Big Country Anti Violence Association is spearheading a project to create an Angel’s Corner on the south end of Gordon Taylor Bridge and near the Rotary Spray Park. Other options for the location are being considered, but  it was felt by being in a high traffic area would help promote the cause of the association.
    The space would include flowers, shrubbery, and benches and would offer a spot to residents to rest and reflect.
    “We wanted to have something similar to what they have in other communities. We want to have support for people who have been victims of violence,” said Cindy Stelmaschuk, President of the Big Country Anti Violence Association. “It would be a place where people could sit and reflect, of serenity, would be visible by foot or vehicle, and would commemorate and acknowledge those people who have been victims of violence.”
    The Angel’s Corner would also be a show of Drumheller’s solidarity in the face of violence.
    “We also wanted to show there is support from the community for victims. Drumheller is such a wonderful community for support,” said Marian Ewing, Mental Health Liaison Officer with Alberta Health Services.
    The total cost of the project is estimated between $8,000 to $10,000, though extra support would help add extra features to the corner.

Cindy Stelmaschuk (left), Marian Ewing, and Judy Nelson of the Big Country Anti Violence Association were at the meeting of the Committee of the Whole on March 18 to ask for permission to create an Angel’s Corner on the south side of Gordon Taylor Bridge, next to the Rotary Spray Park. Council supported the initiative and encourage the delegation to seek partnerships in the community.

    “We hope to cover some of that through donations. We have the money, but for extras, we would like to get some done through in-kind donations. We’ll welcome the community to play a major role,” said Stelmaschuk.
    The Big Country Anti Violence Association has a 15 year history in the Drumheller area. In that time they have hosted a number of campaigns to raise anti violence awareness such as Take Back the Night Walks, the Red Rose Campaign, and the Walk a Mile event.
    The goal of the association is to educate and advocate for and promote the reduction of violence.
    It is hope the project could be started this spring and would help celebrate Drumheller’s centennial.
    “We’d like to bring it about through the cooperation of the Town and in commemoration of the centennial of Drumheller,” said Stelmaschuk.
    Those interested in being involved are encourage to contact the association at antarcin@telus.net.