The Kimberley Chamber of Commerce is holdings its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, January 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kimberley Conference Centre.
At that time, additional board members will be elected. Anyone interested in running for a board positions is asked to pick up a nominating package at the Chamber office.
The plan for 2016, says Chamber Manager Mike Guarnery, is to keep up the momentum from a very good 2015. And so far, so good. Guarnery says the holiday season was a good one — busy, with lots of visitors in town. Lack of snow in the east meant more visitors from Ontario, which translates to longer stays.
“2015 was another exceptional year for Kimberley-area business,” Guarnery said in a recent letter to members. “We saw increased commercial growth throughout Marysville, Blarchmont, the Downtown Core and surrounding areas. The Chamber was able to refer local businesses to other like-minded partners to develop solid relationships and mutually increase opportunities. Existing businesses modified their business plans to reflect changing markets, and new start-ups added to a stronger local economy.
“Our partnerships and involvement in the community included, but were not limited to: Kimberley Winter Market; Dynamiter’s Bull-A-Rama; Music in the Platzl during the Farmer’s Market; Restaurant Coalition meetings; Kimberley Julyfest activities; support of Grand Fondo and Black Spur races; Leadercast; Kimberley Business Excellence Awards; Chamber Golf Tournament; The City of Kimberley initiatives; Ministry of Transportation review; Liquor Control Board review; Business After Business gatherings; Work BC & CBT partnerships; Kimberley Business Expo; Canada Day Celebrations; Heritage Canada grant applications; First Saturday events; Imagine Kootenay (formerly Invest Kootenay); Remembrance Day; The All Candidates Forum; Oktoberfest; Community Futures BC Annual General Meeting; Platzl Light Up, and support of the Kimberley Medieval Festival.”
The Chamber has a couple of training and information sessions upcoming (see story this page) and also looks forward to another Kimberley Winter Market on the Alberta Family Day weekend.
“2016 is going to be an exciting year for Kimberley,” Guarnery said. “We’re encouraged to know that we will have a good turnout for our AGM.”