Congratulations to all those winners who used the ballot boxes during the Caledonia Christmas Giveaway.  The Caledonia Marketing Collective appreciates everyone's support for it's Christmas in Caledonia promotion. 

Approximately 35 to 40 people attended the streetscape meeting the the ReMax Room at the Haldimand County Caledonia Centre on Thursday, December 15, 2011.  Revitalization Caledonia and Haldimand County greeted and gave information about the project on Argyle St N that will begin in May 2012.  The Chamber was informed that during new construction, a new traffic light will be installed at Orkney and Argyle St N, and further upgrades will be included from Caithness Street to the bridge.  Please remember to check out the Chamber's website at www.caledonia-ontario.com for information on the commmunity and the Chamber. 

Revitalization will be hosting a retreat January 31, 2012 at the Gateway Church from 8 am to 2 pm.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided. The retreat is being held to prioritize survey conclusions.

Tourism Caledonia discussed the Ultimate Fishing Town promotion and invited Eleanor Devereux and Sharon Smuck to the Tourism meeting that was held on Monday, January 16th. 

The Chamber's Annual General Meeting will be held Wednesday, January 25th at 7 pm. All members of the Chamber are invited to attend.  The Caledonia Regional Chamber of Commerce extends wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.

Carol Ritchie, Director

Caledonia Regional Chamber of Commerce

January 5, 2012

Caledonia saw several new businesses open up this past year including the Argyle St. Grill, Thai House Cuisine 5 and the Tartan Diner.

“These businesses are doing a great job enticing residents and visitors to dine in our community,” said Suzanne Athanasiou, president of the Caledonia Regional Chamber of Commerce who has been a member since 2001.

Athanasiou was the Chamber president for 2011. The new president will be sworn in at the Annual General Meeting at the end of January.

Athanasiou reflected back on her term as president and recalled the Chamber launching a new festival in 2011, Celebrate Caledonia, which she aimed to turn into an annual event.

In hopes to entice the self-employed entrepreneurs, the Chamber also added a new category to its membership this past year calling on home-based businesses to join. As a result, the Chamber saw 192 members in 2011.

Looking forward to the New Year, Athanasiou speaks about the plans for 2012.

“The Chamber is partnering with the Caledonia Hunters and Anglers to promote Caledonia as the Ultimate Fishing Town,” said Athanasiou.

She said the Chamber will be focusing on Downtown Revitalization this year and mentions the upcoming streetscaping projects, which will alter downtown Caledonia and hopefully enhance tourism and improve Caledonia commerce. 

“The Chamber will continue to advocate on behalf of our members and hopes to take an active role with Haldimand County in attracting new businesses to our downtown core,” she said.