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New chamber executive elected; preparations for business achievement awards underway A full house presented at the Caledonia Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting, held Wednesday, Jan 20, 2010. Janice Renshaw, 2009 President, welcomed everyone to the meeting and said she was pleased with the turnout. A treasurer's report and auditor Julie Henning's report for 2009 were received. Reports were recieved from the following committees for 2009: Tourism/Garden Tour/ Travel Information Centre, Canada Day, Special Projects, Christmas Activities, Business Achievement Awards Banquet, the Edinburgh Cup Golf Tournament, Economic Development, Caledonia Marketing Collective and Caledonia Connected. Pam Aylan-Parker spoke on behalf of Welcome Wagon, which she has been a representative of for many years. Pam stated that because of strict freedom of information laws, she was unable to access her past sources for new homeowners. So, if you have a new neighbour, or if you have just moved to town, please call Pam Aylan-Parker with the Welcome Wagon at 905-765-6438. and she will call, make an apointment, and give gift certificates from local businesses as well as local information. Outgoing president Janice Renshaw said she was at first uncertain about accepting the position of president, but the year had gone well, and her highlight had been participating in the new Citizenship Ceremony of Canada Day at Kinsmen Park and was moved by how important the day was to our new Canadian citizens. In the Mayor's absence, Haldimand Councillor Craig Grice installed the new slate of officers for 2010: President - Gary Nelson, Scotiabank, Vice-President - Suzanne Athanasiou, State Farm Insurance; Treasurer - Jose Gonzales, Hald-Nor Credit Union; Secretary - Leila Thompson, Caledonia Senior Support; Past President - Janice Renshaw, Body Waves Fitness; as well as 12 directors were sworn in reporesenting various businesses in Caledonia. President Gary Nelson took charge of the annual meeting and Julie Henning, CGA, was appointed as auditor for 2010. Councillor Craig Grice spoke regarding Streetscape and said that the "Big Move #4" in the streetscape plan should be removed. This matter was put forward to the chamber meeting on Friday January 22, where it was addressed by a letter to Haldimand County Council from President Gary Nelson and approved by the Directors. A letter has also been sent by the BIA and Nestle Purina Petcare concerning the placement of the proposed bump-outs. Mike Evers of the Evers Financial Group spoke, and said that if the new Caledonia bridge was down for two years, some businesses in town would not survive. He stated the original bridge had taken only four months to build with none of today's knowledge. The 2010 Caledonia Business Awards Dinner is Tuesday, February 9, with cocktails at 6:00 pm and dinner at 6:30 pm. A record 19 nominations were received by the chamber. Thanks to everyone who took the time to fill out a nomination. Over the holidays, someone walking by the Manger Scene at Edinburgh Square discovered that a prankster has put a Santa suit on the baby Jesus, and Santa hats on Mary, Joseph and the Wisemen, and antlers on the camels, sheep and oxen. It was reported and Special Projects removed the hats, etc. It is mind-boggling that someone took the money, time and energy to do this sort of thing to the Nativity scene. The money it cost could have been donated to a worthy cause, perhaps the Haiti Relief Fund. The Caledonia Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank all of you who decided to Christmas shop locally this year and wishes you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Submitted by Carol Ritchie, Director, Caledonia Regional Chamber of Commerce |
Chamber Update