Mississippi Mills Chamber of Commerce thinks outside of the box
Posted Jun 3, 2010 By Tara Gesner
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EMC Business - Think outside the box and then act on it.
Tara Gesner, Almonte
Bob Volks (Keller Williams Ottawa Realty Ltd.) and Wanda Fairhurst (RBC).
That was the overall message of Mississippi Mills Chamber of Commerce president Gerry Turcotte at the organization's Annual General Meeting (AGM) at The Barley Mow in Almonte on May 26. The AGM was held in conjunction with the chamber's May Mixer. In the region of 30 members attended.
Following the passing of the minutes for the 2008 AGM, Turcotte presented a progress report on the past year.
"We were very busy and active in 2009," he said. "There is always a will to do things to make a difference. The chamber adds great value to the community, which is why I am involved."
Turcotte runs Mississippi Mills Musicworks with his son, George Turcotte.
Backed by a wonderful community response, highlights of the previous year included:
- The brainchild of Almonte resident Al Potvin, the Go Green: Plant a Tree! campaign netted over $13,500.
- Close to 150 golfers enjoyed a round of golf with a cart, buffet roast beef dinner, prizes, lots of fun and a premium live and silent auction at the annual golf tournament, held August 19 at the Mississippi Golf Club. The "always popular" event netted just over $8,700.
- The Mississippi Mills Chamber of Commerce 2009 Business Award Gala Oct. 21 at the Almonte Civitan Hall was a sellout, netting approximately $1,700. Awards were handed out in four categories: 'Outstanding Community Supporter' (Watt's Cooking - Jodi Gleeson), 'New Business of the Year' (The Barley Mow - Dave Burke and Jason Curry), 'Business of the Year' (Neilcorp Homes - Robert Dick and Doug McIntosh) and 'Economic Visionary' (Peter Egan - S4Potential).
- The continued promotion of Mississippi Mills, which includes a print advertising crusade profiling Chamber members, a series of YouTube and Facebook-friendly promotional videos, and the smARTown WiFi initiative downtown.
"Nathan (Rudyk) has done a fantastic job!" said Turcotte, referring to the promotional initiatives.
Rudyk is chamber secretary as well as president and CEO of market2world communications.
Turcotte thanked chamber members for rising to the occasion time after time.
"You do this because you have a stake in the community," he said. "Thank you!"
Looking at the 2009 fiscal year, overall income for the chamber was $81,938.95. The breakdown is as follows: Gala Income ($10,610), Golf Income ($19,450), Insurance Commission ($673), MAAP Income ($6,000), Membership Dues ($9,570), Mill St. Money Collected (-$617), Mixxer Income ($30) and Tree Sales ($36,222.30)
Expenses for the year totalled $72,245.97, resulting in a profit of $9,692.98. The breakdown is as follows: Bookkeeping/Administration ($2,740.02), Bank Charges ($1,435.84), Gala Expense ($8,893.85), Golf Expense ($10, 718.09), Hydro ($53.03), Insurance ($2,013.12), MAAP Expense ($4,350.47), Marketing/Communications ($10,208.13), Membership Fees ($$273.25), Office Supplies ($1,242, 20), Telecommunications ($3,313.85), Plant a Tree! campaign ($22,576,77), Uncollectible ($4,300) and Workers' Compensation ($127.35).
Board membership
The AGM saw a handful of directors complete a two-year term. They were: Robert Dyck, Don St. John, Peter Pettit, Patricia Henry and Emily Arbour-Weir.
The following individuals were reappointed for the second year of a two-year period: (Gerry) Turcotte, (Nathan) Rudyk, Stephen Brathwaite, Mike Caughey, Kris Riendeau, Jack Elgood and Wanda Fairhurst. John Levi resigned.
Three people (all in good standing) were recommended for appointment to the board for the two-year period 2010-2011: Adrian Ayotte, Bob Volks and David Baril. With no objections, they were inducted into the directorship.
The district served by the chamber includes the communities of Almonte, Pakenham, Ramsay, Appleton, Blakeney and Clayton.
For additional information about the Mississippi Mills Chamber of Commerce: www.mississippimills.com.
Naismith Foundation
Kristin Ray, representing the Dr. James Naismith Basketball Foundation, addressed chamber members last Wednesday evening.
This summer, Almonte's beloved son - Dr. James Naismith - returns home to be honoured. The Foundation has commissioned a sculpture by renowned artist Elden Tefft.
"The goal - for 20 years - has been to get a life-sized bronze statue of Naismith in the community, ensuring his legacy lives on" noted Ray. "Where it rests affects all of you... it will have an impact on your business."
Ray presented the three locations under consideration:
- the Almonte and District Community Centre,
- Centennial Square, and
- the Almonte Old Town Hall (near the Riverwalk).
"We would really love your input, ideas or words of wisdom," said Ray.
In the coming days a web site will be launched for residents to visit and vote for their favourite site. Watch next week's EMC for details.
"It's a beautiful statue," said Ray. "There are only three made in the world and we get one!"
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