Chamber President Ross Ariss at Thursday's semi-annual AGM

 

Last night the membership of the Morden and District Chamber Commerce was brought up to speed on the results of a meeting between the Chamber's executive and town council. The Chamber's executive requested the meeting after its operating grant from the town was significantly reduced this year. In its 2011 budget Morden town council earmarked $31,000 for the Chamber, $5,000 less than last year, and $17,000 less than requested. The Chamber had asked for $36,100 for its operating grant, and an additional $12,000 for operating the community's tourist booth located along Thornhill Street (Highway 3 through town).

Chamber President Ross Ariss says his takeaway from the meeting was a positive one, noting council was very open to discussion.



Ross feels the Chamber's concerns regarding its declining funding were heard, and he was pleased with the reassurances Council gave them regarding its support going forward. He notes the main thing is Morden Town Council sees value in the Chamber, and they understand the local existing business community needs to be supported. During his remarks to the Chamber's membership at its semi-annual general meeting Thursday, Ariss commented when he sees a vibrant community where things are happening it usually means there is a strong chamber of commerce there and a strong business community.

Ariss also discussed the chamber's funding model, and encouraged members to talk about it amongst themselves as well as with the town's councillors.



Also at last night's meeting the Chamber announced the keynote speaker for its 2011 Gala and Business Awards banquet will be Ron Buist, the former Marketing Director at Tim Hortons. Among his many inventive marketing tactics, he is credited as the creator of Tim Hortons' "Roll Up the Rim to Win" contest, and producer of the company's "True Stories" television commercials. The Gala is set for October 12th at Timbers at Minnewasta.