President’s Report

By Gerry McKeown

Welcome! Fiscal 2008 has been an active year in the life of the Chamber and membership numbers continues to hover just above the 600-member level with positive activity continuing into 2009.

As we entered the year 2008, our staff tenure on the Chamber side of the operation was “less than one year on the job” for each position. Nonetheless, we asked a great deal throughout the year from these fine individuals, and they have not let us down. The MTO side of our operation continues to perform at an excellent level with Ministry audits being rated above average. All staff positions are stabilizing, and we are entering fiscal 2009 with more experience, albeit still on the learning curve. Keep in mind that your President was also new in his position, but had a great board of directors and a good group of Past Presidents to call upon for advice.

Speaking of Past Presidents, during Val Harris’ tenure as President, we entered into to our Advocacy program in a big way, and 2008 has seen us continue on that path and expand our efforts on behalf of our membership. As an example, each year the Chamber conducts a member survey, which normally garners a 3 – 5 % response rate. During 2008 the response rose sharply to just under 20%, which indicates concern, with the hot button topic being the lack of economic development in the Lindsay area, followed by the development process itself and the concern of a worsening economic situation locally. Respondents to the survey recognized that it is difficult for business to forecast growth and capital expansion when the municipal markets are not growing around them. On behalf of the Chamber membership this survey and its results were presented to Mayor Ric McGee and the Development & Public Works Services Committee on November 4, 2008. This presentation has lead to several meetings with the Mayor, and we are hopeful of some positive progress during 2009. Additional to the survey this Chamber has advocated this year on the Airport issue, the expansion of four lanes for Highway 35 from Pontypool to Lindsay, Via rail service to Toronto, and the 407 East extension just to name a few.

During 2008 your Chamber led the way in a partnership program with the City of Kawartha Lakes and the Community Futures Development Corporation in promoting and advocating for the Shop Locally campaign. This program has been extremely successful by all accounts and we are currently reviewing its continuance & funding during 2009.

The Shop Locally campaign has been extremely successful by all accounts and we are currently reviewing its continuance and funding during 2009.

Additionally during 2008, we have reached out to our sister Chambers in the City of Kawartha Lakes to request their participation in not only networking and social events but advocacy as well. We expect renewed association with both Fenelon Falls, and Bobcaygeon chambers in 2009.

Regular quarterly meetings have now been established with both the MPP & MP for this riding although the MPP meetings will have to be re-scheduled pending completion of the March 5th By-Election. We will be hosting an all Candidates meeting for that event on the 26th of February at I. E. Weldon.

As you can see Advocacy remains very active and we expect this to further accelerate in 2009. We solicit your involvement as members and as always look for your comments and guidance. Anyone who may be interested is encouraged to join this committee.

Year three of our B2B Sourcebook proved very successful with the 44-page publication chalk full of useful information and 3000 copies delivered. This publication is a useful tool and you should expect to see your 2009 copy in early April. This year we successfully launched Savoir Faire in partnership with Chex Television and this program has been well received by our membership as a prime time advertising special to enhance business recognition in the greater community. The Image Plus Program continues to function well and represents an appreciated chamber benefit to our membership.

As in past years our events schedule was a full one, but this year it has been more than challenging. Due to the municipal labour dispute in the City of Kawartha Lakes, the Evening of Excellence in 2008 had to change venue almost on a moments notice. The Armories were no longer available to us and in quick order with lots of hard work arrangements were made at the Academy Theatre to hold this event. The style of presentation changed dramatically, but by all accounts the evening was very successful. Kudos to our staff and board, as well as the staff and board of the Academy Theatre for a job well done. Thank you also to Sir Sanford Fleming and the culinary students for another wonderful event.

Other events held during 2008 were:

  • The Chamber Curling Bonspiel in January
  • The Mayors lunch at the Olympia
  • The Chamber lunch in September with Kevin Darling from the Royal Bank as our guest speaker
  • The Spring Breakfast with Mike Walker as our guest speaker
  • The Chamber Golf Tournament held at Black Diamond Golf & Country Club
  • The Classics On Kent – another resounding success
  • Business After Hours – Great Lakes RV tour & Lindsay Golf & Country Club
  • The Santa Claus Parade
  • Our Christmas Open House at The House Next Door
  • The Small Business Christmas party at the Moose Lodge.

The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce continues to be a very active organization and I would like to thank the following individuals who really make it run well.

Firstly our staff:

  • Gayle Jones –General Manager
  • Nadine Bryant – Office Administrator
  • Judy Weitz – Events Coordinator
  • Heather McCullough – Marketing Coordinator
  • Joanne Davies – MTO Supervisor
  • Anne Stewart – License Issuer
  • Bev Howard – License Issuer
  • Sharon Feeney – License Issuer

Our Board of Directors:

  • Val Harris – Past President
  • Mike Puffer – 1st Vice President
  • Patrick Proulx – 2nd Vice President
  • Jordan Bress – Treasurer
  • Liz Parker – Director
  • Barb Evans – Director
  • Sherri Crump – Director
  • Ann Gibbons - Director
  • Al Robinson – Director
  • Paul Cross – Director
  • Jason Ward – Director

The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business. We are committed to providing leadership, service & advocacy by fostering economic prosperity for our community and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Without your commitment, your involvement and your membership our task would be impossible. Thank you for being a part of what we do for this community and the City of Kawartha Lakes.         

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