Highlights of the September Chamber Minutes

from President, Karen Debergh

Presentations

Brian Worrall with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent gave a presentation on the CK Community Branding initiative. Why is a Community Brand necessary? As the world market expands, Chatham-Kent must compete with other places for attention, influence, markets, investments, businesses, visitors, residents, talent and events. We are no longer competing with Windsor-Essex or Sarnia-Lambton; we are competing with Winnipeg, Chicago, and competitive centres in countries in Asia, Europe and South America. The Municipality would like local communities promoting themselves as well as promoting Chatham-Kent.

Brittany Johnston with the Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board gave a presentation on the upcoming EmployerOne Survey that will be going out in January. The EmployerOne Survey provides local employers with a voice to communicate the challenges they face when hiring. The survey is designed to collect information on HR issues such as labour turnover, hard-to-fill positions, recruitment difficulties, and skills shortages. The results are then used to inform job search and employment decision making.

Executive Report

Karen Debergh reported on the Executive Committee. Karen has had further communication with Karen Loney of Feature Act. They have decided to postpone the Wallaceburg presentation.

Committee Reports

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  • Special Events Committee: Chuck Ferris reported on the Special Events Committee. The next Business after Hours is at CKXS 99.1 FM. The Chamber has partnered with the Black Goose for the New Year’s Party as a fundraiser for the Chamber. The Newcomer’s Event will be pushed back to the October event as it is a larger venue.
  • Marketing/Membership Committee: Karen Debergh discussed the signage program. Tina has been working on the signs and getting the artwork. The stickers are in for the Member to Member Program but have to be delivered.
  • Finance Committee: Karen Debergh discussed the Financial Reports. The 90 day outstanding receivables have been reviewed and arrangements have been made. The final installment of the Summer Student Grant should be coming in soon. There was a discussion regarding sign renewals; last years went out in September with an October renewal date. Karen had Tina change the Financial Reports that shows a running total from the beginning of the year to the current month. Karen and Tina discussed the membership renewals coming out in January; there will be a note asking members if they would like to change their renewal date to later on in the year and about payment plan options.

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New Business

There was a discussion regarding having a Municipal debate for councillors and mayoral candidates. It was suggested to talk to CKXS 99.1 FM to see what they are planning.

Next board meeting – October 8, 2014 – 4:00 PM – Chamber office