聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 At its meeting of March 22, members of the Norquay and District Chamber of Commerce decided to change the name of the organization 鈥渢o promote the needs of business and industry and to create the best community in which to live, work and do business.鈥�
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 The group is now known as Hwy 49 Chamber of Commerce, Nicole Korpusik, secretary of the new organization, said, adding that the group will be mailing out and/or delivering a membership letter this week.
鈥淚t is the goal of our newly named Chamber to be inclusive to the communities along and around Highway 49,鈥� Korpusik said. 鈥淲e believe our communities shouldn't be in competition but on the same team.
鈥淚f we all work together we can ensure our communities thrive and move forward rather than succumbing to the fate other small communities have suffered.
鈥淥ur area has a lot to offer not only in regards to businesses but in the other aspects of community living and tourism as well,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he Hwy 49 Chamber wants to give businesses and supporting members in the area the opportunity to join with us to make our community as a whole the best it can be through a variety of marketing opportunities, professional and business development and community support events, to name a few.鈥澛犅�
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 鈥淲e would love to give you the opportunity to invest in your own business by becoming a member of the Hwy 49 Chamber of Commerce, formerly known as the Norquay and District Chamber of Commerce,鈥� the letter reads. 鈥淥ur Chamber is looking to the future and striving for some positive changes that will enable us to accomplish our mission.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 鈥淲e want the communities on Highway 49 to be fabulous places to do business whether it鈥檚 as an owner or a supporter,鈥� it says. 鈥淲e also truly believe that a great place to do business is also a great place to live and work so we are vested in making our communities as a whole the best they can be.鈥�
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Among areas that the Chamber plans to focus on include: increased opportunity for marketing to not only local residents but visitors and people outside the community through an online presence, social media and a new resident packet; support the communities and businesses through events such as Salute to Norquay/Pelly/Stenen, etc., Santa Claus Day and other similar events; provide a resource for staff and business development through guest speakers and other learning opportunities; being an advocate for local business and community members when dealing with all levels of government, and providing the opportunity to access the Chamber Health Coverage Plan and Point of Sale program.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 Meetings are held in the evening on the third Wednesday of each month. The first meeting of the Hwy 49 Chamber of Commerce will be held April 19.
鈥淲e hoped that in holding our meetings in the evenings that it would allow our business owners the opportunity to participate after business hours,鈥� the letter says.
The organization will be charging membership fees of $150 for businesses; $75 for home businesses, and $25 for 鈥渟upporting individuals.鈥�
鈥淲e really hope you鈥檒l consider joining our Chamber of Commerce,鈥� the letter states. 鈥淲e are stronger together.鈥�
