By TREENA MIELKE
Past activities were reviewed and new goals and objectives brought to light at the Rimbey Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting Feb. 15.
President Jackie Stratton said about 20 people attended the meeting held at the Best Western Rimstone Hotel.
“It was a good turnout,” she said. “Overall, we are happy with the participation in the chamber. The support and ideas from our board, businesses and volunteers over the past year has been fantastic.”
Stratton said the chamber board of directors is working toward achieving goals this year that include promoting local shopping, working with other local groups, increasing membership, liaising with council and working with the Kinsmen Club at the trade fair. Other goals include getting chamber information out to the public and becoming more involved in the farming and ranching community and recognizing volunteers.
Stratton said committees have been formed to focus on each of the goals.
“There were only one or two people on some committees and others may have had three or four. We want to acknowledge all the hard work of each of those committees,” she said.
The chamber is working on creating a more informative website, Stratton said. It is also working with the town, Ponoka County and FCSS to create new, more versatile Welcome to Rimbey bags.
Stratton said 2010 was a busy year for the chamber.
“We promoted a successful sidewalk sale in June and participated in the new recreation guide put together by the Rimbey Review. We continued with the booth at the race track and sponsored the Grade 12 work experience student.”
A shop local strategy at Christmas proved successful with three winners of Rimbey Bucks in increments of $500, $300 and $200 given out to winners.
The chamber worked with Pas-ka-Poo Park to co-ordinate Santa Nite and Pas-ka-Poo Park Festival of Lights event.
“The lighting of the Beatty House, Lister’s hay ride, bonfires, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with businesses lighting up the park made for quite a night,” said Stratton.
As well as president Jackie Stratton, this year’s executive of the Rimbey Chamber of Commerce are, vicepresident Tresa Lowe, treasurer Phil Swanson, secretary Gail Lekas, and RaeAnn Keessar, membership. Directors are Wendy Huff, Cory Cote, Valerie St. Jean and MaryRose Barr.
The chamber has approximately 80 members.