CARSTAIRS-CREMONA - The Carstairs and Community Chamber of Commerce has a new board and members are ready to help promote businesses in the area.
The chamber had its annual general meeting in January at the Carstairs Heritage Centre.
The new president this year is Darrah Selanders, while Terry Kubinchak takes over as vice-president, Robert Andrews is the new treasurer and Jessica Shielke is the new secretary.
Although all are new to their positions, they have had other roles in the chamber.
Selanders said the annual general meeting went well with the election of the new executive as well as the review and approval of the 2018 budget. The members also advised changing the format to allow for more networking events and less formal meetings.
The chamber was busy last year with a number of annual events including Beef and Barley Days pancake breakfast in July, the trade show in May and Carstairs Crazy Christmas in December.
Selanders said the chamber has plenty of events coming up.
"Our next member spotlight/networking event is April 17," she said. "People should check our Facebook page for more information. We are also working on revamping our gift certification program."
Chamber gift certificates are currently available for purchase at The Only One Under the Sun in any domination and redeemable at most retail stores in town, she said.
The chamber's long-running objective is to promote the commercial, industrial, agricultural and civic welfare of Carstairs and the surrounding district, she said.
"We update and follow a five-year plan to help define and execute our key objectives," she said.
Meanwhile, although its annual general meeting isn't until April, the Cremona/Water Valley & District Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the upcoming year.
Treasurer Don Carveth told the Gazette that the primary goal for the chamber is to help business in the area.
Other board members include Clarke Erwin, president; Linda Newsome, vice-president; and June Clavagnier, secretary.
"We facilitate communications between the businesses and provide a conduit into government," said Carveth. "Our major events are classes such as the upcoming social media class and the Cremona Show and Shine. We have also been involved in getting the Cremona welcome signs built and they'll be installed soon."
Another primary goal for the chamber is to make Cremona a more attractive location for business, said Carveth.
