Chamber highlights yearly successes at 68th AGM

NEWS RELEASE

TIMMINS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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The Timmins Chamber of Commerce highlighted a year’s worth of successes for the business community at the organization’s 68th Annual General Meeting and President’s Dinner on Sept. 12.

Hosted at the Porcupine Dante Club, the event allowed more than 100 attendees to hear from immediate past president Christine Bender, who outlined the many things the Chamber achieved through the 2016-2017 year as a result of the support of its 650 members.

This included many policy and advocacy victories on member-driven issues such as municipal procurement, natural resource-related infrastructure and permitting, Indigenous education, energy rates, workforce shortages, and more.

This work has also involved partnerships with the Ontario and Canadian Chambers to tackle broader concerns like energy rates, minimum wage increases, federal tax changes, and cap and trade.

To help share information on these and other issues, the Timmins Chamber also hosted nearly 60 informational and networking events, while offering more than 90 discounts to help members with their bottom line.

The year also saw the election of a strong 2017-2018 Board of Directors, which joined Chamber President Jamie Clarke of Tisdale Plumbing Heating & Electrical in being officially sworn in by Timmins’ Mayor Steve Black as part of the evening’s proceedings.  

The evening also served to celebrate certain individuals who have made significant contributions to the Chamber and the business community.

This year’s Service Award was given to Jason Laneville of CTV Television, in recognition of his six years of dedicated service to the Chamber’s board of directors -- the maximum amount of time someone can consecutively serve.

“Over the years, Jason has committed considerable time and energy to the Chamber, and to the members,” said Bender. “He has been a valuable Board member, and his contributions have always been greatly appreciated.”

Larry Gubbels of Wyatt Image Solutions was the recipient of this year’s Alex Klimack Award, which serves to recognize an outstanding volunteer for their hard work and commitment not only to the Chamber but the community as a whole. Gubbels is well known for his dedication to improving the business community and connecting people and organizations, which was certainly on full display throughout 2016-2017, according to Bender.

“This individual has been a long-time Chamber champion, having served on the board for a few years their dedication does not go unnoticed. The impact of the work that he has invested will be felt by the Chamber, our members, and the business community for years to come.”

The Timmins Chamber also marked the evening by awarding an Honourary Lifetime Membership to past president Rick Gutcher. This official honour is reserved for individuals worthy of special recognition – those who have demonstrated an unending desire to make Timmins the best possible place to live, work and play.

Rick’s leadership and dedication to the Chamber has spanned decades, including 20 years as the lead organizer, head chef, and driving force of Evening in Italy.

Before it came to a close in 2012, this annual event was one of the brightest nights on the Chamber calendar, thanking members for their support with a low-price, high-quality feast. Over the life of the event, Rick prepared more than 30,000 plates of food for what had become a homecoming of sorts for organizers and members alike.

His efforts have earned him many accolades, including the Alex Klimack Award in 2008, and the Volunteer of the Year Award from the province in 2009.

“Having served as a tireless volunteer long after his tenure as president in 1992-1993, Rick’s countless contributions to the Timmins Chamber have deservedly given him a reputation for reliability,” said Bender. “It is for his relentless and unwavering support of the Chamber and its goals that the Board was incredibly pleased to award him with this accolade.”

Attendees of the Annual General Meeting were also able to learn about Timmins’ growing potential as a 'music city,' courtesy of the evening’s keynote speaker Graham Henderson, president and CEO of Music Canada, and chair of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

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