The Timmins Chamber of Commerce's 67th Annual General Meeting and President's Dinner was held on Wednesday night at the Days Inn. The Board of Directors for 2016-2017 were sworn in, and new Chamber President Christine Bender delivered her first formal speech to the membership.
"I want you to be confident that the voice of business is being heard, and it starts right here at the Timmins Chamber" Bender told the audience.
"It was September 1st, when I was first introduced as Chamber President in a headline that read: Timmins Chamber goes on a Bender. Though I may not be as much fun as that headline was, I can assure you that this Bender will do her best to make this a successful and memorable year, with positive promotion and huge wins for the business community" she said.
Outgoing President Kurt Bigeau will remain with the organization as 'Immediate Past President.' He spoke about some of the successes during his year at the helm.
"We had great turnouts. My theme was engagement this year, and it was nice to see lots of people coming out. Whether its our members or our board members" he said.
Bigeau also spoke about the 'respectful working relationship' between the Chamber and city hall during his year, and specifically Mayor Steve Black.
"We met once a month, and we didn't always agree on stuff, which seems to be routine lately" with a not-so-subtle jab towards the recent antics at city council meetings.
After the room burst into laughter, a bigger reaction than he likely anticipated, Bigeau quickly said 'sorry'.
He said not every city has such regular interaction between the Chamber and city officials, which is something Timmins should be proud of.
"When we do travel to different events, and we talk to other chambers, some chambers don't even talk to council, they don't talk to their mayors, they don't talk to their municipal CAOs. There's no working relationship whatsoever. So could you imagine what that would be like? Trying to work and better your business community when you can't have that dialogue, so I do appreciate the time that was spent. I'm hoping that when Joe (Torlone) kind of steps away that the new CAO will welcome Keitha (Robson, Chamber CAO) and the President with open arms" said Bigeau.
Mayor Black joked "I hope everyone enjoyed the highest political ratings on Monday night, and I'm not sure if I'm talking about the Presidential Debate, or the other one. Keitha told me she was going to take it easy, and not make any jokes at our expense tonight, so I had to throw one out there."
The Chamber of Commerce also introduced a new awareness campaign called 'Find it in Timmins', which aims to highlight ways businesses can give back to the community when people opt to support local.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS AND NOTES
Rob Galloway was named the recipient of the Alex Klimack Award, which is given annually and recognizes an outstanding volunteer for their hard work and commitment to the Chamber, and the entire community. Galloway previously served as Chamber President in 2008.
"It is his passion for building the best possible environment for our members that has led him to continue to serve on numerous Chamber committees year after year, providing his experience and expertise on issues such as forestry, mining, and First Nations reconciliation" said Bigeau.
Art Pultz, another former President, was presented with an Honourary Lifetime Membership. Pultz has dedicated considerable time and effort to the Chamber, and has demonstrated a tireless desire to make Timmins a better place to live, work, and play. He has hosted 13 Nova Awards, which is the Chamber's flagship event, which celebrates local businesses.
"Art's contributions have always been above and beyond, and he's perpetually been a volunteer that the Chamber can call on for any task, even cleaning out gutters and moving picnic tables" said Bigeau.
The evening's host, Jamie Clarke, introduced some of those in attendance, and read out the names of 3 city Councillors from his list. Councillor Rick Dubeau, and Councillor Andrew Marks were both absent. Before strike 3 occurred, Councillor Noella Rinaldo stood up and acknowledged Clarke.
