Rivers Chamber to break for Christmas
- Details
- Published on Sunday, December 7, 2014
By Sheila Runions
Banner Staff
Although an official quorum for Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce is 10 members, that portion of their bylaw also states “a majority of members present will be competent to perform acts done at the meeting.” This clause enabled the nine members who attended the Nov. 26 meeting to conduct some business.
They agreed to reprint the business phone directory but this year only 500 copies will be made. It was noted that last December a significant number of them were tossed in the recycling bin at Rivers Post Office — presumably because so many young people simply store regularly-called numbers in their cell phone. In an effort to be more green and not waste so much paper (or expense), those members decided 500 will be placed in select businesses for customers to pick up, if they so desire. The new list will appear on counters before Christmas and if they run out “immediately” a second print run will be made in January. Seven new businesses have been added to the list, three have name changes, four were deleted and one has a new phone number.
Members also agreed they will find enough volunteers to work all shifts at the annual spring home show. Rivers-Daly Community Development Corporation has offered to pay the registration fee for this three-day event at Brandon’s Keystone Centre.
A chamber member who also sits on the Rivers Train Station Restoration Project committee shared some exciting news on their behalf. Carol Hassard announced Via Rail provided another trip for two voucher (Via first provided vouchers in 2008). The train ride will be in the Sleeper Plus class and is valued at more than $4,000. The draw will be made in June but tickets are currently on sale at Carol’s business — Carol’s Time Again Treasures. More information about this raffle can be found in an ad in last week’s paper.
Santa Claus parade plans were confirmed as in place and ready to go. Co-ordinator Karen Coleman was thrilled to learn the photo machine has been returned to Super Thrifty Pharmacy. The machine was broken but is repaired and will be put to full use on Dec. 6 when the drug store provides pictures with Santa. (Pictures will be taken at Rivers Legion Hall but printed for free at Super Thrifty.)
Correspondence from Travel Manitoba announced they are not printing a travel guide book this year, but posting community events online. This means changes can be easily made and information is current. If you would like to list your event, please contact Lori Klan, 204-373-2822, fax 204-373-2317 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Information about Shop the Neighbourhood was brought to the meeting; those present had not heard of the day, which was Nov. 29. It was suggested that next year members try to be more aware of the annual event which encourages customers to buy at least one item from a small business rather than a big box store, franchise or online, on that specific day. The first Shop the Neighbourhood was held on Nov. 30, 2013 and this year Nov. 29; it is presumed the date will be Nov. 28 next year.
The chamber bylaw specifies a minimum of eight meetings must be held per year. Those meetings are the last Wednesday of each month but there will be no December meeting. Maybe we’ll see you at the Jan. 28 meeting at Lee’s Restaurant. Memberships are due in January and are open to individuals and organizations, not just business representatives. If you are interested in “encouraging growth in Rivers and district by supporting our existing businesses and encouraging new businesses” (the Chamber’s mission statement) please mark Jan. 28 on your calendar and come to the meeting!
