Rivers Chamber considers its future
- Details
- Published on Thursday, June 2, 2016
The viability of the Rivers & District Chamber of Commerce was discussed recently. Details on the future of the organization are in a new article from Sheila Runions of the Rivers Banner
By Sheila Runions
Banner Staff
According to Rivers history book, Rivers & District Chamber of Commerce began as a Board of Trade in 1908, which remained active until at least 1913. Then there was an “abeyance for a number of years” until 1933 when the organization was reactivated. In the late 1940s the name was changed from a board to a chamber and much work was done for the next 40 years. In the late 1970s the group took a one-year hiatus because of “decreased interest and poor turnout at meetings.” Fast forward another 35 years and the few members who take time to attend one-hour monthly meetings are once again discussing closure because of decreased interest and poor turnout. Other than this topic being discussed for a good portion of the May 25 gathering, other items were announced to the nine people present.
Laura Gillingham has been hired as the new manager for Riverdale Community Centre/Riverdale Recreation Department. She succeeds Navi Gill whose last day of work was April 29. Navi has commuted from Brandon to work here since Oct. 8, 2014; Laura lives at Chimo Resort, making her commute much shorter.
Riverdale CDC announced their latest effort to revitalize the area with a Clean for Green competition. They are asking for before and after photos of yard cleanup, landscaping, pruning, etc. with the winning homeowner receiving $250 in chamber bucks to spend at any business in Rivers. The deadline to enter this contest is June 30.
After eight years of dedicated service, Gary Pomeroy has asked to retire from updating the chamber-owned mobile sign on the north side of Hwy. 25 in the town’s east end. Sheila Runions agreed to be responsible for posting community events or personal ads, all for a nominal fee.
If you would like to join the discussion regarding the future of this organization whose mission statement is “to encourage growth in Rivers and district by supporting existing businesses and to encourage new businesses,” please come to Lee’s Restaurant at noon on June 29.
