Pattie Pavlov | Special to the Fitzhugh
The changing of the guard, so to speak, is the focus of this month’s edition of Chamber Matters. The business of business is complicated; from advocacy to economic recovery, the Executive, Board and Administrative team(s) work everyday to make sense of politics, policy, procedures and yes, the “G” word meaning, of course, governance.
Many involved in non-profit organizations are familiar with some form of governance, but not always to the degree that is decreed here at the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) truly sets an example for the way it ought to be done.
To that end, the Chamber held its AGM on Aug. 3 and with that came the official election of officers for the 2021/22 year beginning Sept. 1. Proudly, the administrative team would like to introduce the newly elected Executive and Board as: President Justin Melnyk, Vice-President Naji Khouri, Secretary/Treasurer Merv Bashforth and Board Members Estelle Blanchette, Matricia Brown and Gillian Thompson, all incumbents, as well as newly elected Ross Derksen and Sue McCarthy. Together, the Executive and Board represent a wide spectrum of businesses and experience in virtually all sectors of Jasper’s business community. Farewell and best wishes to those completing their service with the Executive and Board, Cassi Allin and Ashley Kliewer – fantastic work and incredible dedication to service with the Chamber – thank you!
So, what else does governance include at an AGM? With the committees each taking the time to deliver a year in review of their particular focus, the membership was reminded of the many and varied advocacy issues undertaken and certainly updated on the ongoing issues such as housing, staff shortages, retail, patio seating, paid parking pilot project, utility rates discussions as well as taxation rates at ratios commercial to non-commercial. JPCC was successful with many targeted advocacy issues, continues to discuss on-going and long-term issues and seeks to meet, head on, new advocacy concerns as they arise each year.
Further, the membership heard from the Membership/Communications committees about increased social media presence, the introduction of Chambermarket.ca and, of course, the state of the membership nation with Chamber membership managing to hold its own despite the economic challenges posed to the budget with closures, sales and then thankfully the addition of new memberships to the roll.
The Robson House Historical Society remains in the committed hearts and minds of the committee as it continues to strive for historical and physical integrity of ‘the House’ both to honour its namesake sisters and even more so, to keep it and the history alive and well. The RHHS committee is already planning the annual Halloween Dinner that sees a raffle winner experience, with seven additional guests, an incredible evening of Halloween-themed dining, beverage pairing and, of course, shenanigans. Raffle tickets are available at the Robson House, of course!
Speaking of events, the committee has reported that COVID certainly affected many of the events planned this past year, no surprise to anyone who tried to plan anything. However, with some hope and great excitement, the newly elected committee members are already looking ahead to hosting the Annual Christmas Party, and in partnership with members and friends – NETMA is also back! Missing the annual Women Mean Business luncheon? JPCC does miss it too! Watch for that event in March 2022.
Last and truly not least is the financial state of the Chamber. Having worked diligently to keep expenses to a minimum while supporting economic recovery, the Secretary/Treasurer and Admin team were constantly in the books and the grant applications to see where assistance was available, referring whenever possible to partners with the expertise and of course accessing grants and funding where appropriate to Chamber operations. Bottom line you ask? JPCC held its own and is able to offer a second year of membership dues being held to the 2019 rate(s). Thank you to all the members, volunteers and paid staff for taking it all in stride and working together to serve.
What’s in store now? The newly elected board will be participating in a Strategic Planning Retreat and with that, details of the coming year’s plans and expectations will be revealed. In the meantime, JPCC will celebrate its New Year on Sept. 1 so watch for the fanfare and 2021/22 membership packages to be released – on behalf of the team, we look forward to your ongoing membership or to your organization joining us for the first time. We’ll make it worth your time and effort – guaranteed.
