Following up on its recent success is the goal of the Bashaw and District Chamber of Commerce.
That was the message heard at the organization’s annual general meeting held at the Nobel Fox on March 11.
“2019 was a successful year with our usual list of events and I’m looking forward to this year to doing what we do,” said chamber president Dustin Hemingson.
“We hope to continue to grow with our events and partners while moving forward with looking at extra things. We have a good group with some exciting things in the works.”
As part of the AGM, the chamber confirmed its membership dues will remain at $70 and that its executive board is unchanged.
“Given that everyone seems happy and there is no need financially plus with the economic situation facing many businesses, the current membership fee is fine as it is,” Hemingson added.
The chamber also held its regular monthly meeting following the AGM, where updates on some current programs and a new potential promotion were discussed.
A financial and membership update was provided, with the chamber presently sitting at 13 paid memberships for 2020 compared to 23 last year.
Hemingson explained the security camera program is operating well. The company providing the service is moving toward providing greater monitoring service for area businesses with another security company having been purchased by a major national communications company. He added there may be some implications on other local businesses with this switch, so this information was being provided to let members know.
Razzle Dazzle Day was officially scheduled for June 13. Things kick off with the Bashaw Fire Department pancake breakfast followed by the parade and the Bashaw Meats lunch along with a number of other activities.
The fireworks will return to the same spot over the pond, confirmed Hemingson.
Meanwhile, an idea to promote local business this summer will be pursued after some discussion about shopping bags emblazoned with advertising.
Chamber treasurer Cindy Orom brought forward the suggestion given to her that the group pursue selling advertising on the bags that would then be distributed through those businesses or in other ways.
“It’s been done in similar ways in Ponoka and Lacombe, and it was something that might be a fit for Bashaw. It’s also a way to support shopping local,” she said.
“We would sell the advertising spots and get it out hopefully in time for visitors in the summer.”
Orom added two local printing companies have been approached for quotes and others may soon be approached.
As well, discussion focused on whether it would be an actual colour ad or simply business names and contact info, since one would drive the cost of the advertising up in order to cover the higher expense in creating the bags.
The initial thought would be to have 2,500 bags with 25 businesses advertised, meaning ad rates possibly ranging between $150 and $300 at the maximum.
In the end, the Chamber voted to get more information and quotes prior to making a final decision.