My name is Cheryl Thomas. I am currently a director on the Clearwater and District Chamber of Commerce. As an individual, I choose to hold a membership as it gives me the opportunity to provide input into what matters to our businesses and community. I love being involved with this organization. I’d love to tell you about it. Our organization works to promote local businesses, advocates to local governments to promote the economic stability of this valley. We encourage business owners, organizations, groups and individuals to work in partnership for the betterment of our community by encouraging our citizens to shop locally.
We need your voice and expertise to continue growing and building on, this vital connection.
Did you know that the Chamber produces the community map that is widely distributed to citizens, tourists and new residents – it is known as the ‘Chamber Map’ – a tool designed to help visitors and residents find their way to your business?
Here is a short story. Each year your Chamber has hosted the ‘Of the Year’ aka the Business Excellence Event – this event provides an opportunity for our citizens to gather during small business week to celebrate. Large and small businesses are acknowledged for doing their part in community spirit. We also call for nominations for Citizen of the Year – this is for a citizen who has contributed much to the community. This event has taken place for more than 50 years in Clearwater while celebrating our diversely unique businesses and individuals in a way where business card swapping leads to partnerships and friendships.
Your local Chamber also is in the encouragement business…. The business of having citizens see that by shopping locally they are also supporting local businesses to hire and train local youth, to donate to the health of not-for-profit groups and to add their touch of beauty to their store fronts as they celebrate the many and varied seasons of the year.
So, I hope you have a sense of what we do, why it’s important, and the sense of purpose I derive from my connection to it.
Would you like to know more? Please join us for our next meeting – Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Dutch Lake Community Centre or check out our website at: http://clearwaterchamber.com/
Cheryl Thomas / Clearwater and District Chamber
Clearwater, B.C.
