At its meeting of March 22, members of the Norquay and District Chamber of Commerce decided to change the name of the organization “to promote the needs of business and industry and to create the best community in which to live, work and do business.”
The group is now known as Hwy 49 Chamber of Commerce, Nicole Korpusik, secretary of the new organization, said, adding that the group will be mailing out and/or delivering a membership letter this week.
“It is the goal of our newly named Chamber to be inclusive to the communities along and around Highway 49,” Korpusik said. “We believe our communities shouldn't be in competition but on the same team.
“If we all work together we can ensure our communities thrive and move forward rather than succumbing to the fate other small communities have suffered.
“Our area has a lot to offer not only in regards to businesses but in the other aspects of community living and tourism as well,” she said. “The Hwy 49 Chamber wants to give businesses and supporting members in the area the opportunity to join with us to make our community as a whole the best it can be through a variety of marketing opportunities, professional and business development and community support events, to name a few.”
“We would love to give you the opportunity to invest in your own business by becoming a member of the Hwy 49 Chamber of Commerce, formerly known as the Norquay and District Chamber of Commerce,” the letter reads. “Our Chamber is looking to the future and striving for some positive changes that will enable us to accomplish our mission.
“We want the communities on Highway 49 to be fabulous places to do business whether it’s as an owner or a supporter,” it says. “We also truly believe that a great place to do business is also a great place to live and work so we are vested in making our communities as a whole the best they can be.”
Among areas that the Chamber plans to focus on include: increased opportunity for marketing to not only local residents but visitors and people outside the community through an online presence, social media and a new resident packet; support the communities and businesses through events such as Salute to Norquay/Pelly/Stenen, etc., Santa Claus Day and other similar events; provide a resource for staff and business development through guest speakers and other learning opportunities; being an advocate for local business and community members when dealing with all levels of government, and providing the opportunity to access the Chamber Health Coverage Plan and Point of Sale program.
Meetings are held in the evening on the third Wednesday of each month. The first meeting of the Hwy 49 Chamber of Commerce will be held April 19.
“We hoped that in holding our meetings in the evenings that it would allow our business owners the opportunity to participate after business hours,” the letter says.
The organization will be charging membership fees of $150 for businesses; $75 for home businesses, and $25 for “supporting individuals.”
“We really hope you’ll consider joining our Chamber of Commerce,” the letter states. “We are stronger together.”
