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Rocky Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting shows confidence in the future

Jun 15, 2018 | 1:18 PM

The Rocky Mountain House and District Chamber of Commerce held their annual general meeting yesterday, voicing confidence in the future of the chamber.

“This has been quite the year for the Chamber, and we have had several unexpected events present themselves to us,” says Colleen Dwyer, Chamber President. “But we have worked through them and have become, and will continue to become a stronger organization because of them.”

After the sudden passing of a former Executive Director and major financial difficulties, Dwyer says this year has been entirely about adjusting to a new environment.

“This year has been a huge learning curve for both staff and directors behind the scenes, in both the areas of administration and event planning,” she says.

A new board of directors is currently being elected, with five new faces running, representing various businesses in the community.

However, Dwyer says the Executive Director position will be empty for some time.

“The board chose not to recruit a new ED to fill the empty post until time can be taken to re-assess the time commitment and duties of the role… to ensure it corresponds with new strategic goals and budget requirements.”

Financial difficulties have dominated the Chamber for the past few years, but Dwyer says everything is sorted out.

“The board can confirm that our bills are current and being paid, and we have a consistent, reliable and reconciled bank balance which has remained in the black since September.”

Dwyer adds that the Chamber is currently under budget, with the end of the fiscal year in just two weeks.

The Chamber’s new strategic plan is nearly complete, and a new board of directors is an essential aspect.

“The final phase of our process will be deciding our short and long term goals, and the procedures for measuring those goals,” says Dwyer. “ The current board believes that this part of the process should bring both our new directors as well as our stakeholders and partners to the table for input to ensure that the goals we set now will continue to be relevant to members as well s the community for the next five years.”

The new board members will be announced Monday.