Chamber Elects New Board Members at AGMChamber Elects New Board Members at AGM

The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce welcomed new Board members at their Annual General Meeting held on March 23, 2017 at the Badlands Community Facility. Elected for three-year terms with the Chamber of Commerce were:

• Nathan Fleming of RBC Royal Bank, who joined the Board for a three-year term in 2014 and was re-elected
• Jeff Hall of MNP
• Cindy Clark of the Canalta Jurassic Inn

The Chamber also said farewell to two Board members - Past President, Landon Bosch of Centre Street Insurance and Darcy Thompson of DCT New Age Promotions. The Chamber thanked the outgoing members for their years of dedication and commitment.

The evening began with a wine and cheese networking reception, followed by the Annual General Meeting. Reports were given by Chamber President, Shelley Rymal and Executive Director, Heather Bitz. Audited financial statements for the organization were also presented. The evening concluded with an open forum.

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Registration is now open! When: Friday, August 18. Where: Dinosaur Trail Golf & Country Club

The "Jurassic Classic" is an excellent networking opportunity on an amazing course. Join us for 18 holes of golf with games, food, prizes and great company at the Dinosaur Trail Golf and Country Club.

REGISTRATION is OPEN! Register online here or Click here to download the form. The deadline to register is August 11.

Proceeds from the tournament support our Business Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship program, which provides scholarships to local students pursuing post-secondary business programs.

We are also seeking sponsors, door prize and silent auction donations, and businesses or groups interested in hosting games and contests on the course. It's a great opportunity for exposure at a fun-filled event!

• Snack or Beverage Sponsor - $150 + volunteer
• Hole Sponsor - $250 + GST and hole prize
• Breakfast Sponsor- $500 + GST *SOLD*
• Lunch Sponsor- $750 + GST *SOLD*
• Dinner Sponsor- $1000 + GST
• Door Prize and Silent Auction Donations Needed

Do you know of a business, group or individual in our community that deserves some recognition? We want to know about it! Nominate them for the 2017 Business Excellence Awards!

Nominations will be accepted from now until August 25, 2017.

Fan voting is back this year! From September 4-8, the public will be able to vote for who they would like to see win. These votes, combined with the scores given by our Business Excellence Awards Committee, will determine the award winners.

Award categories:

• Small Business of the Year: Awarded to a business that has been in operation for at least two years, that has 10 or less employees, and that best reflects the outstanding spirit and success of the Drumheller area.
• Large Business of the Year: Awarded to a business that has been in operation for at least two years, that has more than 10 employees, and that best reflects the outstanding spirit and success of the Drumheller area.
• Most Promising New Business: Awarded to a new business that has been in operation for less than two years, and that best demonstrates potential for growth, a high level of social, cultural, and environmental awareness, a commitment to the wider community; and that engages in continuous learning or other improvement opportunities.(Formerly called Rookie Business of the Year)
• Arts, Culture & Community Award: Awarded to a business, non-profit or other formally recognized group that demonstrates outstanding achievement and contribution in the area of arts, culture, or community, and at the same time develops business acumen and management practices to ensure their long term sustainability.
• Diversity Leadership Award: Awarded to an organization that embraces diversity in their workforce, encourages respect and inclusion, eliminates discrimination and barriers, and helps to create welcoming and inclusive workplaces.
• Business Professional of the Year Award: Awarded to an individual, manager, or employee who is active in the business community and/or non-profit community, and that demonstrates professionalism and a passion for making our community the best place to work, live and do business.

The Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors currently has three vacant Director positions. These vacancies are a result of two Board members accepting transfers out of Drumheller relating to their employment (Adrian Hartman of ATB Financial and Sylvia Adams of ATCO Electric). The third vacancy is due to the resignation of Brooke Christianson of Canalta.

As per our by-laws, the Board may appoint members to fill the vacant positions. The appointments would be valid only until the next Annual General Meeting (March 2018), at which time the Director positions would be filled by election.

Prior to the Board appointing Directors, the positions must be advertised for a period of 30 days to seek interest from the membership. Following the 30 day period, the Board shall appoint Directors from the members having expressed an interest. If the number of members expressing an interest is greater than the number of vacancies (3), then a General Meeting would be called to have an election to fill the Director positions.

A policy put forward by the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce’s Business Advocacy Committee recommending the Town of Drumheller adopt a “shop local” component in the Town’s Purchasing Policy was approved by Council on September 5, 2017.

The Business Advocacy Committee began drafting the policy several months ago by researching purchasing policies of other municipalities in Alberta, examining the Town of Drumheller’s purchasing policy, and reviewing the trade agreements applicable to the Town of Drumheller. The policy recommendations were presented to Town Council on May 8, 2017.

The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce recommended that the Town of Drumheller:

1. Integrate a pre-tax differential for local suppliers of goods and services or construction, subject to compliance with TILMA, NWPTA and AIT.
2. A recommended guideline should be taken from the Town of Stettler policy.
3. Continue to adhere to TILMA, NWPTA, and AIT by using the Alberta Purchasing Connection bid system when required.
4. Post bid opportunities for any purchases of goods or services between $5,000 and $50,000 on the Town of Drumheller website.
5. Purchases of goods or services up to $5,000 should be acquired locally, when the same product or service is readily available.