The Ashcroft and District Chamber of Commerce is approaching the end of its first year of operation after a few year’s rest. Our annual AGM will be Thursday, March 31.Election of Officers and Directors will take place that evening, and guest speaker Vicci Weller of the TNRD Film Commission will speak to us on how Ashcroft can support the Film Industry in the Interior.2010 was a year of rebuilding and awareness. Our Chamber currently has 33 members and we are looking to increase that to 50 in 2011. By joining the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce we have a local voice in provincial decisions affecting the business community, benefits designed for businesses and a large network of support. We plan to send a delegate to the British Columbia AGM in Prince George at the end of May. During 2010 we partnered with the Village of Ashcroft to bring “Shred It” to Ashcroft. The Chamber hosted a BBQ at Heritage Park, brought you the Santa Parade complete with hotdogs and hot chocolate, partnered with Sun Country to open and staff the Tourist Info building during July and August, and assisted the Rodeo Parade Committee by setting up chairs for our Seniors to view the parade in the shade.On March 8 at 7 pm in our Community Hall, the Chamber is hosting a free seminar on Affinity Fraud and Scams, sponsored by the BC Securities Commission. This one hour presentation is free to everyone.We are planning on opening the Tourist Info building the beginning of June this year and will be looking for volunteers to assist on the staff’s days off. If you are interested in helping one day this summer please contact a Chamber member.Chamber membership is open to everyone, not only the business community. If you are concerned about the health of your community and want to participate, the Chamber meets on the last Thursday of each month. Contact any Chamber member for information. Everyone is invited to the AGM on March 31 at 6 pm in the Central Cafe.
Sandy Williams