The Town needs to realize a bang for its’ buck, and last week Mayor Ray Stern asked the Chamber of Commerce to get involved in various ventures in the community in return for the money it receives from the Town annually. At the same time he encouraged the group to become financially self-sustaining in the next two years, weaning itself from the Town’s nearly $14,000 annual contribution.
Saying that the Town expects “that the Chamber (would) develop and facilitate initiatives that generate economic benefits to the community,” Stern listed those expectations, setting out timelines for each. In other words, “in order to continue with funding at the current level, (council) requires the Chamber…either completes or plays a pivotal role” in a number of community events.
Those expectations include the Chamber’s continued commitment to co-ordinate a number of events like the Santa Claus parade, and to lend a hand by sitting on planning committees for the annual Sand Sculpture contest, Communities in Bloom, First Eve, Riverboat Daze, and the regional Economic Development strategy.
Stern said the Chamber will be expected to help the Economic Development board to gather and compile “business/community/area statistical information that can be provided to citizens, councils and businesses.”
The mayor said the Town also expects the Chamber to be involved in “inter-organizational meetings with community organization (i.e. Economic Development Board, Community Development Corporation and Big Lake Country Tourism) to assist with long-term planning for the community.” And before the end of December, the Town expects to receive a copy of the Chamber’s audited 2002 financial statement.
Finally, in coming months the Chamber will have to deliver a business plan outlining “short and long-term goals and objectives, core programs and services as well as demonstrat(ing) the Chamber’s ability to reduce its financial dependency on municipal funding by 2005.”
While he emphasized the list is “not a line in the sand,” the mayor added the timelines “are not rigid dates.” Suggestions for them to develop a strategy “was submitted to them a couple of months ago,” Stern told The Leader in a later interview.
“They’re already doing a lot” of what the Town, asked, he added.
“There’s not a whole bunch of new stuff, more just formalizing their plans and getting a focus on things.”
In fact, it’s all about money, he admitted, and council’s belief the Chamber can become self-sufficient in the very near future.
“I really think they can do it.”

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