The Chamber got off to a good start for 2022 by electing 14 Board members and adopting a 2 year plan under the slogan Advocacy, Community, Action.The plan will have us focus on 5 areas; Beautification of the Town, Fairs,Festivals and Events, the Visitor Information Centre, Economic Development and Member Services.

We have also added a new initiative which aims to be a focal point for volunteers in the Town so the load does not fall too heavily on a few people. So far we have recruited some 25 volunteers to help us.

Beautification of the Town.

This group is headed by Karan Pinsent and has spent Q1 working on returning flower baskets to Main Street this summer.

Fair, Festival and Events

Headed by Lee Simpson a new event has been added this year, the Appleseed Festival which will bring 14 different cider makers to the Mahone Bay Centre in May. Some of the traditional events like Scarecrow and Father Christmas will be returning along with some exciting new ones.

Visitor Information Centre

Headed by Greg Phipps who guided the VIC last year we are currently negotiating with the Town to lease both the building and the land so we can make site improvements. Previously, we only leased the building.
Greg has also been working on program of Chamber grants to support events in the Town.

Economic Development

Headed by Annette St. Onge this group is currently working on a grant application from ACOA to install 5 commemorative gardens with statues
commemorating or history and values. This plan also includes working with the Town to light the area around the water garden, install benches and create a better walkway. Council approval for this plan will be sought in late May. The application to ACOA is due May 31.

Member Services

Headed by Christine Knickle, this group is working on new categories of membership and services for members. We have approved a social membership category and are currently examining new programs which members can take advantage of. More on this soon.

We have had productive discussions with the Town about our plans, made a submission on the Strategic Plan, met with the South Shore Tourism Co-opertaive and started to plan for a Town Ambassador program this summer.

All in all, a good start with much more to come.