Photos provided courtesy of Lynn Cashmore
(Imaging byMarLyn)
THE ENTERPRISE
May 1st, 2008 Issue #18.
By Emma Côté
Chamber recognizes local businesses' achievements
On Thursday, April 24 members of the community gathered together to discuss important issues at the Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting. The general annual meeting, which was held at the Gallery Restaurant this year, was an opportunity to present awards to deserving organizations as well.
The back of the restaurant was filled with donated gifts to be raffled off in a penny table. With a guest speaker there to talk about the forestry industry as well as business owners and supporters in attendance, the evening would be one that would discuss the issues as well as the benefits of living and owning a business in a small town.
Mayor Gilles Forget began the evening by giving an update on the town's hotel situation.
"We are the only municipality north of Toronto without a hotel," said Mayor Forget. "We're looking for local investors, but if we can't find anybody we might have to look into building one."
Mayor Forget went on to explain that the accommodations of a new hotel are necessary with the new Family Health Team Medical Clinic that is being built. It would also aid with tourism for the town.
"As soon as it comes out I will tell you when I know what's going on," Mayor Forget said. "For now we have to focus on being pro-active and support council as much as possible."
The Gallery staff served up an elegant meal that had people commenting on the beautiful presentation as well as the high quality of the food itself.
¯The Gallery received a standing ovation for a job well done,˜ vice-president Tory Delaurier said.
Next on the schedule was guest speaker for the evening, Jamie Lim - President and CEO of OFIA (Ontario Forest Industries Association), who took the stand to deliver her speech.
Lim spent her time attempting to remain positive about the state of the forestry industry. Although she did not steer clear of the issues it is currently facing.
"Today, 230,000 Ontario families depend on wood for their livelihood," Lim began.
With a number like that the importance of the forestry industry should be clear. Lim gave an overview of seven recommendations that were submitted to the Ontario government in January. Each of the recommendations would make for a positive change in the forest sector without causing a burden to the province.
"Our forefathers clearly understood that if you take care of the forest it will take care of you for years to come," Lim said. "When you buy made in Ontario forest products we all win."
Later in the evening the Abitibi Eskimos were awarded a plaque as appreciation from the community.
Team president, Scott Marshall took the opportunity to thank the crowd for their recognition.
"This gives the Abitibi Eskimos a rare opportunity to address an audience," Marshall said. "I recognize that not everybody is a hockey fan, but everybody here is a business professional. The Abitibi Eskimos are a business in every sense of the word."
Marshall shared some of the numbers that the team has produced concerning economic gain for the community.
"The number we are most proud of is the 100 thousand dollars spent in post secondary scholarships for players," Marshall said.
At the end of the evening the people in attendance responded with a standing ovation in thanks of everyone involved with the meeting.
Jamie Lim - President and CEO of OFIA (Ontario Forest Industries Association)
Mayor Gilles Forget
Chamber of Commerce Recognition Award
2007 Recipient: Abitibi Eskimos Jr. A Hockey Club
Awarded to a local business, merchant , group or individual who has been recognized by the community as a member in good standing and who supports our Chamber of Commerce (non-profit organization) with on-going events in the community.
(Sponsored by Iroquois Falls Power Corp and presented by Dale Romain to Scott Marshall, President & Paul Gagne, General Manager)
Also, a Big Thank You to:
Carol Fortier and Lola Brousseau who pulled the AGM together and made it a great success!
Our Master of Ceremonies, Rick Charlebois
The Gallery Restaurant for the impeccable service and outstanding meal!
Way to go!! We truly appreciate all your hard work!
The Iroquois Falls & District Chamber of Commerce
wish to thank and acknowledge the following sponsors for their support:
Abitibi Bowater
Abitibi Funeral Services
B & M Esso
Bloomer’s Your Flower Place & More
Claimpost Realty- Elizabeth King
D & N Specialty
Dragonfly Spins Virtual Tours
Ducks Unlimited
Dumont Service Station
Iroquois Falls Home Hardware
Iroquois Falls Power Corp.
Iroquois Falls Valu Mart
Abitibi Eskimos Jr. A Hockey
Mike Shea
North Claybelt
Olindo’s Pizzeria
Rick’s Hi-Fi/Northern Tel
The Enterprise
The Town of Iroquois Falls
2008 Iroquois Falls & District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:
Back Row (l to r): Tory Delaurier, Derrick Lindgren, Michael Shea, Phil Tessier, Gilbert Seguin, Denise DeForge, Richard Charlebois
Front Row (l to r): Dale Romain, Colin Kennedy, Mona Liznick (missing from photo: Elizabeth King, President)