2012 Summary
The Virden Community Chamber of Commerce had a very successful year in 2012. We were pleased with our increase support from the business community and our ability to enhance the line of communication between the Town, business owner and the Chamber. We also experienced an increase in our board, going from roughly 7 directors to 10. The Chamber was able to accomplish many of the goals they had set for themselves in 2012 and more. Here is a list of a few things we were able to offer…..
- A new and functional website which enables us to inform you on upcoming events, attractions
within our community, a business listing with contact information and much,
much more.
- Quarterly Luncheons offers an atmosphere where the business owner, Town Councillors
and Chamber Directors can interact. Along with this we also offer informative speakers
on topics that have been brought to our attention by you.
- We re-opened the Chamber Office in the CP Station located on 6th Avenue and also
relocated the Tourist Information Center to that location. This enables our manager to be
more accessible to the public and gives the Tourist Information Center more character and
locates this service in our Downtown Area.
- The Manitoba Youth Job Center and Odd Job Squad was once again available this year
in Virden. This center offers employment opportunities to our youth.
- The Virden and District Settlement Services has also relocated its office to the CP Station.
This department helps to welcome new-comers to our community and assists them
to settle here. With many new immigrants moving to Canada , this program has become
very important to our area and we are very lucky to house its office here in Virden.
- The Job Recruitment Expo was a new event which was put on by the Virden Employment
Skills Center and the Virden Community Chamber of Commerce. This was extremely
successful and offered our business owners a chance to display their job opportunities and personally meet some of the candidates.
- Canada Day was celebrated in style this year. With a new committee formed to organize many of the amazing events that take place that day and finishing with the wonderful
fireworks display, Virden was Buzzing!!
- The Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze still maintains to be one of Virden's
biggest annual events. The Chamber continues to try and out do themselves every year
with the "Kick Off Party," which takes place downtown on the Thursday night. Bigger
bouncers, better entertainment and an atmosphere all can enjoy!
- Christmas is a time the Chamber focuses on its local businesses and encourages all to
help with this support. Many promotions are put on to keep local dollars in Virden and
add some entertainment during this time of year.
- The Electric Vehicle Charger is a new addition to Virden. This is also located at the
Cp Station, free of charge. Its location will hopefully encourage those that use this devise
to walk around our Downtown Area and support some of these businesses.
- A new committee was formed between the Town of Virden, The Virden Community Chamber
of Commerce and local business owners. Virden BIZ is a group which is focusing on revitalizing
our Downtown Area and its surroundings. This is still very new, but is something we are continuing to work on.
- The "Voice" of the business owner is a major focus for the Chamber. Setting up quarterly meetings with the Town of Virden Councillors, the Virden Community Chamber of Commerce Directors are able to voice concerns and opinions to the Town on your behalf. We also encourage feedback from all of our events so we can ensure their function is benefiting you and our community.
These are only a few things the Virden Community Chamber of Commerce was able to accomplish in 2012. As stated above, we encourage feedback from you concerning any or all of our actions, so we as a group can ensure we are providing the most benefits to our community and businesses. We are very excited for the year 2013 and look forward to bringing new ideas and events to this community.
Thank you once again for your support, allowing us to be as successful in 2012 and hopefully continuing this into 2013!!
Sincerely,
The Virden Community Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Manager
