The Renfrew and Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for a busy year ahead with plenty of opportunities for networking and support for local business.
Chamber members and guests gathered this week for a breakfast networking event and annual general meeting that saw new president Laurie Wichers-Schreur, who served as treasurer in the last term, welcomed.
Wichers-Schreur, of Renfrew and Burnstown Castle Building Centres, said she has enjoyed her time with the chamber of commerce so far and she expects her new role will be challenging but worthwhile.
She’s looking ahead to an eventful 2024.
“We’re kind of building off some of the successes we had last year. First up, coming in the spring will be a second edition of our very successful Mayor’s Breakfast,” she said. “We’re also hoping to have some kind of an open house at the new Hive at town hall where the chamber office is located now.”
Many other networking opportunities will be coming up over the next year also; Wichers-Schreur urges the public to check social media for notices of upcoming events.
Chamber officials will also be sitting down to make some solid plans for the future.
“We’re also going to be working on a strategic plan this year – trying to see what we need to do to keep the chamber relevant in this changing climate,” said Wichers-Schreur
She’s excited about growing the organization and continuing to support the local business community.
“We’re going to be looking for new membership, getting out to some businesses that are new in the area – kind of selling ourselves in terms of putting forward what the benefits of being a member of the chamber are and the types of events that we offer and the types of products that we offer.”
Along with a delicious continental breakfast provided by Bonnechere Bakery, event attendees enjoyed a presentation by global talent management expert Dr. Denis Cauvier, who resides locally. The topic of Dr. Cauvier’s presentation was: Recruiting and Retaining GREAT People.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)