"The object of the Consort and District Chamber of Commerce shall be to promote the commercial, industrial, agricultural, civic and social welfare of Consort and surrounding area."
(By-Laws, Article I Section 2)
Introduction
There has been an organization of businesses in Consort since the early 1900’s. The Consort and District Board of Trade was incorporated on April 13, 1960, with Duncan Mitchell as secretary and (I believe) Pat Wiese as
President. In November, 1973, when Mary Readman was President, the name was officially changed to Consort and District Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber continued to function until about 1990 when it became inactive due to a lack of participation by the
business community.
In 1997, under the leadership of Ray Shiltroth (President), Cathy Wiechnik (Secretary) and Jim Isaman (Treasurer), the Chamber was re-activated, operating under the original Charter and By-Laws. Over the past four years, the
Chamber has maintained 40 to 50 members, from both town and rural businesses and residents.
The Chamber is active in various aspects of community life, as indicated elsewhere in this Newsletter. This year, to date, in addition to our regular activities, we have hosted an information meeting on electricity de-regulation, and a
Candidates’ Forum prior to the provincial election.
Another goal for this year is to review our By-Laws, as we are still operating under those approved in 1960 by the Consort and District Board of Trade.
We encourage all members to attend our meetings. Guests are always welcome, too. If Chamber members, or other community residents, have suggestions for speakers or topics of interest, please advise a member of the executive.
Advantages of Chamber Membership
There are numerous advantages to being a member of the Chamber of Commerce, both locally and provincially.
AT THE LOCAL LEVEL, Chamber provides businesses and individuals in the community with an opportunity to have input into what is happening in the community. Activities of the Consort and District Chamber of Commerce include:
~ Country Christmas Promotion
~ New Year’s Baby Recognition
~ Business Christmas Party
~ Sponsorship of Economic Development Committee
MEMBERSHIP IN THE ALBERTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE gives us a voice in influencing our provincial government on issues of common concern. In addition, Chamber members have access to:
~ Group Insurance Plan
~ Reduced Hotel Rates
~ Reduced Merchant rates for VISA and MasterCard
~ ESSO Fleet Discount Program
~ Purolator Courier Discount Program
In Conclusion...
It’s tough out there. The agriculture economy is suffering, it’s dry, energy prices are through the roof, the elevators and railway are gone, the Village tax base is eroded, population is down and, yes, some businesses have closed. But since
September...
We have the power to change adversity into opportunity. How? By building on our strengths; by focusing on what we have rather than what we lack, and by setting common goals and then working together to achieve these goals, we can sustain
a strong, vibrant and growing community.
Meetings
Regular meetings are held the second
Wednesday of each month from September to June.
Cost of lunch is $5. Members are encouraged to attend, and guests are welcome
~~~~~~~~~~~
| 
