Good things happen when consumers choose to discover what Timmins businesses have to offer, according to a new campaign from the Timmins Chamber of Commerce.

Launched at the Chamber’s 67th Annual General Meeting and President’s Dinner at the Days Inn on Sept. 28, the Find it in Timmins initiative is a public awareness campaign designed to be driven by business: it provides local businesses tools to highlight the ways they’re able to give back to the community when people “find it in Timmins,” while encouraging residents to discover the range of goods and services available in the community.

“It’s important to note that this isn’t a ‘Buy Local’ campaign,” said Chamber President Chris Bender.

“We’re not suggesting that people don’t shop out of town, because we recognize that we’re part of a thriving regional economy, and that businesses beyond our borders also do business with us. Rather, this is about shining a light on the many great things you’re able to get right here in Timmins, and the great community support that businesses are able to provide as a result.”

Designed by the Chamber’s Retail Hub, as led by J&B Cycle and Marine’s Rob Racine, the first phase of this campaign involved the design of a logo that Chamber member businesses can use, as well as a template for a physical handout that they could give to their patrons. This customizable handout lets businesses explain what local causes they’re able to support thanks to their customers, whether it’s sponsoring a sports team or providing prizes to a charity fundraiser.

The next phase of Find it in Timmins will be developed by the Chamber’s Retail Hub in the coming months, in conjunction with ongoing input from its members. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to post their most interesting, exciting, and unexpected local finds to social media using the hashtag #finditINtimmins (or in French at #trouvezÀtimmins).

The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting also served to highlight the many successes it achieved in the last year on behalf of local businesses. More than 100 attendees were able to hear from immediate past president Kurt Bigeau about the Chamber’s achievements through 2015-2016 in service of its nearly 700 members.

This included hosting nearly 50 events in order to provide education and networking opportunities to local businesses, while offering more than 90 discounts to help members with their bottom line. This year also saw the Timmins Chamber achieve policy victories for members on such issues as energy rates, the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan, and improvements to the Victor M. Power airport, due in part to the Chamber’s local, provincial, and federal partnerships.

The Chamber’s successes also included the members’ election of a strong Board of Directors for 2016-2017, which joined Bender in being officially sworn in by Timmins Mayor Steve Black as part of the evening’s proceedings.

The celebration included a special segment designed to highlight specific individuals that have made significant contributions to the Chamber and the business community.

Rob Galloway was named the recipient of this year’s Alex Klimack Award, which serves to recognize an outstanding volunteer for their hard work and commitment to the Chamber and the community as a whole.

Having served as Chamber president in 2008, Galloway has continued his dedication to the organization and its members through 2015-2016 through his active involvement within Chamber committees and events.

“It is his passion for building the best possible environment for our members that has led him to continue to serve on numerous Chamber committees year after year, providing his experience and expertise on issues such as forestry, mining, and First Nations reconciliation,” said Bigeau. “This has quite rightfully given him a reputation as a strong advocate for Timmins’ business community.”

The 67th Annual General Meeting also saw the Timmins Chamber take the rare act of awarding an Honourary Lifetime Membership to past president Art Pultz. This official honour is reserved for individuals worthy of special recognition – those who have demonstrated an unending desire to make Timmins the best possible place to live, work and play.

Over many years, Pultz has dedicated considerable time and effort to the Chamber, including serving as 2012-2013 Chamber President, when he worked to ensure that the business community was well represented both in the media and behind closed doors. He also served as Nova Awards emcee for 13 of its 14 years, leading the gala from what began as a gathering at a local bar to a spectacle that packs the McIntyre Arena with nearly 700 attendees.

These efforts have also been recognized at the national level, with Pultz’ Chamber volunteer work earning him both the Rogers Communications’ Employee of the Year Award and the CEO Award in 2015.

“Art’s contributions have always been above and beyond, and he’s perpetually been a volunteer that the Chamber can call on for any task — even cleaning out gutters and moving picnic tables,” said Bigeau.

“He cares about our business community and we have been fortunate that he has channeled his commitment through the Chamber for the good of our city.”

Filed under: Local News