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TIMMINS, ON, September 18, 2014—The Timmins Chamber of Commerce highlighted a full year’s worth of successes for the business community during the organization’s 65th Annual General Meeting and President’s Dinner on Sept. 17. Hosted at the Days Inn Timmins, the event allowed more than 140 attendees to hear from immediate past president Phil Barton about the Chamber’s achievements through 2013-2014 in service of its nearly 800 members. This included hosting more than 50 events in order to provide education and networking sessions to local businesses, while offering more than 70 discounts to help members with their bottom line. This year also saw the Timmins Chamber achieve many policy and advocacy victories for members on such issues as the Ring of Fire, federal funding for mining infrastructure, and energy pricing, due in part to the Chamber’s provincial and federal partnerships. These successes also included the members’ election of a strong Board of Directors for 2014-2015, which joined Chamber President Al Thorne of Tembec in being officially sworn in by Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren as part of the evening’s proceedings. The theme of success continued as attendees heard first-hand from keynote speaker Robert Gignac, the author of Canadian best-seller Rich is a State of Mind, about personal and financial development. The annual general meeting also served to recognize individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to the Chamber and the business community. This year’s Service Awards were given to Wayne Bozzer of Timmins Family Y.M.C.A, and Bill McMillan of Porcupine Gold Mines – Goldcorp Canada Ltd., in recognition of their respective six years of dedicated service to the Chamber’s board of directors -- the maximum amount of time someone can consecutively serve. “This is obviously a major investment of time and energy, and Bill and Wayne have been steadfast throughout these many years in providing plenty of both to help advance the interests of businesses throughout our region,” said Barton. The Chamber also named Wayne Bozzer the recipient of this year’s Alex Klimack Award, which serves to recognize an outstanding volunteer for their hard work and commitment not only to the Chamber but the community as a whole. Bozzer dedicated countless hours in 2013-2014 to supporting the Chamber, its events, and its members, while his commitment to recreation helped to make it easier for employers to attract staff and bring more people to Timmins. “Wayne has long been an extremely active force for community improvement, rightfully giving him a reputation as a strong advocate for improving Timmins’ quality of life,” said Barton. “In his time with the Chamber, he has found unique and effective ways to combine his passion for recreation with his passion for business.” The Chamber also offered a rare Honourary Lifetime Membership to Mayor Tom Laughren in recognition of his desire to make Timmins the best possible place to live, work, and play. Mayor Laughren served as Chamber president in 2005-2006 before serving eight years as mayor of Timmins, demonstrating his passion for local businesses and the community as he spearheaded countless projects. His efforts included facilitating monthly meetings with the Chamber president to discuss member concerns, and forming the Northern Mayors Task Force in 2010. “Tom has been one of the city’s most visible and passionate advocates for so long that any attempt to describe his dedication will surely be common knowledge,” said Barton. “He has endlessly demonstrated his talent for advancing the interests of the City while providing business the best possible opportunities to succeed.” -30- For more information, please contact: Nick Stewart Manager of Policy, Research and Communications Timmins Chamber of Commerce [email protected] | (705) 360-1900 About the Timmins Chamber of Commerce With 750 members, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest accredited chambers of commerce with distinction in northeastern Ontario. As the “Voice of Business in Timmins” since 1949, our advocacy and policy initiatives focus on ensuring a positive business climate in the City of Timmins.
TIMMINS, ON, September 18, 2014—The Timmins Chamber of Commerce highlighted a full year’s worth of successes for the business community during the organization’s 65th Annual General Meeting and President’s Dinner on Sept. 17.
Hosted at the Days Inn Timmins, the event allowed more than 140 attendees to hear from immediate past president Phil Barton about the Chamber’s achievements through 2013-2014 in service of its nearly 800 members.
This included hosting more than 50 events in order to provide education and networking sessions to local businesses, while offering more than 70 discounts to help members with their bottom line. This year also saw the Timmins Chamber achieve many policy and advocacy victories for members on such issues as the Ring of Fire, federal funding for mining infrastructure, and energy pricing, due in part to the Chamber’s provincial and federal partnerships.
These successes also included the members’ election of a strong Board of Directors for 2014-2015, which joined Chamber President Al Thorne of Tembec in being officially sworn in by Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren as part of the evening’s proceedings. The theme of success continued as attendees heard first-hand from keynote speaker Robert Gignac, the author of Canadian best-seller Rich is a State of Mind, about personal and financial development.
The annual general meeting also served to recognize individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to the Chamber and the business community.
This year’s Service Awards were given to Wayne Bozzer of Timmins Family Y.M.C.A, and Bill McMillan of Porcupine Gold Mines – Goldcorp Canada Ltd., in recognition of their respective six years of dedicated service to the Chamber’s board of directors -- the maximum amount of time someone can consecutively serve.
“This is obviously a major investment of time and energy, and Bill and Wayne have been steadfast throughout these many years in providing plenty of both to help advance the interests of businesses throughout our region,” said Barton.
The Chamber also named Wayne Bozzer the recipient of this year’s Alex Klimack Award, which serves to recognize an outstanding volunteer for their hard work and commitment not only to the Chamber but the community as a whole. Bozzer dedicated countless hours in 2013-2014 to supporting the Chamber, its events, and its members, while his commitment to recreation helped to make it easier for employers to attract staff and bring more people to Timmins.
“Wayne has long been an extremely active force for community improvement, rightfully giving him a reputation as a strong advocate for improving Timmins’ quality of life,” said Barton. “In his time with the Chamber, he has found unique and effective ways to combine his passion for recreation with his passion for business.”
The Chamber also offered a rare Honourary Lifetime Membership to Mayor Tom Laughren in recognition of his desire to make Timmins the best possible place to live, work, and play.
Mayor Laughren served as Chamber president in 2005-2006 before serving eight years as mayor of Timmins, demonstrating his passion for local businesses and the community as he spearheaded countless projects. His efforts included facilitating monthly meetings with the Chamber president to discuss member concerns, and forming the Northern Mayors Task Force in 2010.
“Tom has been one of the city’s most visible and passionate advocates for so long that any attempt to describe his dedication will surely be common knowledge,” said Barton. “He has endlessly demonstrated his talent for advancing the interests of the City while providing business the best possible opportunities to succeed.”
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For more information, please contact:
Nick Stewart Manager of Policy, Research and Communications Timmins Chamber of Commerce [email protected] | (705) 360-1900
About the Timmins Chamber of Commerce
With 750 members, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest accredited chambers of commerce with distinction in northeastern Ontario. As the “Voice of Business in Timmins” since 1949, our advocacy and policy initiatives focus on ensuring a positive business climate in the City of Timmins.