Since the reactivation of the Hastings and District Chamber of Commerce in 2009, the executive and several member volunteers have been implementing a 3-pillared action plan to boost local business and provide a communications network for the community (Letter of Intent, April 2009).
This initial 3-pillared approach included:
- reactivation of the Hastings & District Chamber of Commerce,
- development of a website, and
- opening of a Community & Tourist Information Centre (hyperlink).
Re-organization of the website was finalized in the Summer of 2011, and now the Chamber has finished implementation of the 3-pillared approach. With Phase 1 of the Action Plan complete, planning can now begin on Phase 2.
Planning for Phase 2 of the Action Plan
The mandate of the Chamber is to promote local businesses and industry. Planning on how this can be accomplished through various strategies is underway.
To begin, the Chamber has decided to offer mini-websites to member businesses and community groups through the Chamber website. Members can promote their own services and products through detailed profiles, videos and photo presentations that make up each businesses mini-website. Businesses can also advertise sales, specials and even menus on a regular basis. With access to the website, each member business and community group will be able to update their own sites as frequently as they like, or can engage the services of the Chamber.
The next planning meeting will be a general meeting for Members and will be held September, 2011 (date and time tba) at the Chamber Office meeting room. Your attendance is welcomed. Discussion Item: Hastings Business & Economic Renewal Plan
Other Accomplishments
The Hastings & District Chamber of Commerce serves to enhance and promote business in Hastings and the surrounding community. Over the past couple of years, new businesses have been supported and the Chamber has featured both formal and informal meetings, workshops and discussions. A thank you is owed to Hank St-Onge as he has introduced a suite of services and communications technologies that benefit not only the Chamber but also the new Information Centre (hyperlink). Also thank you to Dennis Savery who has worked hard to bring new development to the Village of Hastings. Other members have contributed greatly in the last few years to the economic viability of Hastings by participating in various event planning committees and activities.
Chamber Services
The Chamber offices include the following:
- a public forum for comments and discussions on local affairs,
- a meeting room for Chamber members and Community Groups
- a large video display providing current community news and local events, and
- an information centre for the promotion of local business members, community groups, the marina and waterfront, and tourist attractions.
Members of the Chamber as well as the public and community groups are invited to use the facilities. Visitors and residents can drop-in to pick up brochures, maps and literature on the points of interests in and around the community or make enquiries about the Village.
You are now able to communicate with the Chamber via email, facebook or simply by dropping off printed or written submissions at the office.
“This new technology is definitely going to help us put Hastings on the map again”.
…Dennis Savery.2012 – ACTIVITIES
Febrary, 2012 – Marketing Consultant to hold free workshop for Hastings merchants. Northumberland News – The Independent. A local marketing consultant will conduct a free workshop on effective use of the Internet to help businesses prepare for the closure of the village’s lone river crossing later this yearmerchants…Read more of this article by John Campbell…