The Burns Lake and District Chamber of Commerce has a new manager at the helm.
Local resident of 11 years, Laurie Reimer has been appointed as the new manager of the chamber, staring work this week.
Reimer said she plans to strengthen the foundation of the chamber, reinforcing it's presence in the community.
"The main problem with the chamber was the lack of involvement amongst the businesses .... the chamber lost its presence in the community," Reimer said, adding that this is one of the first things on her 'to do' list.
She said she plans to maximize the chamber's presence by visiting businesses, telling them why membership is beneficial and encouraging them to sign on.
"We are going to make the chamber's presence known," she added.
Reimer also has other goals for the chamber to achieve this year including the trade show, hosting the first annual Businesses Excellence Awards, ensuring a successful Canada Day event and the chamber's Annual General Meeting.
"We want to make the Businesses Excellence Awards not only an annual event, but 'the' event .... we want to make the awards a significant event for the businesses," she said.
Reimer previously worked at the Lakes Economic Development Association as a proposal writer, but she said has recently completed an applied business technology course at the College of New Caledonia Lakes District Campus which has given her the skills for her new role as chamber manager.
By the end of this year Reimer said she believes the chamber will have a stronger presence in the community, there will be an increase in membership and businesses will know who to contact for information.
"The chamber will have more stability .... a strong chamber needs a strong community and this is what we are trying to build upon," she added.
Jennifer Briand, chamber president said, “On behalf of the 13 directors I would like to welcome Laurie to the Burns Lake and District Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to her leadership and support of the local and regional businesses and the success of the chamber."