Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce president Dianne Russell noted that area residents will have an opportunity to voice any concerns about internet broadband service in the Flin Flon–Creighton region.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecom-munications Commission (CRTC) will host an online discussion forum from April 11 to 29.
Speaking at Tuesday’s chamber meeting, held at the Friendship Centre restaurant, Russell emphasized that the discussion forum is open to everyone, and is directed at people rather than businesses, per se.
She encouraged local people to make their voices heard on this issue.
The CRTC forum is part of the federal agency’s review of how Canada’s basic telecommunications services are addressing the changing needs of Canadians.
Change at Greenstone
Lois (Bunny) Burke, general manager of Commun-ity Futures Greenstone, announced that Greenstone has hired Becky Cianflone, who will take over Burke’s position starting April 4.
Burke noted that she plans to remain with Greenstone for a transition period following that date, prior to retiring.
Cianflone was previously employed as a business analyst with Community Futures Triple R in Morris, MB.
Upcoming auction
Russell announced that the chamber will be hosting their annual fundraising auction on Saturday, May 28.
She said revenues from the auction, which will feature donated items, will go towards chamber initiatives that benefit the community, including special projects and events.
“Our projects depend on the needs of the community and who is at the table,” said Russell. “And who is coming forth with issues and ideas.”
Membership growth
The chamber is continuing its annual membership drive. Chamber manager
Michelle Reid noted that several new members have joined in recent months.
Russell noted that any individual can join the chamber; a business affiliation is not necessary.
Drones on ice
Chamber director Dave Kendall noted that the Rotary Club of Flin Flon will be hosting its second annual Flinty Fishing Derby on April 10.
He said that two local entrepreneurs would be photographing the event from the air using drones.
Recycling expanding
Deb Odegaard, administrator with the Flin Flon Recycling Centre, said that the centre is now a depot for fluorescent bulbs and paint. She said that residents can drop off these items at the centre until the City of Flin Flon has completed the process of setting up a year-round hazardous waste depot.
Odegaard noted that the centre can only accommodate bulb disposals by residents, not businesses.
Tourism development
Burke noted that she took part in a workshop on experiential tourism development in The Pas earlier this month. Tourism North hosted the workshop in partnership with Manitoba Tourism Education Council (MTEC).
Burke said six people from Flin Flon attended the event.
Grant requests
Betty Kendall, representing the Northern Neighbours Community Foundation, noted that the foundation is currently processing applications for grants.
In January, board member Jane Robillard said that the foundation had at least $65,000 to disburse for community projects.
Kendall added that the Thomas Sill Foundation has offered to match donations to Northern Neighbours until October this year, meaning that donations to the endowment are increased by half.
Kendall said that Northern Neighbours is hoping to raise $50,000 by September.
Retirement
Russell congratulated Mary Dwernichuk on her retirement from RBC next week. Dwernichuk has worked at RBC for 41 years, and is also a long-time chamber executive member. She currently serves as third vice-president.
Russell encouraged Dwernichuk to consider continuing in her role in the chamber after her retirement.
