A new full-time employee at the Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce is hoping to take the local business organization in a brand new direction.
Tammy Chouinard was hired by the Chamber as their new marketing and membership coordinator at the beginning of November.
“It is something new that they started to basically take the Chamber into a new direction,” Chouinard told the Sydenham Current. “They needed somebody to do that and because I have marketing and graphic design, and I have experience starting and running small businesses… it’s just a good fit.”
Chouinard said she is taking over a few different jobs for Tina Fraleigh, who had been working at the Chamber for over 10 years.
“I’m kind of the new face of the Chamber,” she said. “So I am here everyday and I’ll be the one who goes out and about and talks to our members to make sure they are educated on what their membership entails and offerings.”
Chouinard said some members don’t know what all the benefits are of joining the Chamber.
“What their perks are and how they have access to some of those perks as well,” she said. “I will be going out to find out what people are needing and just to give them information on what we can do for them.”
Chouinard said she plans on staying busy, and being visible.
“I plan on making updates on social media, sending out different newsletters, correspondence and doing in person visits, just to let them know what we offer,” she said.
“Also letting them know about the different Business After Hours. I will be going in and meeting with the hosts of the Business After Hours and give them ideas on what they can do to try and draw new people in and you know just different things that they can do as the host.”
Chouinard said she plans on assisting the current members, along with bringing in new members.
“So not necessarily just the local merchants that have been part of if, but maybe the work from home businesses,” she said.
“Letting them know that they are able to come on board and do this. A work-at-home mom, like I use to
be… they can benefit from this too. They can enjoy the membership and get benefits that they wouldn’t get
normally.”
Chouinard said a new board was elected at the Chamber’s AGM on Nov. 12:
– Karen Debergh, president
– Mark Metis, vice president
– Denise Haslem, secretary
– Randy McNeil, treasurer
– Carmen McGregor, Ashley Oughtred, Carol Emery, Keith Rabidoux, Kurt Fellner, Paul Turner, Michelle Medd, Krista McGregor, directors
“We have brought in some new board members as well,” Chouinard said. “A few left and a few stayed but we have some new fresh faces that are going to be part of the board as well. Lots of exciting stuff going on.”
For more information, visit the Chamber online at:Â http://wallaceburgchamber.com
– Submitted photo: Tammy Chouinard with her daughter Chloe.
