There are a few items to report from last Tuesday’s monthly Battlefords Chamber of Commerce board meeting:
The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce has decided to use its location to its advantage with a new advertising initiative. The chamber has budgeted for an advertising program to be placed at three sites at their location.
The concept is called “Find it in Five,” with poster-sized ads promoting similarly-themed businesses within the community that visitors could drive to in five minutes or less. One could show off “fast food in five,” for example.
The idea is to take advantage of the chamber building’s location as a draw for travelers. Visitors continue to use the washrooms during the peak months, even though the building no longer serves a formal tourism centre function anymore.
Chamber director Derek Schmidt pitched it as a way to serve those customers still coming to the chamber building during the summer months who might be looking for directions or information.
“Let’s provide them with what they need,” said Schmidt, “and make it easier for customers or potential customers and find our businesses,” said Schmidt.
The plans are still in development.
Another idea from the chamber is to develop a retail line of souvenir items promoting the Battlefords. Chamber Chief Operating Officer Linda Machniak said they are working on a line of souvenir items that would be available to launch May 1.
A third item being worked on by the chamber is potentially putting up a large digital sign on their property, likely facing Highway 16, but much work still must be done before that comes to fruition.
A number of chamber events are in the works for the coming months:
The chamber has committed to taking part in putting on Talking With Our Kids About Money at area schools on April 17. Scotiabank will be the national sponsor once again and their local branch has committed to participating.
April 4 and June 6 are the next dates for the Chamber on Tap events.
The State of the City and Town address has been scheduled for May 16. A location has not yet been confirmed.
The chamber’s annual golf event is scheduled for May 24.
Plans are in the works for another chamber post-budget event with the provincial minister of finance. The budget is March 20. As for the event itself, the chamber is currently awaiting word on a suitable date.
