Prescott Chamber looks to bright year ahead

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Jill Hudson

EMC News - The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce held its annual general meeting on Jan. 18.

During which the chamber's new president, Dan Roddick, financial advisor for Edward Jones in Prescott, gave a speech stating that he is honoured to accept the position of president of the respected organization.

"It has been quite a year for the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce. We have revamped our image with a new logo and renewed our commitment to economic development with our new vision and mission statements. Membership changes and business challenges have abounded, but we have persevered and overcome every one of them," said Roddick.

His direction as president of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce will put the will of the board and business members first.

"I believe we need to continue the work that has been in progress over the past few years, and return the Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce to a position of vitality and growth. The leaders of each of our member municipalities have stated in their New Year's addresses that economic development and business retention are of paramount importance to them."

Roddick said that it makes sense that the chamber take an active leadership role in assisting local government officials attain their goals.

"We are the voice of business in South Grenville, and, as such, we are the best suited to advise, counsel, and roll up our collective sleeves, to get the job done. So, let's do just that," said the new chamber president.

Roddick stated that 2011 can be characterized by change and action. "My hope is that we continue that trend in the coming year. To this end, we are taking a look at our standing committees to address the important issues concerning the chamber."

He listed four standing committees which are made up of directors and members - these are membership, finance, programming, special events and the new committee: key initiatives. He asked members to contribute by being a member of the committees.

"The final committee - called key initiatives, is a new standing committee that comes out of the success of our ad hoc committee on refocusing. Now that we have "refocused", I believe we should use that focus to affect real change. We will institute this new committee to work on at least three initiatives at any given time - that we, as a board of directors, deem critical to the success of the chamber and our member businesses. As we successfully complete each initiative (and we will be successful), we will replace it with another. We will track our progress on a monthly basis. Each of us runs our individual companies with business plans and action registers, it is logical that the chamber be held to the same standards," stated Roddick.

"In closing, I would like to tell you that I look forward to working with each and every one of you throughout the course of my term as president. I know that we will make a difference, to the business community, and to the future of South Grenville. Thank you and let's continue our journey together towards prosperity and success.

In an interview with the EMC Roddick stated that he wants to work with members of business groups in and around Prescott to ensure that the region succeeds. "I had a nice chat with the Mayor (Brett Todd) afterwards. I am going to work closely with Prescott, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal (and Augusta) and hopefully move things forward."

Roddick said there are a lot of initiatives out there but he wants to see an inclusionary process. He asked the directors to bring their best ideas to the next chamber meeting in February. "I know February's meeting we are going to see all that germination come to fruition." He said he wants the chamber to be active and strategic - taking on initiatives and tracking its progress. The next big event will be the awards dinner in March.