The Renfrew and Area Chamber of Commerce had a banner year in 2024 and is looking ahead to a promising 2025 that includes several new events.
The organization’s recent annual general meeting was an opportunity to highlight and celebrate recent accomplishments and drum up enthusiasm for what’s in store.
The event included the election of the 2025 board of directors, including last year’s president Laurie Wichers-Schreur, who will serve in the role this year also is excited about the year ahead.
Among the new events is one just around the corner, being hosted by Wichers-Schreur on Thursday, May 1.
Also coming up soon is the Economic Development/Mayor’s Breakfast scheduled for May 13 at the myFM Centre.
Overall, the chamber managed to have an incredibly productive year and a very engaged board, said Wichers-Schreur.
Highlights of 2024 included last year’s AGM, a successful economic development breakfast, monthly meetings, consistent communication with members, participation in the myFM Home, Garden and Leisure Show, the launch of a strategic plan, rebranding of the awards to refocus on business,
And along with upcoming events, the Chamber, which covers the Town of Renfrew, and also Greater Madawaska, Horton and Admaston-Bromley, hopes to continue to grow and nurture relationships with community partners.
Guest speaker for the event was Rod Morgan, Head of Faculty of RPM-Academy who spoke about ‘Mastering the Art of Problem Solving.’
Of note was a special presentation made to retiring director Julie Villamere from ontrac Renfrew.
Chamber executive director Gail Laird said Julie’s leadership, vision and unwavering commitment has made a lasting impact, shaping the success and the growth of the Renfrew and Area Chamber of Commerce.
Along with Wichers-Schreur as president, Keith Gourley is vice president and Melanie Clemmer is treasurer/secretary. Directors include Donnie Russett, Christina Ouellet, Kelly Latendresse, Christine Jarrett, Charlene Riopelle, Aline Stukart, Rod Morgan, Sandra Swain, Doug Humphries, Jeff Levesque and John McDonald.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
