The main focus of the Dec. 6 meeting of the Barriere and District Chamber of Commerce (BCOC), was the election of officers for the positions of president, vice-president, and six directors. The president and vice-president positions are one year term positions, for which elections are held every year.
The BCOC has eight directors, with four being elected each year and those elected holding two year terms. Two of the directors who were elected at last year’s elections were stepping down after only one year of their two year term. So, six directors needed to be elected.
The results of the elections are as follows:
President - Scott Kershaw, vice-president - Kevin Bryant, directors for one year terms - Frank Gordon and Kathy Campbell, directors for two year terms - Rick Weik, Eldon Law, Maryann Canaday, and Lana Laskovic.
The two directors who have one year remaining on their terms from last year’s elections are Tracey O’Connell and Judy Taylor. The secretary/treasurer of the BCOC is Carol Patton.
Jill Hayward, president of the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association then spoke to the members on behalf of the Fair Association.
“I would like to thank the Chamber, area merchants, and businesses for their ongoing support of the annual Labour Day weekend Fall Fair and Rodeo. Decorating the downtown core, participating in the Best Dressed Business contest, purchasing and wearing Fall Fair T-shirts, and supporting the event in a number of other ways, both financial and in-kind, has definitely contributed to making this event the success it has been for the past 62 years,” said Hayward.
“Back in March of this year, our Association announced its plans to build the North Thompson Agriplex. We started with $30,000 and a vision, and in just five-and-a-half short months we were able to welcome people into the Agriplex for the first time during our annual Fall Fair. Then a few weeks later we hosted the Provincial Winter Fair in the Agriplex, the first time it had been held outside of Kamloops in 73 years.
“I would like to say how very honoured I am to be able to say thank you on behalf of the Association, to the business community for the amazing support that you have extended to the construction of this building. Your financial donations, in-kind donations, and physical contributions of time and effort, have shown what “the spirit of community” really means. We are a statement in what “working together for the common good” is all about.
“Our Association was founded back in 1949 because Valley youngsters needed a venue where they could show their 4-H projects and participate in the 4-H program. Sixty-two years later we are still supporters of our youth, and thanks to so many wonderful people we now have the Agriplex - a legacy for youth, 4-H and agriculture into the future. However, we now also have a 30,000 square foot multi-use facility that is bringing commerce and visitors to Barriere as they attend the events hosted in the building. This benefits the business community, and of course the local economy.
“Phase one of the Agriplex will shortly be completed, and we continue to fundraise to start Phase two in the Spring; this will include washrooms, showers, office space, and a public area.
“Thank you for being such amazing partners in constructing the North Thompson Agriplex,” Hayward concluded, “You have all assisted in bringing this building to reality, and we are most appreciative by the generosity shown by so many. Once the building is completed, we will be hanging attractive permanent signage inside the building listing the names of all who contributed.”
Hayward received an enthusiastic round of applause from the membership, and another when she announced that the Provincial Winter Fair have announced they will be signing a three year contract to return to Barriere with their annual event.