It is said that any organization – and especially those in the not-for-profit sector – is only as strong as its Board of Directors (BOD). And that applies to the BOD of the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce (FCC) as well.

Over the years, the FCC has been well-served by an outstanding BOD, representing a broad cross-section of the membership. But this year brought some unique challenges.

Several years ago, the FCC bylaws were amended that would see members of the BOD serve two consecutive 3-year terms. The number of members was reduced from 10 to nine and a schedule was adopted that that would see at least one new face – but no more than two – every year. This will allow for regular new faces around the table while ensuring continuity.

But the best-laid plans of men and mice can sometimes be derailed by the realities of the corporate world. Some people leave their current employer or are transferred to a new location. Which brings us to the FCC Annual General Meeting (AGM) this Wednesday evening at the Harry Howell Arena beginning at 7:30 p.m.

There are no less than four vacancies: Ron Graham of Lafarge was promoted to a regional position. His replacement – Carlos Midence of Etobicoke – subsequently accepted a new position with a multi-national consulting firm. Wendy Wasylowich left Flamboro Downs/Great Canadian Gaming Corporation to accept an appointment closer to her St. Catherines home. General Manager Greg Tremble of the OLG Slots at Flamboro Downs was transferred to Mohawk Raceway in Campbelleville. And Wendy Martin resigned to focus on her career as a real estate agent in Waterdown.

It is a primary responsibility of the FCC BOD to identify and recruit new members. Over the past number of months, the FCC BOD has been very deliberate in choosing new members. In time, four outstanding individuals have agreed to be nominated.

They are:

ANDY BROADBENT: A chartered accountant, Andy is the CFO at Terra- Where Colour Lives. He, his wife and two young sons live in Orkney. Andy is very involved with Beverly Minor Hockey.

PETER CALDER: A regional manager with Lafarge, Peter is a P.Eng and has an MBA. He and his wife and young child live on Hamilton Mountain.

NATHAN HELDER: Nathan – who has a B.Sc., from Guelph University – is the president of Gelderman Landscaping Services, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last week (spanning three generations). Nathan and his wife and two children live just north of Waterdown.

JJ WOODLEY: The owner of Red Hill Car Wash, JJ has an honours B.Sc. from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He is planning to build a new car wash on Parkside Drive in Waterdown. He also owns a company that supplies car wash equipment and materials across Canada. JJ, his wife and their young children have lived in Freelton for over a decade.

It is possible to nominate other members to serve on the FCC BOD at the AGM. However, the nominee must agree to stand and the FCC must be informed prior to the AGM.

If there are no additional nominations from the floor, the four nominees presented by the BOD will be acclaimed.

Those acclaimed/elected to the FCC BOD on Wednesday will join incumbents Shawn Brenn (Brenn-B Farms), Kyle Hampson (Miller Thomson), Teresa Luckanuck (Spoiled Rotten Pet Services), Craig Sampson (Weeks Home Hardware) and Jason Small (Community Church).

REMINDER: In order to better prepare for the AGM please RSVP to the FCC office via return email. See you Wednesday night at the Harry Howell Arena at 7:30 p.m.