We hope that all members of the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce (FCC) enjoyed the wonderful Christmas season … and the FCC extends its very best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2016.

2015 proved to be a very busy year for the FCC (‘The little chamber that could’) and expects more of the same when it comes to 2016. Perhaps the biggest ‘win’ for the FCC in 2015 was – in conjunction with Flamborough Councillors Judi Partridge and Robert Pasuta –  protecting a large number of rural businesses under threat by the new Rural Zoning Bylaw.

Recognizing how busy FCC members are in addressing the day-to-day challenges of their businesses, the FCC will continue to monitor developments at Hamilton city hall and address those issues that may impact local businesses.

Remember the ‘rain tax?’

THANK YOU BOSTON PIZZA

In keeping with tradition, the FCC hosted its annual Christmas Reception at Boston Pizza last month. A very popular event on the FCC calendar, a special shout out goes to Scott Jarrett and his BP team for generously providing complimentary munchies, a beverage ticket and a whole bunch of door prizes.

Among those in attendance were Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger, Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale MPP (and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing) Ted McMeekin as well as Flamborough Councillors Judi Partridge (Ward 15) and Robert Pasuta (Ward 14).

For pictures taken at the party, please click HERE.

AND THE SURVEY SAYS …

Last month, the FCC sent its members the following request: ‘The FCC is launching an initiative to increase our presence in the community. To that end, we are asking our membership to be involved in the process. Please respond to this email with one or two reasons why you joined the FCC, and one thing you would like to us offer/improve on in the future. We always strive to be the voice of business in Flamborough, and your feedback will greatly contribute our continued success.’

We thank all those who have participated. If you have not yet responded, please take a few minutes and share your thoughts via return email.

Thank you.

FCC BOD RETREAT

Next Friday, January 15, the FCC Board of Directors (BOD) will meet in a retreat at Flamborough Hills in Copetown. There, the BOD will reflect on the FCC’s past, assess its current position and prepare a blueprint for the future.

The survey referenced above will provide a great deal of assistance as the FCC sets priorities for 2016 and beyond. That’s why your participation is so important.

THE FCC IN THE NEWS

The FCC is making news once again.

Last month, FCC Executive Director Arend Kersten introduced Hamilton to the proposed Green Relief Marijauna Farm just south of Freelton in a column (‘Is Flamborough going to pot?’) published in Hamilton Business (a publication of the Hamilton Spectator). You can read the submission by clicking HERE.

Earlier this week, Arend was quoted in a CBC Hamilton report on the Waterdown Bypass (‘It’s about bloody time’). You can access the article by clicking HERE.

CCC ANNUAL REPORT

The FCC is a member of both the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC). Just like the OCC and CCC monitor and address issues at the provincial and federal levels respectively, the FCC does the same at the local/regional level.

To read the 2015 CCC Annual Report, please clickHERE.