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To the Members of the Melfort and District Chamber of Commerce

It was a year of learning and planning and executing new ideas, which I feel will sets the stage for a bigger and brighter year ahead.

We went through a changing of the guard in regards to our Executive Director, with Lori Fettes leaving us in the summer and Candis Harper taking over the duties in August, an addition to the chamber that is just starting to reap the benefits of Candis joining the team. She has an extensive knowledge of operating organizations like our Chamber and brings to the table enthusiasm and ideas that we are looking at moving forward with in 2009.

We re-implemented the member to member fax/ email feature that keeps members update on different member activities, and the response has been great.

As for the Chamber itself, membership is growing slowly but hopefully we can increase that with some of the new and improved initiatives we have ran over the past year. It was unfortunate that the Car Show in the summer of 2008 was cancelled due to inclement weather, but planning and some new ideas to be looked at for 2009 will hopefully move the event to another level.

The Trade Show was a success in October and already the committee is planning new twists and ideas to keep the momentum growing and provide new and additional opportunities for businesses in our area and ideas, products and services for the residents who attend.

I think our biggest impact happened over the Christmas season, with the hard work and volunteer support from the Mustangs and the City of Melfort we revitalized the Christmas Tree Light Up campaign on Saskatchewan Ave. Bring in more sponsors and with the new lights purchased a beautiful addition to the festive season. As well the Moonlight Madness launch in November was a big success, great weather, excellent turnout and community participation to kick off the Christmas shopping season in Melfort, we should also note the events success also is related to the participation of many business members and none members who jumped back on the band wagon, ideas are already in place to enhance the 2009 version.

Some things we will be looking at in the upcoming year will include a special event fundraiser for the chamber to be determined but expected in Early November.  As well as a potential huge community activity that is just in the discussion stages with an early 2010 window.

As well the chamber is looking at the tourism aspect of our operation in conjunction with the City of Melfort, and we will keep you posted on developments.

In closing our past year was one of growth, and the new-year ahead looks to be more of the same as we strive to make Melfort a great place to call home.

Grant Schutte, President

Greetings to the members of the Melfort & District Chamber of Commerce!

My name is Candis Harper and I am the new Executive Director for the Melfort & District Chamber of Commerce, replacing Lori Fettes who resigned to explore new career opportunities in the field of agriculture.  

Since 1994, I have been the Administrator for a non-profit sport, culture & recreation organization, working with member municipalities in program development, community development, promotion, coordination and administration of sport, culture and recreation events and services.  Working in the sport, culture and recreation field, and more specifically, with a member-driven, community minded organization, has been absolutely fantastic.   However, the requirement for travel was beginning to impact my family and after discussing options with my husband, we felt it was necessary to make a career change that kept me closer to the community we are proud to call home.... Melfort!    So, the next question was .... what do I do now?   The very next day, the Executive Director position for the Melfort & District Chamber of Commerce was posted in the Melfort Journal and the position's description matched perfectly with everything I was looking for, so I submitted my resume and, to make this long story short, here I am, the new Executive Director for the Melfort & District Chamber of Commerce!

I've only been with the Chamber for a short six months, so I am unable to report on Chamber activities prior to my arrival.   However, what I can tell you is the Melfort & District Chamber of Commerce is one fantastic organization!   Let me start with the Board of Directors – a wonderful group of dedicated, passionate people who volunteer their time to provide direction, ideas and support in achieving the Chamber's goals and objectives.   The Board of Directors have been absolutely fantastic in supporting me in this time of transition and I pass on my sincere thanks to them and particularly to our President, Grant Schutte.

As with most successful non-profit organizations, success in achieving goals and objects would not be possible without the tremendous support of its membership.   In the six months I've been with the Chamber of Commerce, I have had the opportunity to work with many of our members on projects such as the Northern Lights Showcase & Handmade Treasures Craft Show, Business for Openers – hosting Tom MacNeil, CEO Shore Gold Inc in September and Dr. Lynda Haverstock, CEO Tourism Saskatchewan in November and the All Candidates Forum in September. 

This past fall the Chamber's Light Up Melfort project involved the replacing of over 190 strings of lights on the trees along Saskatchewan Avenue – our sincere appreciation and thanks go to the City of Melfort and the Melfort Mustangs for helping us with this project!. 

Our final project of 2008 was the Moonlight Madness – A kick-off to the Holiday Shopping Season.   Many thanks to all the businesses who took part in this year's Moonlight Madness, staying open for “late, late, night shopping” and for contributing towards the many events taking place around Melfort in celebration of Moonlight Madness. 

I think the defining moment for me in terms of re-confirming what a wonderful community Melfort is, and what a great Chamber this is, was the show of support we had from the business community and our many partners in making Moonlight Madness an evening of celebration and excellent shopping in our community.   What started out as a tree-lighting ceremony with hot chocolate, grew into a city-wide event through the ideas, contributions and support from you, our members!   Thank you for making Moonlight Madness a tremendous success!

In closing, I am looking forward to the next six months and completing a full cycle of Chamber-related activities and events and I am excited to be working with and on behalf of you, our members.    If at any time you have any questions or comments, please feel free to give me a call, send an email or stop on in!  The door is open and the coffee is on!  

Kindest regards,

Candis Harper
Executive Director
Melfort & District Chamber of Commerce Inc.

2010 Membership Fees

Membership Fee

WARNING!

Continued membership in the Melfort & District Chamber of Commerce could result in new and continued exposure of your business or service. Referral from our phone calls, Chamber directory listings, and website could also result in additional business brought to your front door. Your prolonged support of the chamber could help us support community initiatives and economic development which in turn improves the quality of life and promotes economic development in this great city.

Our Business is Your Success!!!

Melfort "City of Northern Lights" is situated in east central Saskatchewan's parkland belt surrounded by the famous black loam of the fertile Carrot River Valley.  Here, agriculture has been the number one industry since the first settlement days in 1892.  The City is minutes away from an abundance of lakes, beaches, and forest.

Melfort is known as the "City of Northern Lights" because of the spectacular aurora borealis seen in the night skies for much of the year.

Melfort was incorporated as a Village in 1903 and achieved Town status on July 1, 1907 and became Saskatchewan's twelfth City on September 2, 1980.

Melfort is located in one of the richest, most productive farmland areas in Canada. Melfort is a leading agricultural service centre, with most industries in the City being agriculturally related. These include meat processing, feed mills, seed cleaning plants, the distribution of farm chemicals, and the largest grain storage capacity in northeast Saskatchewan. The Agriculture Melfort Research Station in Melfort serves approximately 10 million acres (10% of Canada's agricultural land). The potential for Melfort is unlimited given its fertile soil and favorable weather conditions.

The climate and soil conditions allow for a wide range of agricultural products. Crops grown in the district include wheat, barley, canola, peas, flax, lentils, alfalfa (for dehydration and seed production), canary seed, rye, various forage crops (much for seed production), as well as spices and other specialty crops. Livestock production is mostly cattle and hogs but does include some specialty livestock such as elk, deer, and wild boars.

The sale and service of agricultural equipment and supplies is a key component of the retail sales in the City. As the hub of northeast Saskatchewan, Melfort serves a strong trading area population of 60,000.  Services required for its residents, rural neighbours, and traveling public are readily available from the merchants either in the downtown core, along the highway corridors, or in the three malls. Friendly merchants are eager to serve your needs.

Tourism is a major industry with an estimated 12.2 million dollars spent annually in Melfort and area by travelers.

Located just minutes north of the City on the banks of the Saskatchewan River and Codette Lake is Wapiti Regional Park, a four-seasons resort complete with quad chair, downhill and cross country skiing, chalet and a marina, houseboats, excellent fishing, picnic, and camping areas. Wapiti is the home of the annual Codette Lake Walleye Challenge at the end of June and the Codette Lake Walleye Cup Fish Derby held the first weekend of August.

The City of Melfort's campground with electrified sites, showers, and lighted areas is situated just south of the golf course at the junction of Highways #3, CANAM #6, and #41.

The Melfort & District Museum, a renovated old power house containing artifacts from Melfort and District early days with an adjacent unique replica of a pioneer farmstead, compliments the rich history of the area.

The City Administration is located in a new, modern aesthetic facility located at 202 Burrows Avenue West.

Popular Melfort celebrations are:

Back to the 50s' in mid-June, a city-wide promotion with classic car and bike shows, Moonlight Madness, retail promotions, food booths, music, and great carnival atmosphere.

In July the annual Melfort Agricultural Exhibition and Mile Long Fair Parade.

Each August the internationally recognized Walleye Cup takes place at Codette Lake.

In the fall, The Northern Lights Showcase a Farm, Home and Leisure Show with Entertainment that takes place in combination with the Handmade Treasures Craft Show and Sale.