TBDCC: beyond the door, beyond the downtown core

February 26, 2014 · 0 Comments

The Tottenham–Beeton & District Chamber of Commerce (TBDCC) is now located on the main street of Tottenham. The move, which took affect February 1st, was a strategic decision of the volunteer board, to better serve the membership.

“This office gives us more space with room to grow,” said TBDCC president, Jess Prothero. “We will have more room to promote our members and it’s a great location for a tourism office.”

A chamber of commerce is a not-for-profit organization, run by a board of volunteer directors, that serves businesses by connecting them from the “beyond the door, beyond the downtown core”. Chambers, including the TBDCC, provide networking opportunities to business owners and serve the community by sponsoring and running local events. Businesses, regardless of geographical location (does not have to be located in the community, does not have to be in the downtown core) can belong to any chamber association they wish – providing small business owners with an opportunity to both root and branch out.

Chambers are perhaps best known for their insurance policy access. Health insurance plans are available to TBDCC members at a group rate, even if only one person is to be insured. TBDCC members are also automatically members of the Ontario Chamber of commerce (included in the yearly dues), which can raise the professional profile of a business and increase cross-promotion and healthy industry competition and connection.

TBDCC Office Administrator Linda Spurr, has helped to grow the membership from 100 to 160 in just six months. She told The Times she is proud and excited to help board members see their plans to grow the Chamber become a reality.

“Like with any of the businesses we serve, growth and retention is a top priority for this Chamber,” Spurr told The Times.

For Spurr, who’s direction comes from the TBDCC board of directors and its president, having main street exposure is integral to adding value to membership.

“Our members can come in any time and see us now. We welcome everyone to come in and see what’s happening in town, check our community board, leave brochures and business cards promoting events and specials and stay up to date with the our programs,” said Spurr.

TBDCC president Prothero adds, “This Chamber is a tradition. We have been here for many years, and have seen a lot of businesses flourish, right here at home. When I became president of the Tottenham–Beeton Chamber, my goal was to see it grow and become a tradition for generations to come. Slowly, that vision is becoming a reality and I am proud to say that the Chamber is bigger and better than ever. We have a long way to go, but we’re making steady progress with a terrific group of volunteer directors and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a collective so far.”

With the move now complete, and goals for the future firmly in place, the TBDCC has turned its attention to the many events planned under its umbrella in 2014, including:

• Toot N Holler: Saturday, April 26th. Community-wide garage sale in Tottenham and Beeton. “Get your Sale on!” This popular event runs all day from 8 a.m.— 4 p.m. This is a great opportunity for store owners to put out some great deals and attract visitors as well. New for this year is the inclusion of Beeton homes and businesses in the activities and a 5km Fun Run hosted by Tottenham Public School.

• TBDCC Charity Golf Tournament: Thursday, May 22. Plan to attend for a full day of golf and networking followed by a great meal. In 2013, with the help of the Nottawasaga Inn Resort, the Chamber donated $1500 to Matthews House Hospice.

• Tottenham Bluegrass Festival: June 20–22. Tottenham’s premier concert event, featuring Bluegrass and Gospel music, will celebrate its 31st year in 2014. Held at the Conservation Area, the Bluegrass Festival brings many campers and day-trippers to town, often arriving early to shop and dine in our community.

• Ducks for Bucks: Saturday, July 5th. This unique duck race – which coincides with Tottenham Community Week festivities – was formerly known as the ‘Ducky-Doo Races’ where plastic ducks are raced for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Stay tuned for race location and prize details.

• Classic Car & Truck Show: July 6th, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. This popular event, now in its 21st year, brings hundreds classic cars, trucks and vintage snowmobiles to the Tottenham Conservation Area. There is also live music, swimming, vendors and prizes.

• Southern New Tecumseth Business Awards Banquet: September. Look for more information as it becomes available. Sponsored by the Tottenham–Beeton & District Chamber of Commerce and The Times of New Tecumseth.

• AGM: October 23, 7–9:30 p.m. Venue to be announced.

• Annual Christmas Party: date & venue to be announced.

In addition to these planned events, the Chamber is also working on a Speaker Series and a monthly column, entitled, Chamber Chat”, in this newspaper.

The Tottenham–Beeton & District Chamber of Commerce is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

For more information, call them at 905 936-4100, or e-mail tottenhamchamberofcommerce@bellnet.ca. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter and on the web at www.tottenhamchamber.on.ca

By Wendy Gabrek