GRAVENHURST - One of the strongest beats behind Gravenhurst’s marketing and commercial potential will be looking to get closer to the heart of downtown next year.
The Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 has already been a busy year with the installation of Danielle Millar as the general manager on April 2 and Tara Bartok as the events and marketing coordinator, April 10. The new duo were in front of council May 3 to highlight some of their achievements thus far and their burgeoning 2013 plans to relocate from the far north end of main street to the heart of town beside the opera house, in the Terrance Haight Carnegie Hall.
“It’s been a very fast, bustling, whirlwind of a month; it’s hard to believe it’s almost over,” Millar said, adding the women have been doing their best to meet as many local retailers and business operators, along with council and town staff. “We’re actually starting our real work now and just in time with the summer season closely ahead.”
Millar said one of the main tasks right now is working with the chamber’s partners at Service Ontario to move from their somewhat cramped offices.
“Most recently we have just put together the draft (plans) for visitor services, a request for proposal and we’re working with Tony (Rossi, the town’s new economic development, communications and marketing manager) to make sure we’re addressing the need for visitor services this year and what we’ve done historically,” Millar said.
“But we’re also looking at how we can expand on that and make sure we’re complementing the direction the town would like to head in.”
Chamber president Dap Thatch said there are some renovations at the hall needed this year to prepare it for assumption, “but if everything goes well the chamber hopes to be in there by the spring of 2013.”
In other chamber updates, Millar said the chamber does enjoy a strong membership currently with more than 330 members.
“It’s been a fantastic time; there’s so much renewed growth and so much renewed potential and so many new faces around town, so to be part of this movement is very motivating for all of us,” Millar added.
The chamber’s next major event will be the annual car show and shine at Gull Lake, June 16, said Millar.