(Gananoque, ON) Two new employees are planning significant changes for the 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce.

“Jan Murray, previously of the Brockville Chamber has stepped in as the new General Manager,” said Su Halle, new head of Marketing and Communications for the Chamber.

A new website/directory has been created and is now live. The site is open for all members to purchase advertising space and provides businesses the opportunity to reach out to the community.

There are other changes planned with the new management.

“Communication is key,” said Halle. “Over the past three weeks, the chamber has been reaching out to all of its members, seeking feedback concerning what they want from the chamber. Are they looking for networking, advocacy, more events?  A survey was sent out to all members on the mailing list, and we are hoping for some feedback to help guide us in the right direction.”

The Chamber wants its members to know that they are there to help. They have decided that the best way to help their members feel more comfortable is to get together with them in a friendly location to do some simple networking.

“We will be holding a free event for all members and their spouses on Wednesday, July 27, at the Old English Pub / Churchills,” said Halle. “Members are encouraged to drop by for a casual networking event between 5 and 7 p.m. It’s an opportunity to mix and mingle and meet both of the Chamber’s two new staff members as well as the Board of Directors.”

This is the first of a collection of planned events. On September 28 they will be holding their Business Excellence Awards Gala.

“Many of the events have specific purposes like the Business Excellence Awards Gala,” she said. “Other events, such as the ‘Chillin’ with Chamber’ on the 27th of July are simply to encourage members to get out and engage with one another. It’s an opportunity to speak with your chamber staff and let them know how you feel about what is happening in your town and what you would like to see change. This is your opportunity for your voice to be heard.”

The Business Excellence Awards Gala will be held on September 28 at Rockport Cruises. A black tie and cocktail dress affair, tickets are priced at $100 per person or $175 per couple.

“We are hoping to have an event once every two months,” said Halle. “We want to encourage members to participate, to come out and share some time with us. We would love to expand our events to include door prizes supplied by our members. If a local business would like to sponsor an event, then we could offer them advertising, promotion, mic time and more.”

“I am so thrilled to be here as your new General Manager at the 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce,” said Jan Murray. “Everyone that I have met thus far has been very kind and welcoming. It’s taking some time, but I’m getting out and about, meeting members and visiting the many tourist attractions that you have here. My door is always open if someone wants to chat, or if you’d like me to drop by your business, just give me a call and we will set something up.”

“Jan and I really complement each other,” said Halle. “With her background in event planning and chamber experience and mine in communications, we are already off to a great start. We are looking forward to bringing new energy and ideas to serve our business community.”

For a look at the new Chamber website, go to 1000islandschamber.ca/ . To purchase advertising space, call (613) 382-7744.