Message to Berwick business: look at potential

BY SARA KEDDY

Kings County Register

Linda Ramsay says her first year as president of the Western Kings Board of Trade was time spent with directors “to put our house in order and ensure we have the foundation to support a strong board of trade.

“We recognize we are a key voice in the community.”

The board held its annual meeting February 19 in Berwick, with 54 people in attendance.

Ramsay thanked directors for their patience and support, highlighting a busy year building partnerships.

The board “started 2007 with a bang” with a strategic planning session with Town of Berwick officials, facilitated by Kings Community Economic Development Agency staff. The result: a joint economic development advisory committee established by mid-fall.

The board’s own bylaws and governance manual were updated, the website was revamped and its dues structure updated. A focus was placed on membership growth. Ramsay also sat in on a feasibility study between the town and county on a new industrial park.

“That’s of significant importance to the development of the business community in Western Kings.”

Guest speaker Mike Trinacty, a town councillor and chairman of the new Economic Development Advisory Committee provided some background on the committee.

“I’d thank the board for its leadership and efforts - we’re off the ground,” he said.

“It’s really an exciting time to get this underway - we have a high growth rate, an opportunity with the Kings Mutual Century Centre. The potential for this committee to support and reinforce those things is great.”

Trinacty reviewed some of the committee’s early goals to develop a more attractive “northern gateway” to Berwick off Highway 101, and undertake some green - and greening - initiatives in the downtown core. An economic development officer is in the process of being hired. Promotional work around Larsens, the KMCC, the proposed industrial park and in-filling the commercial district are also on the committee’s horizon.

“It’s an exciting committee, and we’re breaking new ground - we’re amazed at homw much we’ve accomplished in just a fe meetings, and it will kick into high gear with a staff person,” said Ramsay.

Treasurer Gavin Brewster reported a bank balance of $15,757.84.

Retail committee chairman Randy Sanford of Palmers’ Home Hardware talked about what he called the “heart and soul” of Berwick - its merchants. The town-wide yardsale ended up as a “wall to wall” weekend, the Apple Blossom craft fair fell into Berwick’s lap and is likely to return after a good weekend, and “it was a sensational Christmas in Berwick - nothing but good reports.” He urged businesses to get directly involved and not just take advantage of events as they happen.

Ramsay will continue as president another year, with Terri Gail as vice-president, Brewster as treasurer and Sara Keddy as secretary. Board directors will include Greg Wilson, Charlie Mackenzie, Wally Jarvis, Randy Sanford, Don Clarke (the Town of Berwick representative), Howard Hall, Polly Scott, Jenny McCoy and Bryan Abernethy.