Chamber to hire full-time executive director, New hire expected to help boost membership from current 230

Posted Feb 9, 2012 By Brier Dodge

EMC news - After several years of stagnant numbers, the Orleans Chamber of Commerce has plans to expand.

The chamber is currently hiring a full-time executive director, said acting executive director David Chadala.

Chadala, a 30-year resident of Orleans and chamber board member for the past two years, said the hiring of a full-time employee will allow the chamber to grow in numbers.

"Our growth in membership has been stagnant and one of the reasons that we haven't been able to grow is because we've had a part-time executive director," Chadala said. "It's almost like we've been spinning our wheels."

While the chamber currently has 230 members, Orleans has about 1,400 businesses.

The chamber launched its 2012 plans at a special "state of the chamber" breakfast on Jan. 12, where it announced the decision to hire an executive director.

"We want to increase the benefits and services to our membership," Chadala said.

Currently, the office is run part time by an administrator who works 10 hours a week, and a part-time executive director.

It isn't enough to manage the events, advocacy and member benefits that the chamber wants to offer, especially if the group wants to grow, said Chadala.

"Without more resources, it's tough to grow," Chadala said, adding that all other regional chambers have full-time staff.

The board hopes to have the new executive director start in early March, and wants to hire a jack-of-all-trades who can manage money, plan events and deal with staff and volunteers and communicate with members.

There are several core events planned for the year, but growth and planning additional events will be directed by the person hired to do the job.

Chadala said member retention has always been an issue with chambers across Ontario, and hopes that better retention and growth will see the chamber grow by 15 per cent over the next year.

"We're going to bring more to our members," said Chadala.

The Orleans Chamber of Commerce can be found online at www.orleanschamber.ca.

brier.dodge@metroland.com