Elk Point chamber of commerce held their first-ever meeting in the Visitor Information EcoCente last week, where economic development coordinator Bob Bezpalko showed off the ‘virtual classroom’ made possible with the wide-screen television donated by Elk Point Co-op, and its computer hookup.
Lakeland College has now installed a wind meter 34 feet above the base of the wind turbine tower, and will be hooking up a weather station that will collect data and feed it to the Weather Network. The oil industry is among those eager to access information on local conditions, because work cannot be undertaken under extremely cold temperatures and wind chills, Bezpalko noted.
“I hope it becomes a daily source of information,” he added.
Bezpalko plans to expand the Visitor Information EcoCentre’s web page to accommodate additional facts about the facility and the technology it showcases. He hopes to have this information accessible to visitors on monitors on both floors.
Graphica is currently working on “a sign with a WOW! factor” for the TD Bank Group Eco Education Room, which will also have a sign acknowledging the Lakeland College involvement.
To add to the facility’s tourism and educational components, Bezpalko says the goal is to add research and development. “We cam diversify the economy. A project the chamber started can go as far as you want to take it.”
He noted that the FCSS department has “gone above and beyond” what is expected of them as tenants by shoveling snow, and the town crew stopped by to clear snow from the outdoor skating rink as well as plowing the parking lot.
Membership drive
President Sandy Smith is preparing a cover letter to send out with the membership forms and information showing the 14 benefits of membership. Vice-president Debra McQuinn, who prepared the forms and information package, has offered to do follow-up footwork.
Partnering potential
The chamber is hoping to host an event in conjunction with the Elk Point Trail Riders annual vintage snowmobile show and shine on Feb. 26 .
Trail information night
The town-sponsored Iron Horse Trail information night this Thursday evening at the Seniors’ Recreation Centre will give the public an excellent opportunity to both see the plans for potential development of walking trails and to give their input on the project. The town has received a $500,000 matching grant for trail development, and plans to start the first of several stages this spring.
Annual meeting
The chamber agreed to hold their Feb. 15 annual meeting at the Empress, , with the supper meeting to start at 6:30 p.m.