ST. PAUL – The County of St. Paul council approved funding requests from the St. Paul, Elk Point, and Mallaig Chambers of Commerce on Jan. 27.
In a letter to council, Yvonne Weinmeier, executive director for the St. Paul chamber, wrote the funding will help support the Chamber’s continued efforts to promote business and the community.
Some of the plans are to host a business conference, men’s and ladies’ nights out, business challenges, and business awards gala, wrote Weinmeier.
“These events come with a large price tag, and since the Chamber is a non-profit organization, we are just not able to afford to fund these types of events. Therefore, we are asking for your financial support.”
Weinmeier also listed some Chamber efforts she says kept the community involved and networking in 2024, including events like virtual and in-person educational sessions, business network meetings, a golf tournament, the rodeo kick-off party, Moonlight Madness, a shop local campaign, business decorating contest, Chase the Ace contest, and helping with the Community Christmas event.
Dave Amyotte, president of the Mallaig Chamber of Commerce, also a letter, relaying some of the challenges the organization is facing, which requires support from council.
“Our grass cutting and caretaking costs are going up as it is everywhere else, so any financial support you can provide will be used to help maintain the quality of life and community pride we, as a chamber, have been committed to for so many years,” said Amyotte.
The Mallaig Chamber of Commerce has some projects taking place in the spring, carried over from its plans in 2024, including roofing and improvements of the staging area on Iron Horse Trail, and improvements at the campground at Mallaig beach.
“We know that it is a big expense to do anything involving playgrounds, but we are committed to saving the infrastructure we already have there,” explained Amyotte. Improvements also include repairing the cook shack roof.
Terri Hampson, the outgoing president of the Elk Point Chamber of Commerce, also wrote to council, speaking about the chamber’s accomplishments in 2024, including hosting Elk Point’s first annual chili cook-off and the first Elk Point Ultra 60 km run.
Other accomplishments, according to Hampson, include the chamber’s involvement with Elk Point’s Communities in Bloom competition, where Elk Point achieved three blooms.
“The County of St. Paul has been an invaluable partner in these successes, and your ongoing financial support enables us to deliver meaningful initiatives that benefit our community and region,” wrote Hampson. “This year, we respectfully request your continued financial contribution of $5,000 to help us build on this momentum in 2025.”
A motion to provide $10,000 to the St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce’s operating budget, and $5,000 each to the Elk Point Chamber of Commerce and the Mallaig Chamber of Commerce, was carried.
