“2019-2020 in review. Wow! What the hell was that?” -Outgoing Timmins Chamber of Commerce president Val Venneri, at Monday’s small ceremony featuring him handing over the gavel to incoming president Melanie Verreault.
Venneri reviewed the ongoing programs of the chamber over the past year, and the unexpected pandemic measures the chamber and its supporters provided in terms of financing for struggling businesses and access to personal protective equipment.
“While the future of the business climate looks very unclear,” he remarked, “I have the full confidence under Melanie’s time as president, our business community will have the assistance it needs in navigating these uncharted waters.”
Verreault noted that Venneri’s term offered countless unexpected challenges due to COVID-19. But she added that it also presented some silver linings.
“The chamber has its work cut out as we look to reshape and reenvision the way we continue to support our local small to medium sized enterprises,” she stated.
Verreault says she’ll re-activate the chamber’s committees during the upcoming general meeting, which will be held online.