Local Chamber of Commerce AGM

There are a few changes on the board after the Bow Island/Burdett and District Chamber of Commerce held its annual general meeting on Feb. 8.
Corinna Roth-Beacome was nominated, and accepted, the position of vice president, a seat that had been sitting vacant. New Chamber member, Denise Fode will sit as a director.
Election of officers:
President: Bernice DeLeenheer
Vice president: Corinna Roth-Beacome
Treasurer: Alain Tiebaud
Secretary: Chris Pinchin
Directors: Kathy Nixdorf, Denise Fode, Robin Knibbs

Bow Island mayor Gordon Reynolds provided an update on happenings around town, including three new doctors coming to Bow Island.
“We had five doctors visit and have three doctors coming to Bow Island,” said Reynolds, who has been advocating for more physicians for the area. “The issue has been that international medical doctors have to mentor with an Alberta doctor in a different area. There has been a huge backlog of IMGs and not enough mentors.”
With the focus shifting to rural regions for IMG placement, Reynolds said the situation has improved.
Reynolds also spoke about the recent federal census that showed a drop in population for Bow Island, which is inaccurate and the Town will be conducting its own survey this spring.
Theresa Hardiker, executive director for the Economic Development Alliance gave a brief talk on the alternative energy program in the province and in southeast Alberta in particular, indicating that the oil and gas industry  is slowly becoming part and parcel with alternative energy.
The winners of the annual Christmas lighting contest were also announced at the AGM:
Christmas lights winners:
Best residential: Jordan Ager and Jennifer Pierce
Best business: Senator Gershaw School
Best Nativity: Gerald and Janet Schellenberg
Best Burdett: Earl and Marilyn Weatherhead
Best rural: George Mills