A 70th anniversary is a huge milestone and the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce made sure to celebrate theirs in style, even if it was pandemic style.
Chamber Manager Suzanne Andrews, along with staff, Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison and a representative of MP Neil Ellis’ office were on hand for the small, but significant celebration on Friday afternoon.
Mayor Harrison said they are very proud of the Chamber and all the hard work they do on a regular basis and the heart they put into their jobs.
He says it really makes a difference, especially this year as businesses and residents deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
To mark the 70th anniversary since incorporation in 1950, the Chamber put together a time capsule that will be re-opened on October 30, 2050.
Included in the capsule was a book with the Chamber’s bylaws from 1950, along with a news clipping detailing the importance of the Chamber of Commerce.
There were letters of congratulations from Mayor Harrison and the City of Quinte West, Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith, Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis and a letter from board member Lori Denis to the future Chamber Board. There was the strategic plan taking the Chamber to 2023 included along with a membership book also included.
There were also items very specific to 2020 included in the time capsule such as posters declaring a mask is required to enter the business, social distancing floor stickers and cloth and disposable masks.
The time capsule was sealed and will be but in a ceiling hatch in the Chamber building. The location will be marked with a plaque according to Andrews so it can be found in 30 years time.
Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison looks at some of the memorabilia from the past 70 years at the Chamber of Commerce. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
The time capsule filled with items from 2020 for the Chamber’s 70th anniversary. The time capsule will be re-opened on October 30, 2050 for the Chamber’s 100th anniversary. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Some items from 2020 that were included in the time capsule. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
(From left): Quinte West Chamber of Commerce Membership Services Coordinator Jennifer Snider and Chamber Manager Suzanne Andrews get items ready to be put into the time capsule, which will be re-opened in 2050. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
(From left): Quinte West Chamber of Commerce Board vice-president Lori Denis and Chamber Manager Suzanne Andrews with the sealed time capsule which marks the 70th anniversary of the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce on October 30, 2020. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
(From left): Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison and Chamber Manager Suzanne Andrews with the sealed time capsule which marks the 70th anniversary of the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce on October 30, 2020. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
