A recent meeting of chamber members focused on the main problem facing the business community: the labor shortage. (File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Rachel May

Keeping the community strong

Melfort Chamber of Commerce sharing its hopes for the future

Feb 10, 2023 | 2:22 PM

The Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce (MTACC) recently came together to discuss problems the business community is facing with the biggest one being the labour shortage.

Executive Director Cal Gratton told northeastNOW despite more businesses registered he has no plans on slowing down recruitment.

“I’ve been out on the streets over the last few months just getting to know everybody and talking about the benefits of becoming a chamber member if they didn’t already know,” he said.

The Chamber offers its members promotion through social media, newsletters, radio and other ways.

For Gratton, the MTACC offers more than just promoting businesses, it’s about building a community.

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“We’re all in this together,” he added. “We’re coming out of some interesting times here over the last few years. We want to generate some revenue for these businesses.”

For those hoping to get into the workforce but have a schedule that might not be as flexible as the jobs posted, Gratton encourages you to reach out to potential employers regardless.

“There are a lot of businesses in town that are asking for casual employees and maybe those businesses aren’t advertising. Those positions, just knock on doors and just ask,” said Gratton.

Despite ongoing labour shortages, Chamber members have collected several Best of Business (BOB) awards this year.

“These award winners are very proud to have won BOB awards,” said Gratton. “You walk into the businesses, they have the BOB word framed and on the wall for people to people to take a look at. They’re very, very proud of that.”

In order to keep the business community vibrant and encourage economic growth, MTACC continues to look for volunteers and new members.

For current members who want to step up into a new role, the MTACC is also seeking board members for their promotions committee, and other positions.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM