Letter from the President | 2018-19 Board nominations now open

Happy New Year Chamber members!

I hope everyone’s 2018 is off to a fantastic and prosperous start. It’s my pleasure to announce that we are opening the call for nominations for the Whitby Chamber of Commerce (WCC) Board of Directors.

This is an exciting time to be joining the Board as we’re heading into our CEO’s second year. Natalie spent the bulk of 2017 examining current processes and outcomes and laying the groundwork for an exciting 2018 – now is the time for that change to be executed. I’m confident this will be an energetic period of renewal for the WCC and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

As well, from a governance perspective we are in the process of moving towards a Carver Governance Model and have created two new Board committees: Policy & Governance and Audit & Finance. If you have an interest in governance, this is an opportune time to join the Board.

I can say from personal experience that volunteering with the Chamber is incredibly rewarding and an absolute privilege. I can also say that it’s a big commitment and a huge responsibility to our membership. If one of your first considerations when evaluating this opportunity is trying to calculate the bare minimum time this will take out of your day to day life, this probably isn’t the opportunity for you right now.

This role goes well beyond one 90-minute meeting each month. With the Executive, Policy & Governance, and Audit & Finance committees, there are many ongoing commitments through this role. That is, however, a direct result of all the exciting things that are going on at the Chamber as we work to ultimately drive value for members.

I feel strongly that the kind of individuals the Chamber needs are those who are ‘in for a penny, in for a pound’ and will commit to this Board, facing any challenges that confront us and understanding sometimes the commitment required will exceed what they expected. If you get a group of individuals like this around a boardroom table – anything is possible and nothing is insurmountable.

In terms of the Nomination and Election Process, here’s what to expect:

Today
Board nomination process begins. Nominate yourself or a fellow member by filling out the nomination form.

Friday, February 2 at 5 p.m.
Deadline for nominations to be submitted to Brion Hendry, Chair of the Policy & Governance Committee. Please submit completed forms via email to bhendry@bdo.ca.

Thursday, February 8 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. 
Mandatory candidate briefing in WCC boardroom, which will include an introduction to the WCC Board structure and process, overview of the role of Director at the organization and opportunity for candidates to ask questions. At the end of this meeting, candidates will be asked to sign a letter of commitment indicating they understand the role and can fulfill their obligations to serve if elected.

Thursday, February 15
The online voting opens listing the names, pictures and bios of all candidates who have signed the letters of commitment.

Thursday, March 15 at 5 p.m.
Online voting closes.

Friday, March 16 to Monday, March 19
Successful and unsuccessful candidates are called and advised of the results.

Wednesday, March 21 from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Slate of candidates, as voted by the membership, invited to attend board meeting as observers.

Tuesday, March 27
AGM and candidate slate presented to membership.

As well at the AGM, this year we will be introducing some revised bylaws further to direction from Industry Canada. One of the updates is a change from three year terms to one year terms. This is also why you will find the names of the current Board who wish to seek re-election on the ballot for the upcoming election. Hopefully this also encourages members to put themselves forward given the shorter commitment period.

The WCC recognizes and embraces the benefits of diversity in Board members. If you have the time and the passion to support the Chamber as a Director, I sincerely encourage you to seek a nomination. As well, if you know of a member who you think would be a great addition to the Board, please nominate them. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this team and would encourage you to take this opportunity and help steward the Chamber through 2018!

Best regards,

Matthew Mackenzie
President, WCC Board of Directors