Public input sought on improving community

Ken Johnston

The Rainy River and District Chamber of Commerce (RRDCC) met last Monday and one of their primary concerns was the state of the local economy.
It was decided that the public needs to be involved in addressing the concerns facing businesses and the community as a whole. So a public meeting will be held next Wednesday at the Rainy River Community Centre at 7 p.m.
In a letter mailed out to the public the RRDCC said, “Our commitment as business owners/ organizations, town leaders for our town is to build a better community together...The focus is on improving our community starting with our business community.”
One business owner at the RRDCC meeting said the chamber members need to work together to move in a forward and positive direction. “There is too much infighting in this community. We need to leave our personal interests (conflicts) at the door and work for the betterment of the community.”
So everyone there decided to do just that. Goals of the public meeting are to:
•Create a yearly calendar of events and activities
•To overcome negative, to promote local ownership
•Provide a focus of pride
•To inquire, to learn, and to unfold shared meaning
•To tell, sell and persuade the community to shop locally
•To spark new concepts, find doors of opportunity, analyze ideas
The RRDCC feels public “Involvement is critical to success. We are asking you to take action by attending this meeting to generate ideas...To make a difference we need to hear your ideas. Please attend.”
Many of the businesses have felt a pinch since the opening of big department stores in Fort Frances. Rainy River Future Development Corporation representative, Jessie Zhang, told chamber members, “Many other communities are experiencing the same problems. Maybe it would be a good idea to talk to them and share what works and does not.” She said she has attended Emo and Fort Frances’ chamber meetings and heard much the same discussion as in Rainy River.