Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce Punts Fall Show – September 21, 2012

Lezlie Strasser – Director Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce

CFN –  Another fumble for director of the Cornwall Area Chamber of Commerce as they announced that they will not in fact be rolling out a 2012 Fall Show at the Civic Complex in Cornwall Ontario.

The Chamber has the Spring Show, but declining numbers to both the Spring Show and Fall show have led to the termination of the Fall offering.

It has not been done since 2010 and several vendors were excited and hopeful to see it back including Mr. Mike Bedard of Platinum Pools who had the following to say:

I was disheartened and very disapointed to hear that the fall home show was cancelled again for the second year in a row.  The money generating event is useful for those chamber members whose peak season may be better catered to the fall or winter.
 
However, I do believe the current trend of repetitive formats and lack of discussions between the spring show and the fall show may have deterred many participants and sponsors.  I have personally mentioned and provided several changes that would improve both the vendors and attendees experience.
 
I personally was a major sponsor in 5 of the past 7 years but did not receive any calls or e-mails to check on my interest in the fall show.
We have heard similar sentiments from several local past vendors of the event.  The Chamber has had to reduce staff after its own financial difficulties and huge losses on events like last year’s version of Bizfest.
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Disclaimer:  CFN chose not to renew its membership to the Chamber stating that we would not until there was a house cleaning of the board and director after the last board elections.
What do you think Cornwall?  Are the days of Spring and Fall shows over or can things be done better?  You can post your comments below.
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5 Comments

  1. Well maybe if they had new things in there and not the same old stuff year after year like bring in some entertainment and stuff give out free stuff to attract people to your spots like its called being generous i know if i had a business trust me i would be giving out free stuff for sure that’s how you make customers not lose them

  2. IF businesses are going together in a show to sell people things, we shouldn’t have to pay to get it. Cancel all the shows, they are a waste of money.

  3. Author

    The shows were being used as fund raisers for the Chamber. Nothing wrong with that, but if you’re going to compete for entertainment dollars you have to entertain.

  4. Maybe the Chamber can run to CTV for an interview?? What do you think Bob?

  5. Author

    I spoke with someone today close to the Agape and they flat out said they knew they’d get more going to CTV than they would to local media. Quite a statement. Of course if they worked more closely with ALL of the local media that might not be the case.

    That’s not how you grow a community.

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