The Dawson City Chamber of Commerce is making a strenuous attempt to revive itself as an active organization after struggling for several years during which, as volunteer Dina Grenon put it, “COVID kicked the hell out of us.”
For a number of years the chamber had sustained its operations using the profits from its annual Gold Show during the Victoria Day weekend. Without that income the chamber had to seriously cut back on its operations. This year's revival of the Gold Show, with 58 exhibitors using 80 booth spaces, the re-introduction of the speaker series and the networking dinner, has left the organization with sufficient funds to finance the 2025 Gold Show.
In November 2023 the chamber received financing from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), which enabled them to develop what president April Gaudet described in her report, presented by Justine Hobbs at the Oct. 10 annual general meeting, as “a clear and strategic direction focused on key areas: strengthening organizational health, advocacy, business support, networking opportunities, training and capacity building, and event planning — including our signature event, the Gold Show.”
Based on decisions taken as a result of the CanNor funding, the chamber had hoped to be able to acquire further funding from the Yukon's Economic Development Fund to implement the first year of this strategic plan. Unfortunately, this funding application was not successful. Working with existing funds “we are pleased to have hired Justine Hobbs to continue supporting our operations, membership relations, and programming on a part time basis (approximately 12 hours a week).”
“Hobbs will also be working with the board to explore new funding opportunities, and develop revenue generating activities to strengthen the chamber’s sustainability moving forward.”
Projects the board would like to pursue during the next year include:
- Improving the Dawson welcome signs on the North Klondike and Top of the World Highways
- Professional recruitment, to assist local businesses in filling the needs for critical services like bookkeepers, dentists, tradespeople, healthcare professionals, and childcare professionals
- Reviving the lunch and learn sessions
- Revitalizing the Dawson Dollars program to make it easier and more effective for businesses to participate
- Improving the organization's website to include operator profiles and promote local businesses.
This meeting, held at the Visitor Information Centre on Front Street, attracted a dozen business owners, in addition to the table members of the outgoing board. Recruitment of new and continuing board members was successful with Nathan Naherniak, George Filipovic and Joanie Lapoint being re-elected, and joined by new members Tobias Graf, Diana Buckland and Karen Murray.
Half of these members will have two-year terms, with the other half having one-year terms. As of this writing, the new board has not met to make these decisions or to decide who will be the executive officers.
Dan Davidson taught in Beaver Creek, Faro and Dawson from 1976-2008. Since 1977, he has been writing reviews, news and commentary for the Whitehorse Star and What’s Up Yukon, and recently for the late Yukon Star. In 1989, he helped to found the Klondike Sun, which he edited for 31 years, and remains on its board of directors.
