HomeMy Public PortalAbout2014-07_MR _VIC_pdfPRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 24, 2014
MUNICIPALITY OF CHESTER SUPPORTS VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
MUNICIPALITY OF CHESTER – Last week, Council for the Municipality of Chester approved
a highly anticipated grant for the area’s Visitor Information Centre (VIC) located in
Chester. Without the $25,000 grant, the VIC could not have operated for the full season.
The VIC, located in the historic Old Train Station, employed 3 local staff and welcomed
5130 visitors last season. This represents a 68% increase over the previous year! The cost
for operating the Information Centre during the spring and summer months is
approximately $42,000. Support from Service Canada and Nova Scotia Economic and
Rural Development and Tourism assist with the resources required for summer staffing
while the grant received from the Municipality pays the remaining expenses and allows
the VIC to remain open in the fall, a popular time for many people traveling to the South
Shore. Monies raised by the Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce at various
fundraisers throughout the year support the management and administration of the VIC.
Operated and staffed by the Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce, the VIC offers
more than just directions and information about local attractions to tourists. They
coordinate kayaks and bicycle rentals, administer a C@P site and is the location for an
Oak Island Display and venue for a local artists to display.
Angela Jessome, Administrator for the Chamber, works two of her five workdays in the
VIC and finds that tourists aren’t the only visitors to the Visitor Information Centre.
“Residents will often come into the VIC to find out what is going on in the community,”
says Jessome. “They know our staff are knowledgeable and w ill give them the most up-
to-date information.”
On a bigger scale, tourism directly stimulates the economic growth. VIC personnel point
visitors to local businesses on a daily basis, including dining establishments,
accommodations, shops and boutiques, laundromats, pharmacies and more. For the local
business owner in the Municipality, more revenue is usually made in the summer months
than any other time of year. Having the VIC operational is a definite advantage; and
Council knows it.
“Council has made economic development a priority,” says Allen Webber, Warden for the
Municipality. “Part of that commitment is partnering with organizations that share our
goal and participating in projects that will help our Municipality realize economic stability.
This is one of those projects.”
This isn’t the first time the Chamber and the Municipality have partnered. They continue
work together on many projects, including marketing and communications, developing
business directories and creating interesting business oriented events. Both organizations
have a common purpose: to see the Municipality prosper, both financially and socially.
Working with the Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce is a priority for Marianne
Gates, Senior Economic Development Officer who recommended support of the
Chamber’s VIC initiative to Council. “The local VIC promotes all businesses, attractions
and events in the area. It is a great fit for the Chamber to manage the VIC and the
municipal financial support further enhances our working partnership with the Chamber.”
JoAnn Grant, President of the Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce says, “The
Municipality of Chester is a unique and wonderful place to be. Our purpose in managing
the VIC is to help attract, promote and inform the travelling public along with local
residents on events and businesses that add value to our area.”
The VIC is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until October 10, 2014. For visitor
information, please call (902) 275-4616.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jennifer Veinotte, Communications Officer
Municipality of the District of Chester
(902) 275-3555 ext. 1202 phone (902) 275-4771 fax
(902) 277-1169 cell jveinotte@chester.ca