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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. -30- 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