ARTHUR – Business owners in Arthur may want to attend an open forum discussion at The Imagination Space on Feb. 5 at 7pm to come up with ideas on how to make Arthur a more cohesive community.
Being in a “unique, experimental” position, Melissa Kooiman was hired by Copernicus Educational Products as part of its ongoing commitment to support the community.
“They are trialing this position to have me support the chamber and the BIA. But it’s a bit of a unique position in that I’m not the chamber or the BIA. So, my focus right now is just extending my reach as far as I can in Arthur,” said Kooiman.
The idea of the panel discussion is to have anyone interested come and share ideas, challenges they are facing and talk about personal goals and desires for the area.
“[We want to] use that discussion as a platform to prepare a report that keeps community voices at the centre of events and initiatives that are planned here in an effort to create a more cohesive community,” said Kooiman.
“Putting together a report… will inform meaningful decisions moving forward.”
The event is focused on big and small businesses in Arthur, but organizations such as the Lions Club and Optimist Club, who are already planning separate events or initiatives, have also been contacted.
Anyone else interested is welcome to join and share their voice.
“If anybody has any questions about if they should participate, like no one is going to be turned away at the door,” said Kooiman.
“I’m not going to ask you who you are and why you’re here at the end of the day. I’m going to try and get everybody’s voice in the documents that I prepare.”
Kooiman is also going to plan one-on-one meetings with those who may not feel comfortable sharing their voice in front of the group, or those who cannot make the panel.
If interested in a one-on-one meeting email melissa.kooiman@copernicused.com.
An email can be sent to the same address to RSVP to the Feb. 5 event.
