4-H members from around the Drumheller 4-H district gathered at the Morrin School for the 2013 Drumheller District 4-H Speak Offs on Saturday, March 16.
    The judges had their work cut out for them as the prepared speeches, impromptus and presentations were all excellent.
    Moving on to Regionals for public speaking are Juniors  Darcee Hall and Alia Nielsen, Intermediates Levi Hampton and Saige Hall, and Seniors Mickey Johnson and Lowell Nelson.
    The first and second speakers in each category will be headed to Sedgewick on Saturday, March 23.
    The winners in the Presentations category were Junior Emily Alderdice,  and at the Senior Level Michelle and William Hoover.
    Regional presentations are in Stettler on Sunday, March 24.
    The Drumheller and District 4-H club expressed their appreciation to the Morrin Multi 4-H Club, emcees Teaghan Coultes, Tyler Ferguson, and Serena, Michie, to all judges and officials, and to Alta Link for sponsoring the program.
    Good luck to all the speakers as they represent Drumheller District 4-H at Regionals.

Serena Michie (left) and public speaking intermediate winner Levi Hampton at the Drumheller and District 4-H annual Speak Offs on Saturday, March 16.

    The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce is moving forward after another successful year.
    Chamber members met on the evening of March 21 for the annual general meeting. While there, they were given an update on the Chamber’s activities for the new year and elected five board members to fill vacant positions.
    Seven nominees were given to fill the vacancies. After members did a secret ballot, the vacancies were filled by Linda Digby from the Atlas Coal Mine, Ed Mah, John Shoff of Reality Bytes, and Ryan Semchuk of 99.5 Drum FM for three year terms and Elaine Piwin of RBC for a one year term.

Five new board members were elected to the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce board on March 21. Deputy Mayor Lisa Hansen-Zacharuk (centre) swore in new board members Ryan Semchuk (99.5 Drum FM), Linda Digby (Atlas Coal Mine), John Shoff (Reality Bytes), and Ed Mah, who were elected for three year terms. Elaine Piwin (RBC) was absent, but elected for a one year term.

    The board positions, such as the new president, have yet to be decided.
    It was a busy year for the Chamber. One of the biggest new events was to reinstate the Small Business Awards during Small Business Week in October.
    “I really appreciate the return of the Small Business Awards and I hope we keep them going,” said Ed Mah, 2012 Chamber president.
    The World’s Largest Dinosaur Legacy Grant continued to support community initiatives. In 2012, the Legacy Grant gave back $64,856 to the Badlands Community Facility, Pioneer Trail Society, Rowley Community Association, 1st Drumheller Scouts, Homestead Museum, Nacmine Community Association, Drumheller Community Football Association, and Badlands Search and Rescue.
    “We gave money back to the community. We are very proud to continue to do that,” said Heather Bitz, general manager of the Chamber.
    The annual Chamber Golf Tournament was another success, with $7,100 donated to Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta as well as providing scholarships to one student each from Drumheller Valley Secondary School and St. Anthony’s School.
    The Downtown Drumheller Committee held a number of events downtown last year, including the first year of the Family Fun Days. However, due to a lack of participation, the Committee dissolved late in 2012.
    Overall, the Chamber experienced a decline in revenue in 2012 compared to 2011. In 2011, they received $324,613, but in 2012 revenue dropped to $271,442. In addition, expenditures increased from $288,719 in 2011 to $335,209 in 2012.
    Two major factors contributing to the difference was an increase in staff wages due to the return from maternity leave of general manager Heather Bitz and a loss of $43,248 for programs and events.
    The World’s Largest Dinosaur saw a small increase in net income to $53,096 last year and the Tourist Information Centre remained stable, with a net loss of $26,456.
    The Chamber is also looking ahead to a big 2013. They will be hosting the Alberta Chambers of Commerce Provincial Conference and Policy Session.
    “We are heading into an extra special year. We are hosting the Alberta Chambers of Commerce Provincial Conference,” said Mah. “It will be a great time to showcase the Valley and our dedication to the chamber movement.”