Tourism industry gets boost from chamber

The North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce has decided to lend a hand to the tourism industry in the area.

The chamber’s board of directors passed a resolution Thursday night agreeing to become a third party facilitator for the industry.

The resolution passed unanimously.

Former chamber president Dave Mendicino said that the tourism industry in North Bay has become dysfunctional.

“They can’t see the forest through the trees,” Mendicino said.

Mendicino explained that the industry has been in need of help for some time.

“We need to move forward in tourism,” new chamber president Bill Elliott said.

Elliott asked members of the chamber board to be careful of what they say to the local media.

“Many of us wear many hats in this community,” Elliott said.

He explained that although members sit on the chamber’s board, they should be cautious of commenting while serving in their other positions.

The chamber’s board also expressed concern about membership, which is down 31 members and now sits at 883. Directors were asked to approach non-members and get them to sign up.

Home depot was named as a favorite target for new membership.