B5

Candice Mac Lean
Telegraph-Journal

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QUISPAMSIS - One of the Kennebecasis Valley's most prominent commercial developers is the new leader of its chamber of commerce.

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KâtÈ LeBlanc/Telegraph-Journal

Phil Brodersen, the new president of the Kennebecasis Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Phil Brodersen was named president at the Kennebecasis Valley Chamber of Commerce (KVCC) annual general meeting.

"Great things are going to happen," the new president said.

"This is a big step for me. I've always had small businesses and I've always been kind of on my own and it's exciting to work with this team."

Brodersen said former president Rick Demone, who owns the KV Family Shell on Marr Road, encouraged him to take the position.

"He was very instrumental in me taking his place."

Brodersen owns five commercial properties in Rothesay and has lived in the town for more than 25 years.

"There is a lot of growth, opportunity and potential with the chamber," he said.

"I'll continue on with what the president has been doing, with the growth of the chamber and working with the small businesses in the community."

The chamber's three officers (president, vice-president and secretary-treasurer) serve two-year terms and its five to 10 councillors serve one-year terms.

Scott Cochrane of Jassco Enterprises went from a councillor to the new secretary-treasurer, a position that used to be held to Edgar Young of Fundy Mutual, who will now serve as a councillor.

Brad Donnelly will complete his second term as vice-president and Demone will now sit as a councillor.

Demone said he enjoyed being president of the business group and would have run for the position again if he were able to. The organization's bylaws state that after a two-year term, members must wait one year before running for a position again.

"I think we did a super job," Demone said. "We started a nice flame and I want the new president to build a bigger and brighter flame. The opportunity is there. We have a fantastic bunch.

"Mr. Brodersen will show the leadership we require and we're getting great participation from both towns. It took a long time to get that."

The annual meeting heard presentations from the towns of Rothesay and Quispamsis. Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop talked about future commercial growth in the town and asked chamber members for feedback about the look of Hampton Road.

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll introduced consultant Vaughn McIntyre, who spoke about a fundraising campaign he is organizing to raise money for the Q-Plex recreation facility.