Exciting news…

The Heritage Club turns 35-years-young in 2024 and, to celebrate this remarkable milestone, the national Heritage Club executive asked By-Town chapter if we would host the National AGM in 2024. The executive team agreed it was only fitting this significant anniversary should be celebrated in Ottawa. We’ve just begun work on the four-day event but wanted to send a HUGE THANK YOU shoutout to member Liz Farquhar who has taken the task of finding us the hotel to host our guests, the meetings, the banquet, etc. Many of you know Liz as the former director of Events at Canada Post so this task is in great hands. Thank you, Liz, for helping us. Your experience and expertise are most welcomed, and your time is greatly appreciated.
 
We’ll share lots more about the AGM in the coming months but have a favour to ask… Chapters typically provide all presidents (about 35) with a “welcome bag” at the opening event. It is usually filled with a few items supplied by Johnson Insurance, the host hotel, and the national executive. The bag’s contents are rounded out by items unique to the area hosting the conference. So… if you have any leads on fun Ottawa/Gatineau stuff (maple syrup, Canada flags, ??????) or really anything ‘fun’ we’d love to hear about it. We’re not looking for freebies (though freebies are always welcome!) but ideas and/or possible discounts on items. Thanks for putting your thinking cap on for us!
 
I (it’s Cindy writing…) will attend the National Canada Post Heritage Club conference this month along with all chapter Presidents and the National Executive committee. I am thrilled that executive team members Karen Casselman, Christiane Tailleur, Frank Rochon and Richard Daoust (at their own cost) have decided to join me this year. Seeing first-hand how the conference is run will set us up brilliantly for our hosting duties next year. There will be a lot of exchanging of ideas, feedback, and helpful hints from experienced presidents, and we will also have the opportunity to hear from Canada Post. Canada Post values retired employees and the contribution Heritage Club members make to the Santa mail program, grant and scholarship reviews and they also recognize the image Heritage Club members project for the company through our volunteer efforts, food bank support, community service, fundraising donations, etc.
 
A reminder of our By-Town AGM that is being held on Thursday, September 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at KS on the Keys. We hope the bit of extra time will allow members to mingle and visit a bit more, which is harder to do at the regular lunches. More AGM information in the next newsletter.