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CAMPBELL RIVER – On Friday, February 19 the Campbell River Chamber will be celebrating with guest and over 50 nominees between the ages of 19-45 at the FUTURE15 event in Campbell River. We know Campbell River is full of amazing people under the age of 45. They are shaping the future of Campbell River, paving their own path, role models and involved and engaged in our community through volunteerism and social innovation.
The event will take place at the spectacular ocean view Maritime Heritage Centre and we invite everyone to come and join us as we profile and celebrate the success of 15 remarkable individuals in our community by awarding them each the FUTURE 15 award. These award recipients are definitely 15 individuals to watch over the next few years. The event starts at 5:30 with a networking reception and everyone is encouraged to Dress To Impress. Tickets are available at www.campbellriverchamber.ca.
Highlights on the recent Business Walk hosted by the Chamber confirmed that when asked to rate the current state of their business compared to the same time last year, 59 per cent indicated a very positive outlook and that business was good and increasing. An additional 35 per cent said it was steady and fair.
The Business Walk event was held in partnership with community organizations including the City of Campbell River, Campbell River Economic Development, Campbell River Mirror and North Island Employment Foundation Society, Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Trades. The business community was also strongly represented with volunteers from the Downtown BIA, Immigrant Welcome Centre and local businesses.
A total of 114 in person surveys were conducted during both a morning and afternoon session. The Chamber completed follow up with Chamber members who requested specific help to support their businesses. The most frequent request was for more information about access to local resources, specifically organizations, contacts, information and funding to help grow or expand their business. The Business Walk was a tool to gather and track the pulse of our local businesses and organization visited on a particular day. It further served to help all community partners share ideas and actions to work together towards a healthy economy and prosperous future.
The benefits of conducting the Walk included:
- Understanding the issues facing our business community
- Building working relationships between decision makers and local businesses
- Celebrating and promoting our local businesses
- Providing local businesses with access to resources to help their business prosper
- Input that will help us tailor our services and benefits to meet the needs of Chamber members
- To develop advocacy support for the issues and concerns raised by the business community
– Colleen Evans is CEO of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at colleen.evans@campbellriverchamber.ca.
