SONJA NAGEL
COWICHAN VALLEY – The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce recently held its AGM which was hosted virtually on the ZOOM platform, a first for the Chamber. Previously, the Chamber’s AGM has been hosted at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club with food, beverage and a considerable amount of fanfare. We were initially concerned about securing a quorum due to the increase of “Zoom fatigue” in the business community. Fortunately, 38 attendees zoomed in and the AGM was a great success.
Attendees enjoyed a virtual, pre-AGM dinner, in which they were encouraged to support local food and beverage operators with take-out or delivery. Members went on to conduct general business for the organization and acclaim six new and returning Directors to the Board.
Welcome new Directors to the Board: Jason Farrugia, Island Savings, Renee Russell, Pemberton Holmes and Tammy Gurski and Valley Carpet One Floor and Home.
The evening included a presentation from Alistair MacGregor, MP for the Cowichan-Malahat-Langford riding. Alistair expressed his thanks for the support from the Duncan Cowichan Chamber as well as Chemainus, Lake Cowichan and Westshore Chambers who are strong advocates for the business community. With input from the Chamber network, many funding programs like CEWS, CERB, CEBA, rent subsidy and paid sick leave were greatly improved from when they were first announced.
Chamber President Julie Scurr reported how the Chamber pivoted during the pandemic, providing the business community with daily updates on financial support programs and resources as they rolled out. The Chamber has also continued to be a strong and effective voice on behalf of both business and community interests. This year the Chamber supported organizations like the Raptors Centre and the Shawnigan Lake Museum amongst others for access to relief funds, the CVRD for funds to increase digital literacy in the arts community, and for Community Futures to target funds for a marketing campaign to support the retail and service sector, and restaurant and tourism businesses.
The Chamber’s advocacy efforts remain extensive, including support of a policy on Restoring Rail on Vancouver Island, support for an accommodation business who was having bylaw issues with CVRD, and participation in efforts to reduce the federal excise tax impact on distilleries. The Chamber also spoke out loudly for our businesses against a North Cowichan proposed motion regarding a pause on development in advance of a new OCP.
Treasurer Leah Hudson presented the financials, noting how difficult it has been this year with little revenue from cancelled events and decreased retail sales at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre due to the pandemic, as well as a decrease in municipal grant revenue for the Visitor Centre. Memberships, however, have remained stable, which Hudson noted is a testament to the value of belonging to this powerful Chamber network. The Chamber is in a positive situation as a result of having access to the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy.
I acknowledged our team in the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre and how they quickly adapted with the way they could deliver visitor services over the last 8 months, noting that the CRVC was one of the first Centres to partially reopen, and remain open, serving locals, islanders and mainlanders.
I reflected on the last in-person event we hosted on February 27 with guest speaker from BC Housing. Who would have known that our policy at that luncheon of no hugging or handshaking would lead to today’s requirements to wear a mask, maintain strict social distancing and we would describe our closet family members as our bubble.
In addition to gratitude expressed at the AGM, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our members for their continued support of the Chamber during this very challenging year. As a membership organization, membership dues and investments are our largest source of revenue, and it is thanks to our members that we are able to continue to advocate for businesses and create a roadmap for recovery in 2021. Thank you for all you do!
We look forward to working with you in 2021 and to continuing to be the voice of business in Cowichan. Happy New Year from the Board and staff at the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce.
Sonja Nagel is the Executive Director of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. http://www.duncancc.bc.ca/