JULIE LAWLOR
WEST SHORE – There have been various times during the last 16+ months that a functional crystal ball would have been extremely helpful. As I write this article at the end of the July for publication in August, I am feeling this once more.
Since COVID-19 restrictions relaxed on July 1, BC’s case count has started to trend upwards, particularly amongst the unvaccinated. The race is once again on between vaccination and variants, with full economic recovery very much hand in hand with our achieving herd immunity through vaccination. Many chambers including ours are looking forward to and trying to plan for in person events starting in September…while keeping a wary eye on case numbers in our area.
I also keep hearing that a federal election announcement is likely to come in August. If that happens, by the time you read this campaigning will have started and staff in chambers across the country will be working to provide all-candidates forums. Speaking for myself, this will be added to the list next to “trying to take some summer holiday” and as I’m sure many can relate “seeing family and friends I haven’t been able to see in a really long time.”
The federal government has also announced that money will be made available out to provincial and territorial chambers for shop local campaigns. There is a tight turnaround for this, so the campaigns themselves will likely take place in November and December with an application, approval, and start-up process before that. Collaboration amongst chambers and other organizations will be necessary to get these projects up and running so do check in with your local chamber, relevant non-profit or business improvement association for the latest information.
And last but certainly not least, voting for the Best of the WestShore Awards is open until Labour Day and you can show your support for local businesses by voting for your favourites. To access the voting platform, please go to goldstreamgazette.com and click on “Contests.” To further connect with the WestShore Chamber, you can sign up for our e-news on our “Contact Us” page at westshore.bc.ca or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Let me know if your crystal ball is better than mine.
Julie Lawlor is Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce.
