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BC – The Province has proclaimed Feb. 15-19, 2016, Chamber of Commerce Week in British Columbia.
This proclamation recognizes more than 125 chambers of commerce across the province and the work they do to grow B.C.’s economy and create jobs, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Coralee Oakes announced today.
“This week we’re celebrating the vital role chambers play in working with businesses to strengthen our economy and create vibrant communities throughout British Columbia,” says Minister Oakes. “We’ve worked closely with the BC Chamber of Commerce to get input and advice so we can continue to create valuable resources for small business owners and assist future entrepreneurs.”
This year’s theme, Empowering B.C. Businesses, celebrates the leadership role that chambers play in their local communities where they build links as business advocates and encourage policies that support business and economic development.
In the past year, the B.C. government has worked closely with the BC Chamber to ensure small businesses can participate in economic opportunities and that their voices are heard through participation on B.C.’s Small Business Roundtable. The chamber also helps business owners and their employees develop skills and learn new tools through promotion of the Canada – B.C. Job Grant to its membership.
“It’s hard to say enough about the impact of local chambers,” says BC Chamber President and CEO, John Garson. “Every day, throughout British Columbia, local chambers are finding new ways to empower B.C. businesses. Whether it’s through strategic business advocacy or by providing professional development and networking opportunities, chambers are sharply focused on empowering each and every business to succeed. Chamber Week celebrates the vision, hard work and can-do spirit that our chambers bring to British Columbia.”
The BC chamber has been consistent with its message: red tape is one of the biggest burdens business owners face in growing their businesses and creating new jobs. Government has heard that message loudly and clearly and is responding by reducing unnecessary regulatory requirements by more than 43% since 2001.
Quick Facts
- The chamber network in B.C. is the largest, most broadly based business organization in the province.
- There are more than 125 chambers and boards of trade in the BC chamber’s network alone and 36,000 represented businesses.
- Small business makes up 98% of all business in the province and employs more than one million people, making up nearly 54% of all private-sector jobs in the province.
- British Columbia ranks first in Canada for the number of small businesses per capita, with 82.6 businesses per 1,000 people.
