JULIE LAWLOR
WESTSHORE – An article published by Business in Vancouver in September about the BC Chamber of Commerce including a reference to businesses parting ways with their local chambers of commerce and boards of trade. While this reference has subsequently been adjusted by mutual agreement between the BC Chamber and Business in Vancouver, it did get me thinking about how chambers of commerce are doing across the province.
While all chambers are independently constituted, we are closely connected through advocacy work, mentorship, and shared learning. I reached out to some of my provincial colleagues to see how their chambers and communities are doing in 2024. Anecdotally, a number of them have noted that the economic ups and downs as a result of and since the pandemic have meant for a great deal of unpredictability…but the current trend seems to be an increasing involvement in chambers of commerce.
Naomi Larsen, the Executive Director of the Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce in North-eastern BC had this to say: “In a town like Chetwynd, with a population of just over 2,500, the strength of our community has shone through in our ability to adapt and grow. Through innovative outreach, virtual and in-person events, and a renewed focus on supporting local businesses, we have not only maintained our membership but have seen it grow as we unite to foster a thriving local economy.”
Here at the WestShore Chamber, we’ve seen our membership numbers grow by over 10% on pre-pandemic levels. We’re based in a community where there is a lot of population growth, and we are seeing both business closures and business start-ups. The key theme for businesses and non-profits alike seems to be “adaptation” as we all adjust to the circumstances around us. And if you are looking for support for your business, I encourage you to reach out to the chamber in your community to find out more about what they offer!
The WestShore Chamber of Commerce provides support and services for those doing business in Colwood, the Highlands, Langford, Metchosin and View Royal. These municipalities reside on the ancestral and traditional territories of the Esquimalt, Songhees, W̱SÁNEĆ, and Beecher Bay First Nations, whose continuous relationship to the land and the water encompasses past, present, and future.
Julie Lawlor is Executive Director at the West Shore Chamber of Commerce
