2019 plans for the Chamber are well underway, building on the success of last year and supporting the people and businesses who are powering Campbell River. We look forward to welcoming many new Members this year, there’s no better time to become a Chamber Member! Join today online or contact Colleen Evans, Chamber CEO at www.campbellriverchamber.ca
Our Chamber will continue to be an assertive and proactive advocate in 2019, representing the voice of our members and business on industry sector priorities including procurement, aquaculture, forestry, small business retention, succession planning, tourism, workforce development and skills training.
We wrapped up 2018 with the aquaculture policy our Chamber developed and successfully delivered to the BC Chamber AGM and approved by Chambers across BC. That policy was further developed for presentation to the Canadian Chamber AGM and again, the Campbell River Chamber’s policy was approved by Chambers across Canada, resulting in strong, viable recommendations for provincial and federal governments for a sustainable aquaculture industry. Our procurement policy was also successfully received and approved, creating new opportunities to advocate for access to a skilled workforce for the construction industry, skills training and community benefit at a local level. For more information on both of these successful policies visit www.campbellriverchamber.ca. Our Chamber ended 2018 by joining with other Vancouver Island Chambers to oppose the Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) critical habitat zone extension and we see the first quarter of 2019 to be a continuation of these discussions.
Some of the great 2019 events in development include an enhanced Chamber’s Business Awards of Distinction, new opportunities to showcase our Members through Business After Business events, a new format for our Member Showcase. Our highly successful industry focused luncheons will once again be on the key sectors driving Campbell River’s economy and issues that are directly impacting small business including access to a skilled workforce and the evolving natural resource sectors.
Our Chamber launched Insights & Business, our TV Show on Shaw TV in 2018 and past episodes can be viewed at www.campbellriverchamber.ca from our homepage. The success of the series has us planning and looking forward to Insights & Business 2019, featuring local business leaders and influencers discussing topics like Campbell River Connectivity for business; Supply Chain impacts; The Changing Face of Retail; the Creative Industries Impact on Small Business Growth and lots more.
Overall, Campbell River had a remarkable 2018 as a sought after community to run a business, work, raise and family and live in. Some of the best images and stories about adventure and discovery in our community and region were shared through Discover Campbell River’s Instagram at www.instagram.com/discovercampbellriver/ – check it out and see why Campbell River is a must do, on your 2019 ‘to do’ list.
Lots to look forward to in 2019 and for the Chamber, we’re here to help make 2019 your best year yet!
Colleen Evans is President and CEO of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce