CAMPBELL RIVER – Businesses in Campbell River had the opportunity to share their opinions on the successes and obstacles of doing business in Campbell River and what we can do to help keep their local businesses thriving.
During the Campbell River Business Walk, more than 30 representatives from the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce, the City of Campbell River, the economic development team, government and other local agencies visited with 122 businesses on one day, walking business to business and conducting on site surveys.
Led by the Chamber, volunteers from the Chamber Board of Directors, North Island Employment Foundation Services, Immigrant Welcome Centre, North Island College, Campbellton Neighborhood Association and Mayor and Council all took time to drop by businesses to gather information about the business climate in Campbell River through a series of questions and great conversations.
The Business Walk provided us an opportunity to connect with businesses face-to-face in an informal way so that both organization representatives and businesses could learn from each other. We took the pulse of the business community and got a real snapshot of the local business climate at this point in time. The data collected provided us excellent information around what are those ‘real’ versus ‘perceived’ opportunities and challenges facing our local businesses today.
The Business Walk also helped identify which businesses would like more access to resources and information. This is a key next step in our process to support our local business community and help them grow and prosper.
In 2016 we will be working closely with our members and business community to connect them to the organizations, resources and support services that can help. We have a strong network in Campbell River working collaboratively to retain the businesses we have and support them as they move through the various stages of their business cycle. We now have an additional tool and resource to measure the business climate year over year. Also, we can ensure we are leveraging our local resources in the most effective way as a commitment to retain our existing businesses and attract new businesses to our community.
The Business Walk report will be presented early in 2016 and we look forward to sharing those results with the community. The Walk was a very positive experience and early indications are that Campbell River businesses climate is very positive too.
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On behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors and staff we are looking forward to presenting a new opportunity to recognize and celebrate the young leaders under 40 in our community with the Future 15 event. The Call For Nominations will take place in January and an awards cocktail party in February.
– Colleen Evans is CEO of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at colleen.evans@campbellriverchamber.ca.