MARY RUTH SNYDER
CAMPBELL RIVER – The work of BC’s chambers of commerce and boards of trade makes a difference
February 13 to 17 was Chamber of Commerce Week in British Columbia. In case you didn’t know — we work for you.
Whether it’s advocating to local, provincial, or federal governments for changes to public policy, developing innovative programs and initiatives to support business, or leading charitable works that contribute to social well-being, local chambers are the trusted “boots on the ground” that are immersed in our communities.
We are convenors, collaborators and catalysts for positive change and are integral to creating sustainable, healthy communities. We work in concert with our province and national chambers coast to coast to coast.
We champion the collective voice of our communities to create an environment in which BC businesses prosper, families thrive and our communities flourish. Our collective purpose focuses on the symbiotic relationship between successful businesses and healthy communities — one cannot exist without the other.
In addition, we advocate on important societal issues that exist in all our communities.
For example, there is a critical dearth of affordable housing in communities across the province that makes it impossible to attract and retain workers. Layer on the lack of inter-community transportation and dependable childcare both of which prohibit parents from returning to/entering the workforce and it’s no wonder our businesses, especially in rural communities, struggle to attract and retain the workers they need.
Of equal concern are the mental health and addictions challenges seen in nearly every community. Those challenges affect our personal and professional lives equally, and too many of us have experienced their impact on our family members, our friends and our co-workers. We cannot expect to have a productive economy, without a work force that feels supported. Given the breadth and depth of our collective reach, we know we must play a role in finding lasting solutions to all of these problems.
Finally, while BC has made gains on Indigenous reconciliation and participation in the economy, much more needs to be done. Across the province, many chambers are undertaking the work to listen, to learn from and to collaborate with their Indigenous partners. We know, indigenous economic reconciliation is inextricably linked to deeper, lasting reconciliation.
This is a just a snapshot of how we work for you. The cost-saving benefits, that is just icing on the proverbial cake.
Our job is to work for you, we are here to help — give me a call and let me know how I can help!
Mary Ruth Snyder is Executive Director of the Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce
