TRACEY CLARKE
COMOX VALLEY – As we reflect on 2024, the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate a year of growth, innovation, and impactful engagement. Together with our members and partners, we’ve continued to foster economic prosperity and community connection throughout the region.
A Vibrant New Space in Downtown Courtenay
In May, we opened the Chamber Business Hub, a dynamic space that has become a cornerstone for collaboration. Offering co-working desks, meeting facilities, and showcasing rotating art exhibitions with local galleries, the Hub has further established the Chamber as a hub for business innovation and community creativity.
By the Numbers: Events and Engagement
This year, we hosted 29 events that brought together over 1,200 attendees. These included:
- Three flagship events:
- Chamber Awards Gala: Celebrating business excellence.
- Economic Outlook Breakfast: Providing insights into economic trends.
- Employer Symposium: Exploring workforce innovations.
- 10 Business After Business networking events, hosted at various member businesses.
These events fostered meaningful connections, professional growth, and valuable discussions among members and stakeholders.
Empowering Through Education
We expanded our lunch-and-learn workshop series, hosting two new seminars:
- Intro to Grant Writing
- Intro to Strategic Planning
With more workshops planned for 2025, we remain committed to equipping our members with the tools and knowledge to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.
Advocacy and Leadership
Advocacy remained a priority, with five exclusive political roundtable discussions, featuring:
- Two municipal mayors,
- Our MLA,
- Our MP, and
- The Minister for Citizens’ Services.
In addition, our Executive Director, Tracey Clarke, joined the Board of Directors for the Canadian Chamber Executives of BC, amplifying the Comox Valley’s voice at the provincial level.
Membership Growth and Inclusivity
We are thrilled to have welcomed 47 new members this year, reflecting the Chamber’s growing impact and value. To further engage our community, we introduced the Social Membership category, designed for retirees and students not currently attached to a business, offering them a low-cost opportunity to stay connected with the local business ecosystem.
In 2024, we introduced a Ribbon-Cutting Service to celebrate grand openings, anniversaries, and milestone events. This service includes event promotion, use of our Giant Scissors and Wide Blue Ribbon, and a custom Shadow Box Memento to commemorate the occasion. We’re proud to help our members celebrate their achievements alongside local dignitaries, community leaders, and fellow Chamber members.
Economic Development Initiatives
This year saw the launch of two key projects shaping the region’s economic future:
- The Rural Business Initiative, supported by REDIP, addressing the unique challenges of rural businesses in Electoral Area C.
- The Municipal Business Initiative, supported by the Town of Comox and the City of Courtenay, fostering stronger collaboration between local governments and businesses.
Our Commitment to Community
At the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, we believe that giving back to our community is at the heart of what we do. Through a variety of philanthropic initiatives, we aim to make a positive impact and support those who make our community vibrant and strong.
NIC Bursary
Education is a cornerstone of personal and community growth, and we’re proud to support future leaders through our bursary at North Island College (NIC). This endowed bursary provides financial assistance to a deserving student pursuing studies in the Business School, helping them achieve their educational goals and contribute to the community’s success.
Annual Gala Contributions
Our annual Chamber Awards Gala is not only a celebration of business and community excellence but also a platform for generosity. Each year, we donate a portion of the gala’s proceeds to a charitable organization making a meaningful difference in the lives of Comox Valley residents.
- 2023 Recipient: Comox Valley Food Bank
- 2022 Recipients: Operation Freedom Paws and Eureka Support Society
These contributions are made possible through our online auction, enabling us to support impactful causes that align with our values.
Event Donations to Non-Profits
Throughout the year, we incorporate opportunities to give back into our events, selecting a different non-profit or charity to support each time. By doing so, we spread goodwill across a variety of causes, ensuring that many organizations benefit from our collective efforts.
- 2023 Ugly Sweater Party Recipient: Santa’s Workshop
- 2024 Summer BBQ Recipient: Comox Valley Farmers Market (New Farmer Bursary)
These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in our community. Thank you to our members and partners for supporting these efforts and helping us create a brighter future together
2024 has been a remarkable year, filled with accomplishments and milestones that highlight the strength and resilience of the Comox Valley business community. Thank you to our members, partners, and supporters for making this year such a success. We look forward to continuing this momentum in 2025!
Tracey Clarke is the Executive Director of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming Events
Saturday, January 25,2025: 50th Annual Chamber Awards Gala
Tuesday, February 11, 2025: Economic Outlook Breakfast