The Chamber works all year on advocacy issues that affect chamber members and business in the Comox Valley. Since we are working diligently on these issues, we sometimes forget to share the ‘wins’ and meaningful collaborations. So here are a few from 2018…
Construction Industry Collaboration: The Chamber hosted a workshop with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association to discuss the new BC Building Codes. A great spin off from this was a collaborative partnership with Buildinglinks allowing us to bring even more information to our members.
Comox Valley Regional District & Grease Traps: The Chamber met with local restaurant owners and the CVRD to discuss concerns around the proposed grease trap waste deadline for collection. Through discussions, we are pleased to report that the deadline has been extended to December 31, 2019. The CVRD will focus on effective ways of processing grease trap waste at the landfill site. This is a BIG win for the hundreds of restaurants in the Valley.
The Chamber holds a seat on the “get your poop in a group” advisory committee, aka CV Sewerage System Liquid Waste Management Planning Public Advisory Committee.
Vital Signs Report collaboration: This year the Chamber chose to sponsor the 2018 Vital Signs report. We see this report as a key resource. The report outlines many gaps and needs in the Valley and is a great tool for business and for promoting the well-being of our community. We have copies in the office if you don’t have yours yet.
BC Employment Standards Act Reform & Business: Recently the provincial government introduced proposed changes to the Labour Standards Act that will greatly impact business. In the new year we are hosting a round table discussion with key members and MLA Ronna Rae Leonard.
First Year of the Corporate Partners Program – Its been great! 2018 was the first year we launched the corporate partners program. We are pleased to have corporate partners who are continuing their year-long partnership and support of the Chamber as well as introducing two new corporate partners in 2019. It’s a great opportunity for businesses to raise their profile in the community.
Vancouver Island Chamber Collaboration: On December 6 in Victoria, BC 18 Chambers united to ask DFO to review their South Resident Killer Whale critical habitat extension and to seek further input from business, indigenous peoples, and to invite citizen science to the table. Both provincial and national media were on hand and Dianne was on CBC on behalf of the Chambers.
Societies Act changes: The chamber hosted a “changes to the Societies Act” seminar with Martha Rans, a Vancouver lawyer who specializes in legal consulting to Not-for-Profits.
That’s just a sprinkling of the reach we’ve made this year and we’re pleased! Our advocacy efforts have affected local business, not-for-profits and citizens in the Valley.
Municipal, provincial and federal governments look to the Chamber to check the pulse of our community. As well, they utilize Chamber resources when they need to connect with local business and issues.
Thank you and Happy New Year!
Dianne Hawkins, CEO. The Comox Valley Chamber: Building Good Business. For more information on the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, visit: www.comoxvalleychamber.com or call 250-334-3234.