Dianne Hawkins, CEO of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
It’s incredible what can happen in a century. As the Chamber celebrates turning 100 years young this year, we’ve been reflecting on how the Chamber has stayed a consistent part of the community since 1919. We feel it’s worth turning the focus onto some of our long-standing members who have supported the Chamber throughout the years.
CIBC has been a member of the Chamber since 1919 (100 years!) and is a strong advocate for the local business community. In addition to offering banking services, CIBC supports numerous charitable initiatives each year, like YANA and KidStart, through CIBC Miracle Day. We are proud to have their support through 2019 as one of our Corporate Partners, as well as Headline Sponsors for our birthday party in September, the Centennial Celebration.
Waypoint Insurance in Courtenay, formerly Vancouver Island InsuranceCentre, has been a member since 1968. It was way back in 1863 when then BC Land & Insurance Group recorded its first transaction in the Comox Valley. Now Waypoint has locations across the island and on the mainland.
Since 1978, the same year they opened for business, Desolation Sound Yacht Charters has been a member. They focus on creating a green boating experience. Can’t afford your own ‘yacht’ just charter one from Desolation Sound Yacht Charters.
In 1980, Comox Valley Hyundai, Service Canada and Jackson & Associates became Chamber members. For more than 35 years, Comox Valley Hyundai has been a trusted and respected car dealer on Vancouver Island. Jackson & Associates has been providing independent appraisal and consulting services in the Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast for almost 40 years. Service Canada plays an integral part in providing essential federal services to the Comox Valley.
Our ‘younger’ members have their own milestones to celebrate this year. ACS Computer Solutions, a member since 2001, is celebrating 25 years of business in the Comox Valley. ACS gives back to the local community by donating to a different charitable organization each month through their computer recycling program. So far, ACS has donated over $1,200 to local charities, including Habitat for Humanity, Kitty Kat PALS, YANA and the Boys and Girls Club.
The team at Hot Chocolates (Chamber member since 1993) and Cakebread Artisan Bakery pedalled their way to a winning spot in the Comox Valley Regional District’s Commuter Challenge this year. They also helped raise over $13,000 through the Best Valley Vonka Fundraiser for YANA.
Not only are these organizations long-time Chamber members, they are also long-time community members. Some of these organizations were in business long before they joined the Chamber, and some of them have changed ownership throughout their lifetime. We’ll be celebrating our long-time members at an exclusive Milestone ceremony on September 28. After the ceremony, everyone is invited to come to our birthday bash, the Centennial Celebration, which features live music from the wildly entertaining band, the Timebenders and local, craft beer from Land and Sea Brewing Co. Tickets are available on our website, www.comoxvalleychamber.com.
The Comox Valley Chamber is proud of its accomplishments since 1919 and is looking forward to the next 100.
Dianne Hawkins, CEO of 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.