CAMPBELL RIVER – A highly engaging and sold out Chamber luncheon focusing on the aquaculture sector, included panelists Dallas Smith of the Nanwakolas Council, Dr. Jim Powell, CEO of the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences, Jeremy Dunn, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association and Randall Heidt, VP Strategic Initiatives, NIC and moderated by Cheryl O’Connell, Dean of Trades and Technical Programming, NIC. The event provided an opportunity for the panelists to collectively emphasize that science, not emotion, needs to take the lead in aquaculture discussions and the polarized sides need to realize there’s a middle ground somewhere that is well worth trying to find.
The discussions around the table were collaborative and insightful and guests walked away with not only a greater understanding of the industry but a new appreciation that the hard questions were asked and opened up new opportunities to keep the conversation going.
Our Chamber is finalizing a policy on aquaculture, Realizing the Potential of Aquaculture in BC that we will be taking forward to the BC Chamber AGM in May with recommendations to both the provincial and federal government. A copy of the draft policy that is out for community consultation is available on the Chamber’s website at www.campbellriverchamber.ca
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A free information night to hear about the Chamber’s next travel destination to China in October is planned for March 14 from 5:30pm to 7:00 pm. A new totally free Chamber member benefit that allows members to share their views and connect in conversations across the province.
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Congratulations to Robin Modesto (RPF) and professional engineer of Campbell River on being acclaimed as president of the Association of BC Forest Professionals. Congratulations to the City of Campbell River on being awarded the provincial Open For Business Award. With Campbell River experiencing the second lowest vacancy rate on Vancouver Island, the recent approvals of major development permits for multi-storey apartment buildings and housing diversity are great news.
Our Chamber enjoys the opportunity to work with all the major political parties, elected officials and senior staff at all levels of government to help business grow and achieve economic success. We recently hosted at a Chamber lunch the leader of the NDP Party, Jagmeet Singh and MP Rachel Blaney and had the opportunity to emphasize the significant contributions that business makes to our community and local economy.
Colleen Evans is Executive Director at the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce.