– Jen Dart is Executive Director of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250.725.3153. www.tofinochamber.org.
TOFINO – It’s been a bustling summer in Tofino, a busy time during which we suspend Chamber events. Right before we broke for the summer, just over 50 members had the opportunity to enjoy our June Member Luncheon at the Tofino Botanical Gardens.
Thanks to George Patterson, Chef Dylan Tilston and the entire crew at Darwin’s Café in the gardens for providing such an amazing venue, lunch and weather! Chef Dylan served a variety of delicious dishes from Darwin’s new lunch menu (the café also serves espresso, all day breakfast and lunch, as well as baked goods).
This event was co-sponsored by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, and we are grateful to Evan Hauser, Norine Messer, Iris Frank and Chris Seitcher for coming to speak to our member businesses about the opportunity for greater and meaningful employment of local Nuu-chah-nulth. It is the Chamber’s hope that we can be a body to assist in engaging the business community more in this area.
Thanks as well to our newly re-elected NDP MLA and now Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Scott Fraser for attending and giving us an update on provincial matters as best he could at that time of some confusion following the provincial election.
Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne was also in attendance and kind enough to address the members present. The Chamber and its members are fortunate to have the support of community sponsors and leaders to make our luncheon and other events useful and engaging. We look forward to a busy fall full of events!
This fall will also see the launch of the Chamber’s Try Local Tofino program, developed with the support of the District of Tofino’s Community Economic Development Advisory Committee.
This program has the dual goal of emphasizing the importance of shifting purchasing locally, as well as highlighting locally made products under the Made in Tofino banner. A dedicated website will highlight discounts aimed at local residents and Made in Tofino products will be showcased on Tourism Tofino’s website. We are excited to roll out this program and get local businesses involved.
Finally, a big welcome to our newest Chamber members: Askus 4 C Adventures, Tofino Mobile Massage, Tuff City Radio, Pacific Rim Chiropractor, Tofino Food Tours, On the Edge Roofing, Pope and Sons Refrigeration, Dwell Tofino Vacation Homes, Harbourfront Guest Suite, Mackenzie Beach Resort, The Francis, 1909 Kitchen, The Hatch Watefront Pub, Tofino Licks, Smallwood Guest House, Aauuknuk Lodge and the Wildside Trail.