The Campbell River Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual general meeting on June 19 at the Berwick by the Sea.
Speaking about the 2017-2018 as a ‘ year of progressive advocacy and leadership’ for the Chamber, Board Chair, Corby Lamb thanked the returning directors for continuing on the board for the coming year and welcomed two new directors who will join the board in a staged succession.
“Having a highly functional, focused and dedicated Board and excellent staff is important for any organization, and for a business organization with a volunteer board, it is always a critical part of strategic planning and success,” Lamb said.
Lamb will serve a second year as Board Chair, as will Renee Lange in her role as Secretary/Treasurer acclaimed by the directors.
“2017 was a successful year for the Chamber, financially, and overall, with membership growth and strong member retention. Alongside business growth and population increases in our community, the Campbell River Chamber reflected this strength with an active, engaged membership; wins on the business advocacy side with the support of policies our membership brought forward; and insights to grow the people who power Campbell River,” said Lamb.
Returning directors include:
Michael Boulet, Conflict Management Help (Past Board Chair)
Gina Forsyth, Gina Forsyth Independent
Dale Henderson, Coastal Community Credit Union
Bev Herperger, Anchor Inn & Suites
Corby Lamb, Capacity Forest Management Ltd. (Chamber Board Chair)
Leona Perkins, Waypoint Insurance Services Inc.
Craig Willett, Bailey Western Star Trucks Inc.
Re-elected directors include:
Debra Cunningham, Quay West
Randall Heidt, North Island College
Renee Lange, Capacity Forest Management Ltd. (Secretary/Treasurer)
Cheryl O’Connell, North Island College
Terry Storey, Fyi Dotors
Curtis Wilson, Nanwakolas Council
Newly-elected directors include:
Carol Chapman, A Cut Above
Erin Neely, Pacific Coastal Airlines
The AGM keynote speaker was Peter Guo, who leads MNP BC’s Cannabis Services Team on the top of the Canadian Cannabis sector. Peter provided an excellent overview of the sector and the results to date of working with licensed producers, entrepreneurs and investors to establish leading practices and capitalize on every opportunity so they can grow a successful business in this emerging market. The presentation is available on the Chamber’s website at www.campbellriverchamber.ca
The past year was a time of measureable outcomes for the Chamber. Highlights included:
- Policy wins for local business from two policies we developed containing recommendations to both the provincial and federal government. Realizing the Potential of Aquaculture in BC and Using Purchasing Power to Drive Growth, Prosperity and Community Benefit; Post AGM we saw both the federal and provincial government responding positively with new legislation announced on community benefit and social procurement;
- The launch of a new Chamber TV show on Shaw TV called Insights & Business, produced by the Campbell River Chamber featuring local business leaders on the issues, concerns and opportunities that are on the minds of local businesses;
- A new CEO/business leaders survey conducted by the Chamber in partnership with MNP, with 200 local business leaders providing timely, relevant, data and insights on business and the economy in Campbell River;
- Sold out events including the signature Business Awards of Distinction, celebrating innovation, leadership and success of individuals, organizations and businesses shaping the future of Campbell River;
- Polls, surveys and information sessions providing opportunities for members to become better informed on those issues that are keeping members up at night and then the solutions to address those;
- The Campbell River Chamber celebrated its 85th year with the launch of a newly designed website, www.campbellriverchamber.ca, set up to better serve member businesses in Campbell River