Earlier this month, the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce elected its Board of Directors for 2017/18 at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting.
The strength of the Chamber and the commitment of its volunteer board is reflected in the directors elected to serve on the 2017/18 Chamber Board.
The Chamber Executive consists of:
Re-elected Board Chair: Corby Lamb. President/Owner, Capacity Forest Management
Directors:
Bev Herperger, General Manager, Anchor Inn &Suits
Cheryl O’Connell, Dean, School of Continuing Education and training North Island College
Craig Willett, President and general manager of Bailey Western Star Trucks Inc.
Curtis Wilson, Artist and representative Nanwakolas Council
Dale Henderson, Regional Manager, Coastal Community Credit Union
Dave Hamilton, Group Publisher North Island Division, Black Press
David Minato, Regulatory Affairs and Communications, Grieg Seafood
Debra Cunningham, General Manager Quay West Kitchen &Catering Inc.
Gina Forsyth, Independent Contractor, Gina Forsyth Inc.
Julie Chenard, CPA, CA, Ca-Chan, Nowosad, Boats
Leona Perkins, Manager, Waypoint Insurance
Randall Heidt, Vice President Strategic Initiatives at North Island College
Terry Storey, Owner, Iris The Vision Group
The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting was led off by Corby Lamb, board chair, who spoke of the Chamber’s success and highlights over the past year including:
The Chamber advocated successfully for the creation of a stable and prosperous forestry policy. They addressed concerns around business succession planning and co-authored a policy at the BC Chamber AGM that moved forward for debate at the provincial government and shared their reasons for consideration as to what the impact to business are around the minimum wage increase.
In addition to the 2016 Business Walk and member survey, the chamber entered into a partnership with MNP to undertake a business leader survey early in 2017 to provide community and business insights.
Their luncheons with Minister Thomson, Coleman and Fassbender and Rachel Blaney provided members the opportunity to discuss the future prosperity in Campbell River, in addition to the Business Leaders luncheons we hosted with local business leaders and discussions with MLA Claire Trevena.
In 2016 the Chamber created a new event, Future 15, to showcase the diversity of talent and success. It recognized 15 individuals living in the community who are driving change and building new opportunities for Campbell River prosperity.
The Business Awards of Distinction saw the chamber recognize Craig Willett as the recipient of the Board of Governor’s Award in 2016. The chamber reached a milestone in the highest number of award nominees to date and exceeded our fundraising goal for that event.
The Chamber hosted many face-to-face meetings throughout the year to inform its advocacy efforts in 2016 and to determine what its business advocacy efforts in 2017/2018 will be. From these meetings a new e-newsletter was initiated that demonstrates what the Chamber positions are on key issues, what we are doing to address those issues and concerns and highlighting information and data to help its members grow and prosper.
New opportunities were created to connect with members through social media, business after hour, business expo, annual Chamber BBQ and Holiday Jingle Mingle events.
The launch of an ambassador program supported connecting members and introducing new members at events and workshops.
The Chamber Board approved a Succession Policy and Plan for Chamber Board and staff. This past year saw a few staff and Board changes. Board members who have given so much of their time, talent and commitment to support chamber members were acknowleged.
The Chamber presented retiring Board member, Kim Jarvis of Shadoe Intimates with a plaque acknowledging her efforts to draw attention to the role of small business and small business ownership. She has served her maximum number of terms on the Chamber and been a champion for the Chamber and our role in Campbell River.
Chamber Board Chair, Corby Lamb, warmly thanked the board members and staff for their work. Lamb emphasized that the hard work and talents of Chamber President &CEO, Colleen Evans, along with staff and the Chamber Board, have made Campbell River Chamber one of the most respected in the province.
Businesses interested in Chamber Membership, are encouraged to contact Chamber office at 250-287-4636 and speak to Angela Caparelli, Business Services Development Coordinator. Campbell River and District Chamber of Commerce is the community’s leading advocate and champion for business. The Chamber represents the needs and interests of over 570 businesses and their employees. They actively promote a positive business climate that builds and nurtures a prosperous community.