I am pleased to be President of the CVCC Board of Directors, entering the second year of my term, continuing our work at answering the question: Why should I join the Chamber?
The CVCC AGM was a fun and sweet success, satisfying but a bit nutty- oh wait that was the ice-cream sundae bar! For those of you who unfortunately missed the event last week, I am excited to share a bit of a recap of the evening.
I was able to share and remind those in attendance about the membership perks which can also be found on the chamber website: cvchamber.ca. From access to group benefits through the Chamber Plan, to advertising opportunities, discounts, a seat at the table and access to our CVCC exclusive networking and learning events. Why CVCC? For the perks!
Executive Director Pete Bourke reviewed the many projects, events, operations and initiatives that the CVCC participated in and accomplished this past year which includes acting as the Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Office. Some of the other worthy endeavors we supported or spearheaded include: Angel Flight East Kootenay, Columbia Valley Housing Society, Columbia Valley Physician Recruitment, Imagine Kootenay as well as facilitating the individual business community meetings of the Invermere Business Committee (IBC) and the Fairmont Business Committee (FBC) – and watch for RBC starting soon. Why CVCC? Because we support endeavors that support the people and business of the Columbia Valley.
We celebrated our events this past year as well. Our Chamber Connections have been a popular and growing networking monthly event (2nd Tuesday of the month throughout the Valley). Our Business Best Ball tournament was again a hole in one. Join us for the next golf tournament at the Radium Springs Course on June 17th! And the Business Excellence awards were, well… Excellent! Picnic Palooza in Fairmont was new to our schedule, while we continued to be #valleystrong with The Great Gift Card Sale and Winter Wonderland Market. This is only a selection of the full calendar in support of Business. Why CVCC? Because it provides learning and networking opportunities!
I was extremely fortunate to be able to attend the BC Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) AGM last spring, held in Kelowna. The conference was filled with almost 200 Chamber of Commerce Presidents, board members and Executive Directors from all over the province. Seeing the work that goes on behind the scenes by CVCC and the Chambers across the province was inspiring and shocking. At the BCCC we debated, discussed, and voted on 42 different polices that originated as important issues to the members of the authoring Chambers. Often here, in relatively small-town Columbia Valley, we can feel that the rest of the province doesn’t listen to us, but when it came to voting, I was surprised to feel the weight of my vote. The strength of our membership determines our voting. And CVCC was assigned 7 votes based on our size, out of a maximum of 10 votes, which means that our voice was heard and not overwhelmed by the power of larger centres. I am very much looking forward to this year, which is being held in June in Nanaimo. Why CVCC? Because they are advocating for business on a provincial and federal scale.
The accomplishments of our CVCC are because of the team that is at the CVCC. I am grateful for Pete and his crew and all they do! I don’t think other Chambers are as lucky as we are to have such hard working, passionate people behind and in front of the scenes. I also want to thank all the business owners who choose to dedicate their limited time to volunteer along side me on the board of directors. Although we will miss those who have had to step away this year, we appreciate the time you were able to gift us. I am very excited to move forward with our new board of directors, who I all know believe, as I do, that supporting Valley Business is of value. Keep in mind that there are volunteer opportunities available with the CVCC outside of board membership as well. As president of the Board of Directors at the CVCC, I invite you to approach any of us to share how we can specifically support you and your business, and help you too continue to answer: Why should I join the CVCC? We are the voice of business in the Columbia Valley – add your voice to ours!