Chamber of Commerce Benefits

Does the Chamber of Commerce and Industry really achieve something in the small towns here in Northern BC? Perhaps one of the House Manager, Director or a strong supporter of the Chamber will chime and see this as an opportunity to overcome the common objections of small business owners and also the efforts of their industry and promote local Chamber of Commerce.

Honestly, what to do and Industry Chamber of Commerce? Our tours of Northern British Columbia showed that we were not the only one to ask the question. Our straw poll is not scientific, but the general consensus is that the rooms are outdated entities. At least they have to reinvent themselves.

Our conclusion? Industry and Commerce has an ambitious goal: to increase membership. Plain means that more members more money. Are likely to meet the staff and other overhead costs, the additional revenue the space to programs or host visitors in the community, whose expertise can benefit run by the membership. But is it really?

Space for future members of the trade, some lounge actions:

First Guest Speaker Series: The dining room is a joint service of the house big or small. Lunch is a guest speaker, who may or may not be paid for his efforts to organize. Political candidates always generate a high turnout. Regardless of the context of the speaker, we found that lunch seldom adapted to the local community. I compare this with the rock band on tour with the ending “Thank you! You guys rock!” The public may bring a good feeling, but ultimately it is not legitimate, the small business owner.

Second Financial Benefits: Several rooms list long distance savings, lower fuel costs, discounts and Bank Hotel Prices reduced benefits of membership. Are you serious? The online world for the buyer is built, to negotiate, so choose a Brown Bag Lunch, a restaurant and find out how to travel for less use Hotwire, insurance get cheaper at Canadian Direct Insurance or bank without the help of HSBC new “Business Direct” account. If you do not have computer skills, you can transform your colleagues to buy a meal and engage in a productive lunch “Lunch and Learn” session. Out closer to home, save fuel with the Coop (self service) CARDLOCK system. Of course, you have to join the club Coop Vanderhoof, but again, you will receive a refund once a year based on your annual purchases are. You will be impressed with the savings.

Third Information for New Businesses: The Board has always been strong in the exchange of information, but slip the information age of today, Chambers. Once an information channel business at large sites of Chambers, are now largely based on member to member services. In a small town, this strategy has little in return for two people in the room and the chamber member. Up and down Route 16 and 97, the offices have a lot of personal space similar model to the needs of local communities. We find it strange that some small towns with limited resources is responsible for both a manager and a chamber’s economic development. For what purpose? Of course, the cost for the additional position with funds from the federal / provincial, but in the end, what is the purpose to be bought? Since similar positions within the local municipalities, Indian Bands and offices of SADC exist, it is not time to take a different approach?

I am concerned for the communities of northern British Columbia and the chambers of commerce and industry which they represent. Our communities are growing. Our long history of dependence on the forest industry has given us so nearsighted that almost all conceivable economic plan B blurred, out of range, or at least seems years away. The people of Northern British Columbia need the voice of the leadership of the room to talk more than ever before.