About the Chamber of Commerce
What is the Chamber of Commerce?
The Chemainus Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit business association, non-sectional and non-sectarian and does not lend its support to any candidate for public office. All elected Board Members are volunteers. Its mandate is "to promote and improve trade and commerce and the economic, civic and social welfare of the district."
Who is the Chamber of Commerce?
"We" the Chamber are "You" the Members. It is you who provide the ideas, drive, goals and means to support the Chamber mandate and initiatives.
How does the Chamber Work?
The policies, programs and activities of the Chamber are determined by its Board of Directors, elected by the membership. Board Members and a full-time Manager organize and execute the Chamber's activities to address membership needs.
How is the Chamber Financed?
The Chamber is a "business" and incurs costs of operations and expenses similar to any other business. Its major funding derives from membership and the efforts of those involved in annual fundraising.
What does the Chamber Do and Why Should I Join?
The Chamber is a catalyst - the vehicle through which all segments can work together for the mutual benefit of our businesses and our communities. We need to help each other in order to maintain a competitive edge, plan wisely for growth, present a united voice to the various government agencies on issues that affect us, and work co-operatively to share resources, information and expertise. Can you afford NOT to join this team?
Benefits of Chamber Membership
Membership doesn't cost - it pays. Investing time and energy in your membership is a great return on your investment. To maximize your benefits - get involved, meet people, and be available for other businesses. Our Chamber is committed to providing services and opportunities to meet the needs of our member businesses. As a member you are supporting an organization that represents your interest in the community. We are here to help build your business.
Your memberhip gives you access to:
- Member benefits
- Representation and lobbying
- Informational meetings, seminars and events
- Chamber business updates and publications
- Networking and promotional opportunities
- Feature advertising in the Chamber newsletter
- Business services and referrals
- Discounts on products and services
- The Membership Directory
- Listing on the Chamber web page
- Links to other web pages
- Further support of the business community
Chamber of Commerce General Meetings
Dinner meetings are usually held on the third Monday of every second or third month, with the exception of summer months. Information on Chamber activities will be included in the bi-monthly newsletter or can be obtained from the Chamber Office.
Message from the President
"A vision without a task is but a dream, A task without a vision is drudgery, But a vision and a task - that is the hope of the world. - Sussex 1886
How is your business doing? More important....how are you doing?
With all of the modern world time saving technology isn't it amazing how quickly we can get things done? Even more amazing is that instead of this technology freeing up time for leisure activities, we just manage to do many more things all at the same time. With so much going on requiring our attention, we tend to get so busy meeting the demands of daily work that we forget we have the power to create our lives.
Good or bad, every once in a while something happens to bring it all back into perspective.
Chemainus is made up of an incredibly diverse group of people. We are a business community, an artistic community, a community with leisure activities for residents that may be enjoyed year round. As a group we have the power to do so much more to enhance our businesses, our community, our lives. How to work it all in when the day is already full of tasks, the schedule is already full? Vision and networking.
Vision...you never want to lose sight of where you are going, and networking...sometimes seen as "just one more task" to add to your already overscheduled day. The Chamber of Commerce offers you the opportunities to network with the people who share your frustrations, share your concerns...and will share their vision and solutions.
When looking for goods or services, support the people who support the community. If we support each other and work together as a team there is nothing that we cannot accomplish.
- Karen Bennett-O'Brien |
