With Chamber of Commerce Week underway, Vernon has some special events to commemorate the occasion.
The province has proclaimed Feb. 15 to 19, Chamber of Commerce Week in British Columbia. This proclamation recognizes more than 125 chambers of commerce across the province and the work they do to grow B.C.’s economy and create jobs, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Coralee Oakes announced.
“This week we’re celebrating the vital role chambers play in working with businesses to strengthen our economy and create vibrant communities throughout British Columbia,” said Oakes. “We’ve worked closely with the BC Chamber of Commerce to get input and advice so we can continue to create valuable resources for small business owners and assist future entrepreneurs.”
This year’s theme, Empowering B.C. Businesses, celebrates the leadership role that chambers play in their local communities where they build links as business advocates and encourage policies that support business and economic development. In the past year, the B.C. government has worked closely with the BC Chamber of Commerce to ensure small businesses can participate in economic opportunities and that their voices are heard through participation on B.C.’s Small Business Roundtable. The chamber also helps business owners and their employees develop skills and learn new tools through promotion of the Canada B.C. Job Grant to its membership.
The BC chamber has been consistent with its message: red tape is one of the biggest burdens business owners face in growing their businesses and creating new jobs. Government has heard that message loudly and clearly and is responding by reducing unnecessary regulatory requirements by more than 43 per cent since 2001.
“It’s hard to say enough about the impact of local chambers,” said John Garson, president and CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce. “Every day, throughout British Columbia, local chambers are finding new ways to empower B.C. businesses. Whether it’s through strategic business advocacy or by providing professional development and networking.”
Chamber Week events by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce include Business After 5 Tuesday. Thursday marks the end of public voting for the People’s Choice Award for the 2016 Business Excellence Award.