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Report from Chamber Economic Recovery Coordinator, Millie Stirling

By April 21, 2022Uncategorized

Report from Chamber Economic Recovery Coordinator, Millie Stirling

Lot’s have been happening behind the scenes at the Chamber.
On behalf of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, Millie has been attending the BC Chamber and BC Chamber Executive meetings bi-weekly. These meetings have allowed us to make some excellent connections and new partnerships that will open doors and help our Chamber grow and increase the benefits we provide to our Members.
Here are some of her key takeaways from these informative meetings:

BC Chamber Meeting

*BC Chamber of Commerce deadline for policy submission has passed and they are in the process of reviewing the policies.  We will receive notice of the policies that will be reviewed at the AGM by April 29. BC Chamber of Commerce AGM June 7-9.  Millie will be attending.

*Bill 10 – Labour Relations Code Changes.  Link to Bill 10:  https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/legislation-debates-proceedings/42nd-parliament/3rd-session/bills/progress-of-bills

*Cannabis Consumption Spaces.  Link to Survey: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/cannabisconsumptionspaces/

*Strategic Plan Roundtable scheduled between May 10-19.  We will be meeting as a Vancouver Island region by zoom with our BC Chamber staff and Board.

*Network discussion on helping displaced Ukrainian Families.  Some of our Chamber partners have been involved in assisting families to find work in their new community.   Resources available through BC Chamber and several government websites as well as websites specific to each community.

 

BC Chamber Executive

*Victoria CEO advised the group of the serious current taxi shortage in Victoria.  In addition to the concern for tourism – the first cruise ship arrived in Victoria recently with 1400 passengers requiring cabs, 2 taxis showed up – it is also a safety concern for the community, especially latenight workers requiring transportation.  Discussion and confirmation of the Ride Share Policy submitted by the Vancouver Island Chambers to the BC Chamber of Commerce.

*The Topic for this meeting was partnerships.  I spoke about our Partnership with the LDBA, FOL and Arts Council on the shop local initiative. I continue to foster our relationship with the LDBA and have already met with the incoming president to look at was to collaborate in 2022.  Also, spoke of our partnership with the Town and the contract with the Chamber to provide a Visitor Information Centre and the 4 Chamber accord that has been re-established – Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan and Lake Cowichan.   Some Chambers have very strong relationships with their Indigenous communities, education for our BCCE to help understand and strengthen relations for all Chambers and their First Nations is being planned.

Upcoming meetings:

April 22, 2022 – I am attending the AGM for the Nanaimo Chamber and witness the Memorandum of Understanding between the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and the Snuneymuxw First Nations

April 26, 2022 – I have been invited to attend a Round Table is to discuss the future of air travel from Nanaimo Airport with Air Canada