An article published in the Courier last month about the Chemainus & District Chamber of Commerce featured an interview with president Stephanie Ballantyne, who took over the position last August.
This happens to be BC Chamber of Commerce Week, ending on Feb. 19, and like everything else, the focus is much different than ever before with COVID. The celebration has shifted from the traditional progression and growth afforded through opportunities created by Chambers of Commerce to resilience, adaptability and similar traits encouraged by the powerful business network.
The provincial network of Chambers has worked hard to gather insight from businesses of all sizes across the province. Stories of hardship have been a common theme, but also of tremendous resilience.
At the local level, the work continues with Ballantyne and the Chamber’s managing director Emily Weeks.
Related story: Chamber president brings abundant experiences into prominent position
The Chamber recently launched a new website and another site for the Visitor Centre aiming to promote all attractions and tourism-related businesses, services and amenities across the district is in line for a roll-out by the end of the month.
There’s also plans for a new logo being developed by Simone Diamond, a young artist from Cowichan Tribes.
“We are also developing an online education workshop series for the spring that will focus on relevant business topics,” Ballantyne pointed out during the previous article.
These are just a few of the projects currently underway, with others in the preliminary phases of review. We can expect further details soon as things progress.
Another high priority for the Chamber team is to maintain and foster a strong working relationship with the Chemainus Business Improvement Association and its executive director Krystal Adams.
It’s been a tough time the last few years for Chemainus businesses with weather and the pandemic, but everyone working together ensures a brighter future.
