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Good afternoon,
March brings some challenges, but also opportunities for us to come together as a business community. The temporary closure of the Visitor Centre highlights the need for long-term solutions. While another road closure this Thursday will cause disruptions, we know our local businesses are resourceful and resilient.
Through it all, your Chamber remains focused on advocacy, solutions, and supporting you. We're sharing information from our partner networks like the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade who have a series of webinars to support navigating tariffs. We're also sharing the Community Safety Survey from the City of Port Alberni to help make sure the business communities voice is heard on this topic.
With board nominations now open, this is also a great time to bring fresh leadership and ideas to the table. If you or someone you know is passionate about strengthening our business community, I encourage you to get involved.
Despite challenges, this community continues to step up. Thank you for your resilience, your ideas, and your commitment to making the Alberni Valley a strong place to do business.
Together, we’ll find ways to adapt, grow, and thrive.
Sincerely,
Jolleen Dick
Chief Executive Officer
Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce
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Highway 4 FULL Road Closure
Please be advised that Mainroad Mid-Island Contracting crews will be cleaning up rockfall debris from behind barrier fencing on Highway 4 at Cameron Lake east of Angel Rock.
Date: Thursday, March 6, 9:00AM-3:00PM
This will be a full closure of Highway 4 between Chatsworth Rd and Old Nanaimo Highway Rd. No traffic will be able to get through until work is completed.
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Important Update: Visitor Centre Closure for March 2025
Due to a lack of funding and the termination of our visitor services contract the Port Alberni Visitor Centre will be closed for March 2025.
What This Means:
- The Visitor Centre and public washrooms will close March 1.
- Visitors will be directed to online resources for information.
- The Chamber remains fully operational, advocating for local businesses.
- We are working to secure long-term funding to restore services.
Read full release and backgrounder here:
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Welcome Our New Chamber Member!
We’re thrilled to welcome this incredible business to the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce network. They are already making waves in our region, and we encourage you to go and support them and all of the other incredible members joining our chamber community!
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Wild West Weddings & Events
Laury Kristensen
Assistance for your event is provided according to your unique needs. We have an extensive network of local professionals, including talented entertainers and musicians. We can procure any and all services needed to make your event exceptional. Let your imagination run wild with Wild West Weddings & Events.
📞 (250) 735-5444
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Nominations for AVCOC Board of Directors now open!
The Nomination Committee of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce, in accordance with the Chamber’s by-laws, is now opening the nomination period for candidates with established business, finance and leadership experience, to join its Board of Directors commencing in May 2025.
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March Chamber Events
We’ve got some fantastic opportunities for learning and networking coming your way! Whether you're a business owner aiming to boost community safety, protect your finances, or develop strong leadership skills, these events are tailored to support your growth and success.
Save the date, reserve your spot, and help us get the word out—share these valuable sessions with your team, clients, and connections!
Take a look at the details below and sign up today to be part of the conversation.
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Workshop
Decision Making & Effective Meetings
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Sharpen your decision-making and meeting facilitation skills in this interactive workshop! Learn to collaborate effectively, explore decision-making models, build consensus, and run productive meetings. Whether you lead a team or participate in key business discussions, this session with Theresa Kingston will give you the tools to succeed.
March 18 | 1:00 PM
Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre
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March Webinars
The Provincial Government, in partnership with the World Trade Centre Vancouver, is offering a free webinar series designed to help businesses navigate U.S. tariffs, explore global and domestic trade opportunities, and strengthen their market strategies. Each webinar includes live Q&A discussions, practical strategies, and expert advice to help your business stay competitive in an evolving economic landscape.
Whether you're looking to expand beyond the U.S., optimize trade within Canada, or better understand tariff impacts, this is a great opportunity to gain actionable knowledge—all at no cost.
Market Diversification - Expanding Beyond the U.S. by Utilizing Canada's FTAs
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM (PST)
Overview: This session will help businesses identify new export markets, understand Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and build resilience beyond the U.S.
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Domestic Trade & Interprovincial Expansion
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM PST
Overview: For businesses looking to reduce reliance on U.S. trade, this session explores interprovincial trade opportunities, overcoming regulatory barriers, and expanding within Canada.
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Also check out the Webinar the BC Economic Developers Association is hosting in partnership with the Red Cross related to their Ready Rating Business Continuity tool | |
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Disaster Preparedness and Business Continuity Planning
Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
Overview: Join BCEDA and the Canadian Red Cross to learn about the Ready Rating Program, a free service for organizations and businesses to make sure they are safe and ready. Ready Rating™ helps businesses, schools and organizations become better prepared for disasters and other emergencies.
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Introducing Our New 'Start-Up' Membership Tier!
Are you a new business, a business under new ownership, or an established business that has never joined the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce? Now is your chance to access all the incredible benefits of Chamber membership at a special introductory rate!
Who Qualifies?
- New businesses of any size or licensing status.
- Established businesses that have never been members.
- Businesses under new ownership where the new owner has never held AVCC membership.
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Community Safety Survey
from the City of Port Alberni
The City of Port Alberni - Community Safety & Social Development is conducting a safety engagement survey for the business community from mid-February to mid-March. The goal is to assess gaps in programs and services, guiding future grant applications for 2025-2026 initiatives.
The City is focused on fostering safer communities by addressing issues like unaffordable housing, homelessness, mental health, substance use, and social disorder. A 2024 gap analysis workshop identified key challenges, including policing resources, crime, clean streets, healthcare, and poverty. By 2026, a service map will be created to highlight community resources. Businesses are encouraged to participate and share the survey.
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