It's hard to believe that a whole year has passed since I stepped into the role of CEO at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce. I'm grateful for all the connections and learning this past year, and excited to continue amplifying the Voice of Business for our region. There is no greater privilege than serving my hometown and celebrating the successes as our community continues to grow and flourish.

Of course, the journey hasn't been without its challenges, but through it all, your support and commitment to the Alberni Valley has been nothing short of inspiring. It's been thrilling to see new businesses establish themselves and existing ones celebrate significant milestones. I love seeing the new offerings and creative collaborations happening and raising awareness of these every chance I get.

To connect our community, we brought back networking events by hosting Chamber Breakfasts and Luncheons to engage with each other but also hear on topics of interest. Our focus will remain on supporting each one of you, enhancing our community’s economic landscape, and making sure that the Alberni Valley remains a vibrant place to live, work, and do business. With that, we are establishing our board committees, and we encourage members to get involved because your voice matters.

We have a lot of exciting plans for the coming year, and I can't wait to embark on this journey with all of you. Your involvement is crucial to our success, and I encourage you to continue engaging with the Chamber Network as we strive to make the Alberni Valley a vibrant and prosperous business-friendly community.

Together, we are not just facing the future; we are shaping it and creating a vibrant and prosperous business-friendly community.

ƛ̓eekoo – thank you 

Jolleen Dick

Chief Executive Officer

Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce

Join Us in Shaping Tomorrow: Become a Board Member at the Chamber of Commerce

As we continue our journey of making make the Alberni Valley a vibrant and prosperous business-friendly community, we are thrilled to extend an invitation to each of you to consider stepping into a leadership role within the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce. We are actively seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our esteemed board of directors.

Why Join the Board?

Board membership at the Chamber of Commerce is not just a title; it's an opportunity to be at the forefront of driving positive change within our community. By becoming a board member, you will:

• Shape Strategic Direction: Contribute to setting the Chamber's strategic vision and priorities, guiding initiatives that support local businesses and promote economic vitality.
• Advocate for Change: Serve as a voice for the business community, advocating for policies and initiatives that create a conducive environment for growth and prosperity.
• Build Meaningful Connections: Forge valuable relationships with fellow board members, community leaders, and industry professionals, fostering collaboration and partnership.

How Can You Get Involved?

If you are passionate about making a difference and eager to contribute your skills and expertise to the betterment of our community, we encourage you to consider board membership. Whether you bring experience in business, finance, advocacy, or community engagement, your unique perspective is invaluable in shaping the future of our Chamber.

Take the Next Step:

To express your interest in joining the board or learn more about the responsibilities and expectations of board membership, please contact jolleen@albernichamber.ca. We welcome your enthusiasm and commitment to driving positive change, and we look forward to the opportunity to work together in shaping a brighter tomorrow for our community.

Looking to be more involved in the business community? Join one of our committees:

• Membership Committee 
• Governance Committee 
• Policy and Advocacy Committee 

We're thrilled to restart our committees that will guide and support implementation of our Strategic Plan.

Please send an expression of interest to jolleen@albernichamber.ca with your name, and which committees you’re interested in.  

For more info and terms of reference available on our website.

Last Friday, the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce had the pleasure of hosting our Chamber Breakfast with our Venue Partner, the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel. Our guest speaker was Member of Parliament Gord Johns.

The event was inspring and a success, with attendees from various

sectors of the community coming together to network, exchange ideas, and gain

valuable insights from MP Johns' experiences and perspectives in his role as the critic for Mental Health and Harm Reduction.

The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce extends heartfelt gratitude to MP Gord Johns for his inspiring words and invaluable contribution to the breakfast event. Additionally, a big thank you goes out to all who attended, making the morning both informative and enjoyable.

Stay tuned for upcoming Chamber events, where we continue to strive for the betterment of our community and the prosperity of local businesses.

The Alberni Valley's historic charm and community spirit took center stage during the McLean Mill 10K, a race that not only celebrated the region's rich heritage but also made a meaningful contribution to a local cause. Held on Sunday, April 7, this event marked the seventh installment of the Island Race Series, drawing attention to the area's national historic site while raising funds for KidSport Port Alberni.

Organized by Sasha Visona, founder of Ridge View Health and Wellness, the McLean Mill 10K had an extraordinary turnout with an impressive 458 runners crossing the finish line, up from 406 participants last year.

In true Alberni Valley fashion, the race was made possible by the dedicated efforts of a large group of volunteers who generously contributed their time and energy to ensure its smooth operation.

For those eager to explore the race results in detail, comprehensive information is available online at islandseries.org and startlinetiming.com.

Canada Digital Adoption Program - Alacrity Canada $2,400 Micro Grant

As part of the Canada Digital Adoption Program, the Government of Canada has partnered with Alacrity Canada to deliver the Grow Your Business Online grant to small businesses across the country. Eligible businesses will receive a micro-grant to help with the costs related to adopting e-commerce and will be supported by a network of e-commerce advisors. Registration is now open for both Small Business and E-commerce Advisor applicants.

For more information and to apply for this program, click here!

My Community Futures in an online platform to access services from Community Futures BC.

This website offers free workshops, peer masterminds and up to 10 hours of consulting for people thinking about starting a business, already operating a business, and managers of not-for-profits.

If the business or not-for-profit meets additional criteria (i.e. operating a revenue-generating enterprise grossing more than $15,000 in the last 12 months) then they are eligible to apply for a Business Training Reimbursement of up to 80% of costs to a maximum of $5,000. Employees are eligible for up to $2,500. Regarding employees, the workshops and peer masterminds are free for them as well.

Good news & updates made to the Securing Small Business Rebate Program

Updates to the application process will include:

Removing the requirement to provide an insurance claim when applying for funding through the reparative stream of the program. Applicants will now simply be required to provide the name of their insurance carrier and policy number.

Permitting self-installation of measures. If equipment is self-installed, the rebate will be for eligible equipment only.

Removing the requirement for the applicant to demonstrate there is vandalism in the community in order to be eligible for the preventative rebate.

Removing the application deadline of Feb. 29, 2024, for preventative and reparative applications being filed for 2023. Applications will be accepted until the program ends in 2025.

Click here to access the Application Guide

Build Your Own Future (BYOF)

In response to weakening markets and changes in the forestry sector, the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction has provided 3 years of funding for Hubspace to deliver a tailored business startup support program for tradespeople and technicians affected by BC mill closures and curtailments.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Eligible participants are:

• A tradesperson or technician (employees and contractors are both eligible) in any forestry sector.

• Affected by a BC mill closure or extended curtailment.

• Interested in operating a trades or technician service business.

More info here

Chamber Event Partnership Opportunities

Interested in partnering on a Chamber event? We have a number of opportunities available including:

• Gold Partners 
• Community Partners
• Door Prize Partners
• Presenting Partners (booking for June - Sept - Oct)
• Business After Business Hosts

Connect with the Chamber for more info and booking a limited partner slot: office@albernichamber.ca

Market your business directly to local business owners and their employees! 

The Chamber publishes its monthly newsletter to over 750 subscribers including 260 member businesses through the Alberni Valley. Our open rate in the past 12 months has been 49%.  

We are offering the following ads: 

-    Sponsored Content ($150 per issue) 

-    Banner Ads ($55 - $65 depending on placement) 

Book your ad with jolleen@albernichamber.ca