Spring has sprung- Revelstoke Mountain Resort continues to get fresh powder on Gnorm the Gnome; it's amazing to see them operating for a full winter season. We have all been rolling with the punches, and it feels like they have subsided for now from a pandemic standpoint. The changes in Provincial restrictions have been methodically loosened and we remain optimistic that this trend will continue.
Our spring has been packed full- you will read below that we welcomed a new Board of Directors at our AGM and we are so grateful to have their talents and expertise onboard.
Thank you for all of the membership renewals. I would encourage all of our members to update their information using the link provided below, and thanks for staying engaged with us.
We've identified what we believe to be some of our main struggles; Housing, Worker Shortage, and Mental Health and Wellness. These three issues are intertwined and none are simple to solve. Through every facet of operations we are continually looking through these lenses to catch opportunities on these key issues.
We've been working with our partners on the housing piece, and our Advocacy Committee has been examining the LMIA process in-depth to take a run at proposing some better solutions to pull at a larger pool of workers. To address the mental health piece, I have found that gathering again has been a tremendous help. I feel like I'm stepping into the room as a different person than I used to be pre-pandemic, and that a lot of us have this in common. We all have our own versions of the challenges and strains that we carry and struggle with, and it feels very heartening to gather with our members in solidarity of doing great business and connecting with each other. I would really encourage you all to consider joining the membership at some events in the coming days.
We have a Chamber luncheon planned for Wednesday April 13, an Apres on the 28th, and the BMFF is coming up soon as well. Details below.
I'm looking forward to seeing you out there. It's time!
Best wishes,
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Stacey Brensrud | Executive Director |
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Left to right: Brendan Benson - Cronometer, Christina Chong - Sync Accounting, Michelle Hardy - Revelstoke Credit Union, Jamie Hobgood - Revelstoke Credit Union, Chandra Kerry - Universal Footwear, Greg Rose - Roxy Theatre Revelstoke , Maggie Spizzirri - Moxie Marketing, Laura White - Revy Web Design Inc., Mayor of the City of Revelstoke, Gary Sulz. | Missing from the photo: Connie Brothers, Josh McLafferty Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery and Kim Spence - Revelstoke Mountain Resort
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It felt so great to gather in person for our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 16th!
Our Executive Officers for 2022-2023:
President: Maggie Spizzirri
Vice President: Josh McLafferty
Treasurer: Christina Chong
Secretary: Jamie Hobgood
Our Directors for 2022-2023:
Brendan Benson
Connie Brothers
Michelle Hardy
Chandra Kerry
Greg Rose
Kim Spence
Laura White
Our Chamber was established 127 years ago and is powered by volunteers. Welcome and thank you!
If you missed the AGM but would like to know more about what we did in 2021, click here to read our 2021 Annual Report.
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HONORARY MEMBER.
We are proud to announce that an honorary 2022 Chamber membership has been granted by our Board of Directors to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 46. Thank you for the important work that you do, and for your service.
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NEW MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES FOR 2022.
Thank you for your continued support- we've had a flurry of renewals and we appreciate it so much. Your new membership certificates will be coming to you soon.
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Columbia Bookkeeping provides full cycle bookkeeping services along with payroll, management accounting, advisory, personal taxes and more. Utilizing todays top cloud-based systems we are able to support business owners and individuals with digital, remote-based solutions to work from anywhere.
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Expressive Interiors are a locally owned independent retailer of Benjamin Moore Paint & Stain. They also specialize in the supply and install of blinds.
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RevyTech offers repairs on cellphones, computers and more. They also specialize in rentals for vehicles, action cameras, laptops and hotspots.
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Signs Ink is an established local business that has been serving Revelstoke and the surrounding area since 1998. They work with businesses to create custom signage from start to finish. Don't know what you need exactly? Let their experienced and personable staff help you. No job is too small for their shop; whether it's a series of signs and banners for a large resort or a small decal for your car.
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Photo: Olly Hogan, Tourism Revelstoke, Chubby Funsters |
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APRIL CHAMBER LUNCHEON - WORKBC & WAGE SUBSIDY.
When: Wednesday, April 13 from 12:00-1:00pm
Where: Chubby Funsters
Cost: $25
We’re really excited to gather again, FINALLY after all of the ups and downs.
Meet some of the Chamber’s new Board Directors. We’ll also hear from Work BC’s BR Whalen to learn about services that may benefit your organization. Learn about:
- 24-Week WorkBC Wage Subsidy Program
- Canada Job Board
- Job Starts to support new hires
- Assistive Technology Services
- Customized Employment
- Community and Partnership Services
- And other supports our WorkBC office can provide
WorkBC is a great resource and working partner of the Chamber and we are really looking forward to sharing some of the services that are available to your business.
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We're back, baby! Pre-Covid days we hosted a monthly Après event on the last Thursday of each month. Join us for a glass of wine at our FIRST come back Après at Fable Book Parlour.
When: Thursday, April 28th from 5:00-6:30pm
Details coming soon.
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CALLING ALL NON-PROFIT SOCIETIES & BOARDS. |
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We know that people need the proper tools to succeed, and foundational knowledge is an important tool for any Board Director. Whether your Board has long-time Directors who could use a refresher, or new Directors who are eager to be learn their new roles, solid Board Training is a game changer for your organization. All new Chamber Board Directors are required to take Board Training.
Our volunteer capacity is so important to our way of life here in Revelstoke, and the Chamber can help support our way of life and our volunteers by extending an invitation to Board Training.
Learn your role, your duties, and your responsibilities as a Director so that your talents and experience can be most effectively harnessed in your volunteer work.
Do you have Directors' Insurance? Do you have a good understanding of the boundaries between operational and governance tasks? Do you have a good understanding of your fiduciary responsibility as a Board Director?
Board Directors from all non-profit societies are invited to attend.
Includes attendance to all three sessions $99
Members: $99
Non-Member price: $129
Spaces are limited and are first come- first served. Don't miss out on this opportunity to strengthen your organization.
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BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL | TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! |
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FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
MAY 13, 14 & 15
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!
Join us for the long-awaited BMFF.
Three nights of action packed adventure await you.
We are SO excited to bring back the Banff Mountain Film Festival, in partnership with Revelstoke’s iconic Roxy Theatre. With our first ever spring showing we are getting amped for the summer adventures to begin.
Time: Doors open at 6:00pm | Show starts at 7:00pm
Location: The Roxy Theatre
Price: $25 per night
Tickets are available for purchase at the Visitor Information Centre at 301 Victoria Road. Open daily: 8:30-4:30pm, closed from 12:30-1:00 Saturday & Sunday.
Tickets sell out fast, every year. Be sure to get yours today!
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2023 CYCLONE TAYLOR CUP LETTER.
The Chamber has issued a letter of support for the Revelstoke Grizzlies' bid to host the Cyclone Taylor Cup in 2023. Fingers crossed that this exciting event will come to Revelstoke.
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EXTREME WORKFORCE SHORTAGE & THE LMIA.
We all know there is room for improvement but who will be the voice to bring these concerns forward? Our Advocacy Committee is actively examining the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process to propose a better way that removes some barriers and increases the efficiency of this program so that it can achieve the desired outcomes. We. Need. Staff.
We will provide updates as we move forward. If you have suggestions on how to improve the program, or have a story that demonstrates the challenges you've faced, email our committee at advocacy@revelstokechamber.com.
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PATIO FEES WAIVED.
All fees (application/renewal) associated with encroachments on City lands for sandwich boards, display racks and tables, patios, and mobile vendors have been reduced to ‘No Charge’ for 2022.
Each year all businesses are required to submit their Encroachment Agreement application(s) in compliance with the City of Revelstoke Encroachment Policies. This includes proof of liability insurance (naming the City as an additional insured) for patio, sandwich boards, display tables and display racks). Council has reduced encroachment fees to ‘No Charge’ for 2022 similar to the previous two years to support local businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Please reach out to the City if you qualify for this program.
Thank you to the City of Revelstoke for providing this relief.
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ACCELERATE KOOTENAYS 2.0. |
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The Accelerate Kootenays 2.0 funding program is intended to diversify the places and spaces where EV drivers can access charging. This program provides funding for electric vehicle charging stations and is open to private businesses, public and non-profit organizations, local governments and Indigenous local governments. For full program details, click here.
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REVY BUCKS.
Our friends at Tourism Revelstoke have been giving away REVY. Bucks as prizes. If your business has not yet registered for this program, make sure you get yourself signed up so that you can be eligible to benefit from this program. We are expecting this program to grow and evolve in the future, so join us in keeping dollars local in Revelstoke.
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LEARNING SESSIONS CALENDAR.
Did you know that we have a calendar that highlights FREE INFO SESSIONS for those of you who are continually upgrading your skills and seizing educational opportunities? Click here if you are interested in topics like increasing your digital presence, or having an HR consultation FOR FREE !
Reach out to us at info@revelstokechamber.com if your business is offering any sort of information session that you would like us to share on our calendar.
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REVELSTOKE READY - EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS.
Floods. Fires. Cyber attack. Pandemic.
These are just a few of the things that can have a major impact to your business. Are you ready for them?
The Chamber has been supporting Community Futures in their work to created an easy program you can follow to get you ready.
What is Revelstoke Ready? It is a simplified program to get your business ready if our community had to face a disaster and everything had to close up. You are invited to attend 1 of 2 in-person workshops.
Your business could also win a prize of $500 towards your next business insurance renewal. Visit the link below for more information and how to sign up for one of the May workshops. You will be prepared and... Revelstoke Ready!
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CSRD: COVID-19 SAFE RESTART GRANTS.
The CSRD is once again offering registered non-profit organizations, located in the Electoral Areas of the CSRD, the opportunity to obtain some financial assistance in coping with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Directors agreed to set aside a $50,000 of the CSRD’s COVID-19 Safe Restart funds to allow these organizations to apply for grants of up to $2,500 each to help offset the financial impacts of the pandemic. This will help organizations continue to deliver important community services and supports to vulnerable citizens in the region.
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SUPPORT PROGRAMS.
Stay up to date with the latest Federal and Provincial information. If you need support with navigating current updates, please contact our Outreach Support worker, Carolyn Gibson, free of charge at startup@revelstokecf.com or call her directly at 250-814-3952.
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Learn how to take full advantage of your Chamber membership by exploring your options here.
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Photo: Left to Right – The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism, Rowan Hargreaves, Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce, Meghan Tabor, Tourism Revelstoke, William Bakker, Destination Think!, Robyn Goldsmith, Tourism Revelstoke, Kyra Sklar, Tourism Revelstoke |
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TOURISM REVELSTOKE RECOGNIZED FOR 2022 BC TOURISM & HOSPITALITY AWARD.
Our friends at Tourism Revelstoke were recognized at the TIABC conference for their hard work. On March 10, Tourism Revelstoke won the BC Tourism and Hospitality Award for Professional Excellence. The award was presented by The Honourable Randy Boissannault, Minister of Tourism. Rowan Hargreaves, Visitor Experience Manager for the Chamber joined Tourism Revelstoke to receive the award.
The award recognizes a community Destination Management Organization for their demonstration of leadership, innovation, accountability to and collaboration with the tourism industry in British Columbia. The Chamber’s Ambassador Program and Roaming Visitor Services were key contributions to the work that was recognized.
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NEW 2022 EXPERIENCE GUIDES HAVE ARRIVED!
We are excited to share that the 2022 Experience Guides are here. If you would like some copies, please drop by the Visitor Centre between 08:30 – 4:30, Monday to Friday, to collect some.
Thank you to those who participated in the guide this year, and to everyone in the community for making Revelstoke a world-class destination.
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CHAMBER TOURISM STAKEHOLDER MARKETING.
We have limited spaces still available on certain 2022 marketing programs:
- Ferry brochure racking
- Visitor Centre digital advertisements
- City map listings
- Summer roaming van brochure racking.
If you would like to promote your business in these key locations, please contact Rowan Hargreaves, Visitor Experience Manager, at visitor.exp@revelstokechamber.com.
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The Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce gratefully acknowledges that we live, work and play on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Sinixt, Ktunaxa, Secwepemc and the Syilx peoples.
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