Congratulations to the Fall 2025 Cohort of Stepping Into Leadership!

Over the past few weeks, our Stepping Into Leadership participants have been working with Christine McLeod from Impact People Practices, gaining valuable insights into effective communication, conflict resolution, governance, and the art of leading with vision and empathy. We are inspired by the growth and commitment each of you has shown on this journey. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible panelists—Kirby Brown and Angus Hilsley of the Sea to Sky Gondola, and Councillor Pettingill—for sharing their leadership experiences and wisdom with the group. We look forward to announcing the dates for our Spring 2026 cohort soon, and can’t wait to welcome the next wave of emerging leaders in Squamish.

Pictured here: Sapphire Harpin, Mary Demers, Mike Van Capelle & Scott McQuade

Après 5 with Woodfibre LNG & The Squamish Legion

Last week’s Après 5, hosted by Woodfibre LNG at the Squamish Legion, was a wonderful evening of connection and community. We were thrilled to welcome both new and familiar faces, and it was especially exciting to hear that many attendees were visiting the Legion for the very first time—a great example of how our hosts love to collaborate with other local spaces and businesses. Dennis Smith from Woodfibre LNG shared a helpful update on the project’s construction timeline and reminded members that applications for Woodfibre’s Community Partnership Program (closing October 10) are still open—learn more here.

Looking ahead, don’t miss our final Après 5 of 2025 on November 5 at Create Makerspace—join us for an inspiring evening with Oscar and his amazing team. Be sure to grab your tickets and close out the year with us!

We’re very proud to feature Garibaldi Eyecare, a trusted local clinic dedicated to helping our community see clearly and live comfortably. With a commitment to personalized care, their experienced team offers comprehensive eye exams, prescription eyewear, contact lenses, and solutions for long-term eye health. Whether you’re updating your glasses, exploring contact lens options, or needing specialized treatment, Garibaldi Eyecare provides expert guidance in a welcoming environment. Their focus on quality service and community well-being makes them a valued part of Squamish—and a proud Chamber member!

FEAST - A Retreat for the Mind

FEAST by Dine Wilder is a full-day immersive retreat crafted to nourish the mind, appetite, ambition, and spirit of women in every season of life. Hosted at the Cheakamus Centre, FEAST blends conference-level wisdom with the warm, spacious energy of a retreat and the joyful vibe of a dinner party. Attendees can expect four spotlight sessions led by exceptional speakers, a dynamic panel conversation, chef-crafted seasonal cuisine, luxurious gift bags valued at over $400, curated décor, and plenty of moments for connection, reflection, and community. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or simply seeking renewal, FEAST offers inspiration, practical tools, and meaningful encounters to help you step into what comes next with confidence.

Venue Rental Opportunity - Squamish Legion

Are you looking for a place to hold a special function, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Family Reunions Celebration of Life or Funerals etc. for a small gathering at a reasonable rate then look no further than the Squamish Legion at Glenalder Place in Garibaldi Highlands. We offer an 80 seat cozy, comfortable lounge, complete with kitchen facilities and bar service. Rental rates are very competitive in today’s market and we will go out of our way to meet your requirements where ever possible.

Joint Engagement Committee Seeks Transparency Around Fuel Pricing

Fuel prices have been a recurring challenge in our community, affecting everything from transportation and supply chain costs to the affordability of daily operations for small businesses. Following this discussion, the committee drafted and submitted a formal letter to MP Patrick Weiler, outlining these concerns and urging for government attention and potential action to mitigate the economic strain. The letter emphasizes the importance of equitable pricing, regional transparency, and long-term solutions to support the sustainability and competitiveness of Squamish’s business community.

The Joint Engagement Committee, is an advocacy group comprised of members from the Squamish Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Squamish and the Downtown Squamish BIA. Established to foster collaboration and coordination across the three organizations, the committee meets monthly to address emerging issues and represent the interests and economic growth of Squamish.

The Chambers Plan is Canada’s leading group health, dental, and benefits program specifically designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering affordable, customizable coverage that grows with your team. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or managing a larger staff, the plan provides peace of mind and support for both you and your employees. Want to learn more? We’ll be hosting our very first Chamber Connect session where you can get all your questions answered and find out how the Chambers Plan can benefit your business.

In partnership with the BC Chamber of Commerce, CopperTeams.AI is proud to present the AI Edge Program—a 3-month, action-driven training designed to help small to mid-size businesses in BC practically implement AI tools and workflows into their operations. While AI is already woven into our daily lives—from the voice assistants we rely on to the facial recognition that unlocks our phones—Canadian enterprises continue to lag behind their G7 counterparts in adopting these transformative technologies. This gap isn’t just about missed opportunities; it’s holding back Canada’s productivity and competitiveness at a time when AI has shifted from an emerging technology to a fundamental driver of how organizations operate, innovate, and deliver value.

Yes! This Program is Eligible for Grant Funding!

Thanks to the BC Employer Training Grant, BC businesses can access this $4,000 program (member pricing) for just $800/person, bringing enterprise-level AI training within budget for small and mid-size BC businesses. 

The BC Chamber of Commerce Small Business Week Summit, taking place October 20–24, 2025, celebrates the vital role small businesses play in B.C.’s economy while equipping them with practical tools for success. Under the theme Built to Thrive: Practical Skills for Small Business Success, the virtual summit will feature four complimentary Zoom webinars offering hands-on insights, real-world strategies, and actionable advice from entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Topics will range from navigating U.S. tariffs and adopting AI, to inclusive hiring and integrating social purpose, helping small business owners turn ideas into action with confidence.

Upcoming Webinars:

• Navigating Tariffs: Strategies for Business
• Inclusive Hiring: Strategies to Build Resilient and Diverse Work Forces
• AI In Action: Practical Ways to Save Hours Every Week
• From Every Day Actions to Big Change: Putting Purpose to Work Small Business

Regional Tariff Response Initiative in British Columbia

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in British Columbia is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to defend Canadian jobs, industries, and supply chains. It is part of a coordinated effort to protect Canadian businesses and workers from the impact of tariffs. This initiative is investing $1 billion in targeted support nationally.

Through the RTRI, we’re making investments to help B.C. businesses facing trade and tariffs disruptions to pivot to new paths to growth by helping them:

• boost productivity and reduce costs
• build more resilient supply chains
• reach new markets

Who can apply

• Incorporated for-profit businesses with 10–499 full-time employees
• Not-for-profit organizations that support SMEs

Funding available

• Businesses (commercial projects):
• • $200K–$10M repayable contributions
• • $200K–$1M non-repayable contributions
• Not-for-profits (non-commercial projects): up to $10M non-repayable

Contacts

• Businesses: PacifiCan.RTRI-SME_IRRT-PME@pacifican.gc.ca
• Not-for-profits: PacifiCan.RTRI-NFP_IRRT-OSBL@pacifican.gc.ca

There is currently no deadline for application, however, applications received prior to October 15, 2025 will be prioritized for review.

Understanding the Impact of Immigration Changes on Local Businesses

A recent report highlights several systemic barriers faced by temporary foreign workers in Canada—issues that may have significant implications for local employers, including those in Squamish. Among the key findings is the impact of upcoming immigration policy changes that will restrict the ability of many spouses of temporary foreign workers to obtain work permits. This shift could lead to labour shortages and increased instability for businesses that rely on these workers to fill essential roles.

While the report provides a broad overview intended for a general audience, it offers valuable context for business owners seeking to understand how these policy changes may affect workforce availability, recruitment strategies, and community well-being. An accompanying infographic, Let’s Talk About Temporary Foreign Workers, presents key data and human stories that underscore why this topic matters for both employers and the broader Squamish economy. If you want to get involved, contact: miwow@welcomesquamish.ca

Google Ads Workshop with Mary Demers of L8P Digital Marketing

Ever feel like online advertising is a money pit and wonder, "How do I make this actually work for my business?" You’re not alone. And the good news? You don’t need a massive budget or a marketing degree to succeed. In this workshop, we’ll demystify Google Ads and Meta Ads, showing you how to make smarter decisions with your advertising dollars. With Google Ads becoming more complex, it’s more important than ever to understand how to target your audience effectively and avoid costly mistakes. We’ll also explore how Meta Ads (like Facebook and Instagram) can complement your strategy and help you reach your goals.

This interactive session will teach you how to:

• Create ad campaigns that actually convert (no more wasted clicks!)
• Understand the customer journey and target the right audience at the right time
• Avoid common pitfalls that drain your budget
• Use Google and Meta Ads together for maximum impact

This workshop is for:

• Business owners who want to grow their business online without breaking the bank
• Marketing managers looking to sharpen their online advertising skills
• Entrepreneurs launching new products or services who need to get the word out
• Anyone who wants to stop wasting money and start seeing results from their ads

Join us in this approachable, no-jargon session where you’ll gain practical, actionable tips to make every advertising dollar count. Step into the world of online advertising with confidence and clarity!

Chamber Connect - Learn More About Chamber Membership

Join us for our very first Chamber Connect — a welcoming morning designed to help both new and existing members get the most out of their Squamish Chamber membership. This is your chance to connect with the Chamber and with fellow members of the business community. Jordana, your Member Services & Marketing Coordinator will be there to talk about the Chamber and membership. We'll also have Agustina Coccaro, our Chambers Plan representative in the room with us to share a brief presentation on the exclusive benefits available to members through Canada's #1 group benefits plan for small to medium business. If you've ever wondered if Chamber membership was right for you and your business, come spend an hour with us! Coffee & pastries will be provided.

Join Us for the Last Après 5 of 2025!

We’re wrapping up our 2025 Après 5 season with Create Makerspace, Squamish’s hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration! Led by Oscar Radevsky and his passionate team, Create Makerspace provides a welcoming space filled with tools, technology, and resources where makers of all ages and skill levels can bring ideas to life. From woodworking and 3D printing to community workshops and events, it’s a place where imagination comes to life. We can’t wait to celebrate our final Après 5 of the year in this inspiring space!

Training: Food Safe Level One with Connect Hospitality Strategies

You asked, and we listened! Our fall Food Safe course will now run on a Saturday—perfect for those with busy weekday schedules.

Get Food Safe certified in Squamish! This mandatory course for cooks, servers, and dishwashers covers food contamination, safe storage, dishwashing, and more.

The course is led by Caroline Bagnall, a seasoned hospitality professional, educator, and strategist with over 20 years of experience in food & beverage management and training.

Squamish Chamber Business Excellence Awards

The Squamish Chamber Business Excellence Awards Presented by RE/MAX Sea to Sky Real Estate are a celebrated signature event. With 12 award categories - including Business Leader of the Year, Emerging Entrepreneur, Bill Manson Citizen of the Year and others - the Squamish Chamber Business Excellence Awards highlight the diversity of talent and innovation that define the Squamish business community. From long-standing organizations to emerging enterprises, the awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work that sustains our local economy and strengthens our connections to one another. Beyond the awards themselves, this event is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, recognize our peers, and reflect on the challenges and successes of the past year.

Unleash Your Joy: A Morning of Community for BIA Small Business Owners & Staff

Behind every small business is a dream, a vision, and a whole lot of heart. But in the day-to-day hustle, it’s easy to lose touch with the joy that inspired you to start in the first place. This interactive workshop and social event is your chance to pause, recharge, and reconnect with the spark that keeps you energized; in life and in business.

Joy isn’t just “nice to have.” For entrepreneurs, it fuels creativity, strengthens resilience, and helps you show up as your best self for your team, your customers, and your community.

What You Can Expect:

• Reflect on what joy means to you personally and professionally.
• Learn about the three types of joy; Boosters, Activators, and Glimmers and how to spot them in your everyday business and life.
• Identify common blockers that keep small business owners from joy (like guilt, lack of time, or always putting the business first).
• Create a personalized Joy Plan that supports both your wellbeing and your business growth.
• Reconnect joy to your bigger “why” to stay motivated through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

You’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and equipped with simple tools to bring more joy into your daily routine and business practices. Plus enjoy a this social workshop to connect with fellow Squamish business owners. This workshop is hosted by the Downtown Squamish BIA & Laura Van der Veer, Co-founder of She Summits. 

The Squamish Chamber operates on the unceded lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation (Squamish) on whose territory we are grateful to work, live and play.