Chamber Chatter September 29, 2015                         Issue 059

STAFF SPEAKING

Here is a note from the CEO, Christie Ray:


"As we rapidly approach the October 19th Federal Election, many of you have questions about how the various political parties, and their affiliated local candidates, weigh in on business related issues.  The PG Chamber is coming together with the PG Citizen, CKPG and UNBC to host an Election Forum - October 8th 7:00-9:00pm at the UNBC Canfor Theatre.  Moderated by Prof. Tracy Summerville, this discussion-style event will allow you to compare platforms and learn more about the candidates in both local ridings.  No questions will be taken from the floor. Refreshments sponsored by BC Northern Real Estate Board.  Hope you can join us!"

 
~Christie
 

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS - PRESENTED BY NORTHLAND AUTO GROUP

VOTING IS OPEN UNTIL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 AT 5:00PM

On Monday, September 21st, the Chamber sent an email to our members' primary representatives with a link to access the voting ballot for this year's Business Excellence Awards.

As a member of the Chamber, take advantage of this exclusive benefit and vote for your selection in each of the 10 traditional BEA categories. 

If you are the primary rep for your business and did not receive the email with the voting link, please contact Projects & Executive Coordinator, Felicia Magee at admin@pgchamber.bc.ca.
 
 DID YOU KNOW...   the Chamber has already booked events into 2016? Are you interested in sponsoring a Speaker Series luncheon, hosting a Business After 5 or want to put on a workshop? Contact Membership & Events Manager, Meghan Ginter  at 250.562.2454 for more details on available dates!


DISCOVER THE PROVINCE'S LEADING SMALL BUSINESS TOOLS AND RESOURCES 
AT MYBIZDAY!
 
Join our friends Small Business BC on October 7, 2015 at the Prince George Civic Centre to discover resources and programs available to your small business or startup. This FREE full-day event includes a mix of educational workshops, interactive panel sessions session, exhibitors and networking. Workshop topics include:
  • Financing: Fuel for Your Business - presented by Community Futures of BC, Futurpreneur Canada and Women's Enterprise Centre 
  • Market Research Strategies - presented by Small Business BC 
  • Marketing in a Digital World -presented by Yellow Pages 
  • Overcoming Business Challenges Panel -presented by Barkerville Brewing Co., Environmental Dynamics Inc. Northern Development Initiative Trust, Shiraz Café and Restaurant and Small Business BC 
  • Small Business Resources - presented by Small Business BC 
  • Technology at Work - presented by Neil Squire Society 
If you're looking to start or grow your business in Prince George, don't miss out on this FREE event.
 
Limited seats available, so register today: sbbc.co/MBDnorth!

DID YOU KNOW...  when you set up your personal log in credentials for the Member only portion of our website, you have the ability to complete event registration, pay your invoices online, create a job posting and so much more?  If you would like to set this up, call the Chamber office at 250.562.2454 and a member of our team will send you an invite!


CHAMBER EVENTS 

Here are some of the great events we have scheduled to help you "connect, engage and enhance" your business. Click on each event title for details and registration. Print our "Upcoming Events" flier to post in the office!

 

October 8 - Federal Election All Candidates Forum

October 20 - Business After 5: Scotiabank Main Branch

October 24 - 2015 Business Excellence Awards Gala

 

 
DID YOU KNOW... when you purchase advertising in both the 2016 Top 40 Under 40 magazine and the 2016 Source Directory, you are eligible for a 20% discount? Affordable advertising... another great member benefit! Contact Shirly Prokopchuk for more information, adsales@pgchamber.bc.ca.



CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION WRAP UP CELEBRATION

The Carbon Footprint Reduction Program has inspired collaboration between business, academia, and industry in the city of Prince George.

And thanks to  Canadian National Railway Company, this applied real-life learning will happen at the University of Northern British Columbia for another year!
 

PROPOSED CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE 
SMOKE AND VAPE FREE PLACES BYLAW

Prince George businesses are invited to provide input and feedback on the draft bylaw proposed to restrict smoking and vaping in a number of public places in the city. The draft bylaw includes additional restrictions to provincial smoking regulations in places such as public and workplace buildings, hospitality patios, parks, trails, playgrounds, playing fields, outdoor sports facilities, places of public assembly, and public transit shelters and posts. The bylaw would also include restrictions on "vaping" in public places.  The proposed bylaw, background information, and the feedback survey  can be found at  www.princegeorge.ca
 


Find out more:  

MEMBER BENEFITS

Find a list of the benefits available to you as part of your membership including: Hotel & Travel, Advertising, Electronic Invoicing & Card Processing and many more...

Click to Learn More

GROUP INSURANCE PLAN

Call Linda Rempel, Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance - 250.614.0585
to request a quote



Click to Learn More 

MEDIA RELEASE

Stay up to date on the latest news from the Prince George Chamber of Commerce




  Click to Learn More
Welcome New Members:
  • Anu Laser & Skin Care
  • Chinook Yoga
  • Global Roadway Maintenance
  • GMW Bookkeeping Services
  • Heart and Stroke Foundation Canada
  • MWatt Electric Inc
  • Prince George Driving for Life Academy Ltd.
  • Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Events Around Town:

Cariboo-Prince George Riding Candidates Debate at the Library!
Keith Gordon Room, Bob Harkins Branch, downtown
Wednesday, September 30, 2015 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm
For more info email or call Andrew Kurjata at 250.562.6701


Northern BC Tourism Conference
Prince George Civic Centre
Thursday, October 1 - Friday, October 2, 2015


Cumulative Impacts Research Consortium Launch and Workshop
UNBC Conference Centre (Building 6)
October 2-3, 2015
Email Chris Buse for more info


FREE Beginners Workshop
Chinook Yoga - 320 Vancouver Street
Sunday, October 4, 2015 (First Sunday of every month)
More Info


Radon Measurement & Mitigation Certification Course
Prince George Civic Centre
Monday, October 5 - Friday, October 9, 2015


HRMA Northern Symposium 2015 - Today's Workplace, Tomorrow's Best Practices
Ramada Hotel
Monday, October 5, 2015 - Tuesday, October 6, 2015


Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada presents: Cardio on the Cutbanks
McMillan Creek Fishing Park - Prince George, Pulp Mill Road
Sunday, October 18th; 10:00am - 3:00pm 
Email for more info


National Bioenergy Day Celebration
UNBC
Wednesday, October 21, 2015 
9:30am - 11:30am: Information Session
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Pellet BBQ
RSVP to Kyrke Gaudreau


Minerals North 2016
Smithers, BC
May 18-20, 2016
 

Do you have an "Event Around Town" you'd like to share with the Chamber membership? 
Email event information to admin@pgchamber.bc.ca for inclusion in our newsletter publications.




PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE

The Public Affairs Update is your weekly insight, perspective and analysis on politics in British Columbia and Canada.  This newsletter is brought to you by the largest, and most broadly-based business organization in the province, the BC Chamber of Commerce - the Voice of Business in B.C.
 
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