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Cruise ship season! May 15 2023 |
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Welcome to the Prince Rupert & District Chamber of Commerce newsletter! We're excited to bring you the latest updates, valuable resources, and new additions that will enhance your business experience.
In this edition, you'll find a wealth of information to help you navigate the local business landscape. Stay updated with the latest announcements from the Chamber, including insights into the incredible work done by the Prince Rupert Port Authority and their contributions to our community.
We're thrilled to introduce three new sections to our newsletter. Our cruise ship section will provide you with the upcoming schedule, allowing you to capitalize on the opportunities that come with cruise ship season. Get ready to welcome visitors and showcase what our community has to offer.
In the business tips section, you'll discover expert advice, strategies, and practical tips to elevate your business growth. From marketing insights to operational efficiency, we've got you covered.
We're also excited to present our new weekly weather report. Stay informed about the upcoming weather forecast for the next week, enabling you to plan ahead and make informed decisions for your business.
Join us as we unveil these valuable additions to our newsletter. Explore the opportunities in our community, leverage the business tips, stay updated on the cruise ship schedule, and make the most of our weekly weather report. Together, let's thrive and build a prosperous business community.
And don't forget, we're proud to share that our Northern Export Strategy policy has made it into the BC Chamber's Policy book. This crucial milestone will be voted on during their upcoming Annual General Meeting at the end of May. Stay tuned for further updates on this impactful achievement.
Get ready to embark on a journey of growth, knowledge, and community engagement. We're here to support you every step of the way.
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UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENT
Business After Business
Join us for the grand reopening of Ocean View Hotel and Lounge at their Second Business after Business event on June 22nd, 2023. Completing a lengthy restoration process after a fire. The OV Hotel and Lounge is thrilled to welcome you back to their beautifully renovated establishment. Explore the refreshed ambiance, experience their warm hospitality, and indulge in their amazing culinary offerings.
From 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm, join them for an evening of networking and celebration. Take this opportunity to witness the stunning renovations that have transformed OV Hotel and Lounge into a haven of elegance and comfort. Immerse yourself in the delightful atmosphere, savor their delectable menu, and connect with fellow business professionals.
Admission to this event is free, so bring a friend or colleague and experience the excitement of their grand reopening. Join OV Hotel and Lounge on June 22nd as they celebrate their revitalized space, amazing food, and the strong spirit of our community. They can't wait to welcome you back with open arms!
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UPCOMING EVENT
Prince Rupert Port Authority AGM
Save the date! The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA’s) Annual Public Meeting will be held on June 15th at 5:00 p.m. in the BC Room at the Crest Hotel.
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Attention, Prince Rupert & District Chamber of Commerce members!
We're excited to make a last call announcement about our Chamber Swag bags, designed to express our gratitude for our incredible members. These swag bags provide an excellent platform to promote your business and connect with fellow community members.
We have a limited supply of 300 membership bags available, and we invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your brand. If you'd like to include any promotional materials or merchandise in the bags, please ensure they are sent to us by May 30th, 2023. This is your chance to reach potential customers and forge valuable partnerships.
To secure your spot in the Swag bags, don't hesitate to contact our Executive Director, Roman Brochu. He's ready to assist you, answer any inquiries you may have, and help you include your promotional items in the bags.
You can reach Roman at 778-884-9291 or via email at rupertchamber@gmail.com. Act swiftly to seize this fantastic marketing opportunity before time runs out. We look forward to your participation and seeing you all soon!
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Exciting news! Our Chamber Newsletter is getting bigger and better to showcase even more of our member benefits.
While we will be moving to a less frequent schedule, our new and improved bi-weekly newsletter will give you even more valuable information and insights.
Learn about all the benefits of being a member and stay up to date on all things Chamber-related.
If you have any news or announcements you'd like to include, please send them to rupertchamber@gmail.com no later than the 10th and 25th of each month to be featured in our upcoming issues. We can't wait to share all the latest news with you!
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We have some great additions coming to our newsletter! Starting this month, we will be introducing new sections to provide you with more value.
Stay prepared with our upcoming weather segment, where you'll find forecasts for the next two weeks. We're also excited to bring you a business tips section, featuring practical advice to enhance your operations.
We will also include the cruise ship schedule for the upcoming season. Stay informed about arrivals, departures, and itineraries to maximize your opportunities.
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UPDATE FROM THE PRINCE RUPERT PORT AUTHORITY | |
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PORT INTERPRETIVE CENTRE REFRESH
The Port Interpretive Centre is currently undergoing renovations, with a new, innovative design coming later this summer. Visitor Centre Services, housed in the Port Interpretive Centre, is temporarily being run out of Tourism Prince Rupert's container market until the refresh is complete. Trained staff is available Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. plus extended hours on cruise ship days.
CRUISE SEASON TO BEGIN
The month of May marks the beginning of cruise season in Prince Rupert. Cruise operations are being managed by PRPA’s new partner, Global Ports Holding (GPH). To find out more about GPH visit their website: https://www.globalportsholding.com/our-ports/prince-rupert-cruise-port/
To get the current cruise schedule and find out more about shore excursions visit: Schedule | GPH (princerupertcruiseport.com)
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND (CIF)
The Prince Rupert Port Authority wants to highlight two if its latest Community Investment Fund Projects. The Community Investment Fund has dedicated more than $15 million dollars to community projects to date, and has an annual intake period. PRPA has already approved funding for 17 community projects for 2023! For more information, please visit: www.rupertport.com/cif
Salvation Army Soup for the Soul Kitchen Renovation Project:
Through the Community Investment Fund, PRPA has donated $450,000 to the Salvation Army’s Kitchen renovation project. The Soup for the Soul project’s key result is to align the Continuum-of-Care model with the programs and services the Salvation Army offers under one roof. This will be accomplished by redesigning the layout of their Grenville Court location, combining the Food Bank and Family Services into one building, offering centralized services with increased efficiencies for a wider community reach for all — individuals, families, staff, and volunteers.
North Coast Health Improvement Society (NCHIS) Prince Rupert Hospital & Acropolis Manor Bed Replacement Project
PRPA donated $150,000 to North Coast Health Improvement Society for this essential bed replacement project. A significant number of patient beds at Acropolis Manor and the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital were in dire need of replacement. Comfort and safety being at the forefront of this project, it saw 61 new beds and 3 specialty mattresses installed.
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MEMBER BENEFITS HIGHLIGHT | |
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We are thrilled to have you as part of our community of engaged professionals shaping the future of our local business community.
As a member, we want to ensure you receive the maximum value from your membership. That's why we're proud to offer exclusive benefits, including our partnership with Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan. This comprehensive group benefits program is specifically designed for Canadian small businesses.
Chambers Plan is the #1 plan in Canada for small businesses, offering easy online administration and stable rates as a non-profit program. With coverage for dental, health, disability, and travel, it provides extensive protection. The plan also includes a health spending account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health support, and access to professional advice through the Business Assistance Service. Plus, Teladoc Health provides convenient online consultations with doctors and specialists.
If your business has 1-50 employees, you qualify for Chambers Plan. To learn more, contact your advisor Brittany Watson at 250-635-6145 or visit the Chamber plan Website. We've also attached an infographic with answers to common questions about Chambers Plan.
Thank you for joining the Prince Rupert & District Chamber of Commerce. We are committed to supporting your business with exclusive benefits and programs. Together, let's thrive and create a prosperous business community.
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Exciting news! As we enter the cruise ship season, we will be featuring the cruise ship schedule in each edition of our newsletter. Stay informed about the latest arrivals, departures, and itineraries to maximize your business opportunities.
We understand the impact of cruise ship tourism on our local economy and are committed to providing valuable resources. Look out for our newsletter and make the most of the upcoming season.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to us. Thank you for being a member of the Prince Rupert & District Chamber of Commerce. Let's make this cruise ship season a success together.
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We want to express our sincere gratitude to each and every one of you who attended our recent Business after Business Chamber event at the Lester Centre. Your presence and support were invaluable, and we truly appreciate your participation.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors, WSG-Servco and the Lester Centre, for their generous contributions. Their support played a vital role in making the event possible, and we are grateful for their partnership.
We hope you had a pleasant experience at the event and enjoyed the opportunity to connect with fellow members of our local business community. Your engagement and support are instrumental in fostering a vibrant and prosperous business environment in Prince Rupert.
As we continue to champion and promote local businesses, we look forward to your continued involvement in our upcoming events. Thank you once again for your participation and support.
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Globalization did indeed become a thing, but the calls for “shop local” have always been there – getting louder during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sure, Amazon is making a ton of money from online shopping and delivery, but increasingly, people are having a renewed appreciation for the stores next door – lest they close their doors for good.
Is local marketing part of your marketing strategy? Now is a good time to shine a brighter spotlight on reaching customers in your own community.
Make friends with Google.
Google may seem to be the opposite of local, but claiming your Google My Business is an effective way to reach local consumers. Your Business Profile lets you connect with customers across Google Search and Maps, post your store hours, location and photos and allows customers to leave reviews. Even better, it’s free. Just make sure you keep it updated, especially during COVID when hours and other information may change frequently.
Localize your website.
Almost every business has a website, but if it’s not drawing new visitors, it’s not doing its job. A good local marketing strategy includes search engine marketing (SEM) to attract new customers online via local keywords for your business. Examples of keywords would be your city or community and they should be specific to your geographic area. If your business has more than one location, create a landing page for each location and include those key words specific to those locations.
Localize all your social media.
Hopefully, social media is already a part of your marketing plan. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram - they’re all useful tools to connect with local customers – but only if you’re consistently active. Use tools to help you craft posts and preschedule them, like HootSuite, Tweetdeck, Loomly and Sproutsocial. Some are free!
Try display advertising.
Despite having the world at our fingertips, many of us continue to read the news on local news sites. That’s a great place to buy ads and catch the attention of local customers. Use your ad to provide information relevant to your local audience, promote local deals (“say you saw this ad here and get a free coffee”) and drive traffic to your business’s website. All they have to do is click.
Join a chamber.
Joining a local chamber of commerce is a great way to get involved with other businesses in the community and gain access to resources and benefits that can help your business grow. In addition to networking opportunities and business referrals, chambers also offer advocacy and support for local initiatives. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to connect with other local business leaders and take your business to the next level.
While technology has changed the marketplace and altered the way consumers shop and even find new businesses, non-technological methods still work. Here are a couple of oldies but goodies.
Direct marketing.
A small investment in stamps (remember them? You lick them and stick them on envelopes) can still bring great results if you’re targeting the right customers. You target the neighborhoods you want to reach instead of hoping to draw their attention to you. It’s a way to send information or offers to a specific audience. You can go even more DIY and hand deliver flyers directly to customers you know could use your services – a moving company could target houses in the neighbourhood with “Sold” signs on them, for example.
Partner with other businesses.
There’s always strength in numbers. The pandemic has hit many businesses hard so it’s a great time to join forces with other (non-competing) businesses in your neighbourhood. Co-sponsor (physically distanced) events. Link to each other’s websites. And work together to create “shop local” events that support local businesses, with punch cards or prize draws for shoppers with items from each participating business.
Hi-tech or low-tech, don't forget that your next best customers might be right in your own backyard. By implementing these local marketing strategies, you can maximize your visibility and reach within the community. Remember to join your local Chamber of Commerce, such as the Prince Rupert & District Chamber of Commerce, to further enhance your business opportunities and connect with like-minded professionals.
Joining a chamber offers a multitude of benefits, including access to networking events, educational resources, and advocacy initiatives. It's an excellent way to establish meaningful relationships and gain exposure for your business. By participating in chamber activities and collaborating with other members, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge and support to help your business thrive.
So, take a proactive step towards local marketing success. Embrace the power of digital platforms like Google and social media, leverage display advertising on local news sites, and explore traditional methods like direct marketing. And don't forget to leverage the resources and networking opportunities provided by your local Chamber of Commerce. Together, these strategies will propel your business forward and ensure you're at the forefront of the local market. Join the chamber and start reaping the rewards today!
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Hospitality and Tourism Program!
The Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert is recruiting participants for our upcoming Hospitality and Tourism Certified Training Cohort. The schedule is June 5th to September 29th. This is a blended program featuring online and in person training. The cohort provides for 12 seats with flexible training hours and is open to both those seeking to enhance their skills or start a career in Tourism. If you wish to obtain certification in Toastmasters and as a Tourism Certified Professional, please contact William Gye @ 250-627-1717 ext 29 or ep-coordinator@friendshiphouse.ca
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Lester Centre Seat Sale!
The Lester Centre of the Arts is announcing a unique seat sale! For a tax-deductible donation of $800, buyers can get their name or organization's name on a sign that will be installed in the entryway to the seats in the lower bowl. The seat sale is part of the "Please Be Seated" project.
This is a great opportunity to support the Lester Centre and be a part of its history! Buyers of seats will also have the opportunity to take away existing seats as souvenirs. If you're interested in buying a seat, please contact Chris Armstrong at 250-627-8888 or email manager@lestercentre.ca.
Spread the word and help the Lester Centre acquire and install new seats!
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Want to be a sponsor of our bi-weekly newsletter!
Boost your business visibility and reach hundreds of professionals in the Prince Rupert & District Chamber of Commerce community with our exclusive newsletter sponsorship opportunity. For only $100, you'll receive two prominent spots in our newsletters.
As a sponsor, your company will be prominently advertised and featured in two editions of our newsletters. This means your logo and business name will be showcased to our engaged readers, giving you valuable exposure and increasing brand recognition.
We understand the importance of maximizing your investment, which is why we also invite you to submit your content and announcements for inclusion in our newsletters. This additional exposure allows you to share your updates with our dedicated readership, further expanding your reach and influence.
Don't miss out on this cost-effective way to promote your business and connect with the local business community. Secure your sponsorship spot today and take advantage of this unique opportunity. Contact us now to get started and make a lasting impact on our vibrant business network.
Roman Brochu
Executive Director
778-884-9291
rupertchamber@gmail.com
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Looking for Volunteers!
Are you looking for an opportunity to give back to your community and make a difference? The Prince Rupert & District Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking dedicated volunteers to join our Committees.
Our Indigenous Relations Committee works to build stronger relationships between our business community and Indigenous nations, while our Events Committee organizes exciting and engaging events for the Business Community in Prince Rupert. The Marketing Committee is responsible for promoting the Chamber as well as local businesses, and our Rising Stars Committee supports the growth and development of young professionals in the area.
As a volunteer on one of our Committees, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside other passionate individuals, gain valuable experience, and make a real impact in our community. Whether you're interested in event planning, marketing, or building relationships, we have a Committee that's right for you.
If you're interested in getting involved with any of our Committees, please contact our Executive Director Roman Brochu at phone number 778-884-9291 or via email at rupertchamber@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Planned Events:
June 22nd: Business After Business - OV Hotel and Lounge - 4:30pm-8:00pm
Events to look out for this year:
Coffee with the Mayor Herb Pond
Coffee with your MLA Jennifer Rice
Golf Scramble
Fall Gala
Rising Stars
Christmas Social
Business After Business: Wheel House Brewery
Business After Business: Port Interpretive Centre
Business After Business: Cow Bay
Want to host, sponsor, or help plan an event? Reach out to our Executive Director Roman Brochu by Phone: 778-884-9291 or by email: rupertchamber@gmail.com
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Looking to expand your business and connect with other professionals in Prince Rupert and the surrounding area? Consider joining the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce. As a member, you'll gain access to exclusive benefits and resources designed to help you thrive, including networking opportunities, business referrals, and advocacy for local initiatives. Stay informed on the latest news and events in the area with our new bi-weekly newsletter.
Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to take your business to the next level. The Chamber is your go-to resource for all things business in the community. Join today to start connecting with other local business leaders and enjoy the rewards of membership.
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