Photo credit: Visit Cranbrook

THE HUSTLE IS REAL

September marks a new season of taking care of business.

We remain focused on greater collaboration to achieve greater things. By engaging with other groups who are working for the best Cranbrook, we can find ways to leverage each other's efforts and bring Cranbrook to the next level.

It starts with our own organization, our members, and beyond.

We've expanded our volunteer power at the Board, Committee & Event delivery level.

We're working shoulder-to-shoulder with the City of Cranbrook to offer members' insight as a valuable community resource.

We're working closely with the BC Chamber of Commerce to get our members more support on the higher challenges of doing business in BC.

This work has been rewarding and effective and we can do it only with our members' support.

Thank you for making this work possible with new member sign-ups & renewals, sponsorships, and paid marketing through the Chamber.

GST CHANGES OCT 1 | CITY BR&E SURVEY | US TARIFFS - AM I AFFECTED?

ELECTION 2026 - IT'S OUR BUSINESS

SEPTEMBER AFTER HOURS | MENTOR ANNOUNCED for WeBC GROUP

STRATEGIC PLAN RENEWAL

NEW MEMBERS

Please welcome our newest members!

Our work is funded by our membership - as we receive an increasing number of requests for marketing and amplifying content, we issue continual reminders that we offer certain levels of service to members only.

Thank you to all our members for your continued support and renewals — your commitment helps us do even more.

Not a member yet?

PST EXPANSION - ARE YOU READY?

Despite vocal opposition to this change, the Province of British Columbia has finalized regulations expanding Provincial Sales Tax (PST) to several professional services. Effective October 1, 2026, a 7% PST will apply to:

• Accounting services

• Architectural services

• Engineering and geoscience services

• Security services

• Non-residential real estate services

If your business provides any of these services, it's important to prepare ahead of the implementation date.

Key Dates

• ASAP: The Province recommended registering for a PST number by September 1, 2026 as applications may take up to 21 days to process.

• October 1, 2026: Businesses required to collect PST must have their PST registration in place and begin charging the tax.

The Province has also released updated guidance, registration information, and service-specific resources, along with free webinars to help businesses understand and comply with the new requirements.

For more information, visit the Province of British Columbia's PST resources or contact Taxpayer Services at 1-877-388-4440 or CTBTaxQuestions@gov.bc.ca.

PARTNERSHIP WITH CITY OF CRANBROOK ON BR&E SURVEY

Your business can help inform future economic development priorities in Cranbrook. Share your business' experiences, priorities, and perspectives today.

We are pleased to partner with the City of Cranbrook’s Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Survey and encourage our members to participate. Help connect the City directly with the experiences, priorities, and perspectives of local businesses.

You'll offer real-world information about

• current operations
• plans for growth, challenges, and opportunities
• access to business supports
• local purchasing and sales

What role can the City and community partners play in supporting business retention and expansion?

Results will be reported in summary form and will help shape the City of Cranbrook’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.

US TARIFFS - AM I AFFECTED?

UPDATE: We've provided a concise list of programs, supports and resources on our website. As updates become available, we will provide that information to our members.

As the Canada/US tariff situation evolves and unfolds, businesses are bracing themselves to grapple with the unknown.

Got a story to tell? We are listening and working closely with the BC Chamber of Commerce as they compile real-world examples of impacts on BC business. Reach out to share.

BOARDROOM & PRIVATE OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE

Need space?

We've got some newly refreshed office space available for rent immediately.

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VISIT CRANBROOK OPEN HOUSE

As part of its strategic planning for the next five years, Visit Cranbrook is hosting an open house on Wednesday, September 16.

Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.

Stop by and share your ideas about the future of Cranbrook’s tourism economy.

Learn more about the local tourism industry and network with other community members and businesspeople.

We'll see you there!

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES PROGRAM MENTOR

FREE mentorship from a successful local entrepreneur that knows Cranbrook!

Meet Lisa Barnes, the mentor for the upcoming Community Peer Mentoring Group, brought to you by WeBC and the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce.

A supportive collaborative group of women to share challenges, ideas and solutions?

Designed for women entrepreneurs in their first five years of business, this FREE program offers a supportive space to:

🌱 Gain guidance and fresh perspectives

💡 Work through real business challenges

🤝 Build meaningful connections

💬 Share experiences, ideas, and practical support

💪 Grow alongside women who understand the entrepreneurial journey

Only 8 spots are available!

If you’re building a business in Cranbrook and looking for a community that will encourage, challenge, and support you, this is for you.

📍 Cranbrook, BC

💰 Free to participate

This program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy and delivered in partnership with WeBC.

SPACE IS LIMITED - APPLY NOW !

UPCOMING EVENTS

Our events create business connections, they're informative, and they open doors for access to levels of government and community leaders.

We have a wide variety of events planned for the fall and we'd love to see you there!

We can do this work only because of our members' generous sponsorship support - please reach out if you'd like to explore how you can get your business' name in the spotlight to show your support of Cranbrook's business community.

SEPTEMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Join the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at College of the Rockies for an evening of connection, collaboration, and community.

Meet local employers, educators, business leaders, and community partners as we explore how to build a stronger workforce and create more opportunities for local talent. Enjoy networking, great food from Ella’s, and live music.

🎟️ Free to attend, but registration is required.

👉 Register today and be part of the conversation shaping Cranbrook’s future!

ELECTION 2026 - IT'S OUR BUSINESS.

Join the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce for a municipal election forum focused on the issues that matter most to local businesses.

Come for a cup of coffee before you head to work and hear a robust discussion led by moderator Bill Bennett. Bill served as a BC cabinet minister and MLA for 16 years and was a lawyer in Cranbrook, a small business owner, and Past President of the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce and the Cranbrook Rotary Club.

We’ll be inviting all candidates for Cranbrook’s next Mayor and Council to share their perspectives on supporting business, and the critical role the business community plays in Cranbrook’s broader success.

There will be no open mic – questions will be pre-submitted from our membership. Chamber members, click here to submit your question.



We encourage everyone to reach out directly to candidates to follow-up on the issues that matter to your businesses.

This event is free to attend, but registration is required.

60,000 VIEWS FOR EVENING OF EXCELLENCE ?!?!

There’s still time to get your business’ name in front of one of Cranbrook’s biggest audiences!



The Evening of Excellence is coming soon including the Business Excellence Awards and the Citizen of the Year for 2026.

Social media content has been viewed 60,000 times so far – this marketing opportunity only happens once per year. DON’T MISS OUT!

For more information, reach out today.

We're also accepting proposals to provide photography services for the Business Excellence Awards. Visit our opportunities page and scroll down to RFPS for more information.

WELCOME ICBC CEO JASON McDANIEL TO CRANBROOK

Join the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce for the November Business After Hours event with ICBC's President & CEO, Jason McDaniel, as he shares insights on leading the Crown corporation and how ICBC serves as a competitive advantage to BC businesses.

ICBC continues to improve how it delivers services to Cranbrook, and the surrounding communities in the Kootenay region, in order to meet the evolving needs of the growing and diverse population.

This event is brought to you by ICBC and the New Car Dealers Association and hosted at All Seasons Motorsports on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

It is free to attend, but registration is required.

BOARD & COMMITTEE WORK

The Chamber's expanded operating and governance model now includes 7 working committees. Stay tuned for updates on their work including:

-New 3-year Strategic Plan for 2027-2029

-City Budget Subcommittee - Report to the membership

-Board Director & Committee Recruitment