Chamber Chatter June 9, 2015                              Issue 051

STAFF SPEAKING

Here is a note from the Communications Coordinator, Marissa Kellett:


 

"On Saturday, I was one of the "mobbers" at the Two Rivers Gallery gift shop. This was the second "Cash Mob" organized by the Chamber and Hell Yeah Prince George. Although at the end of the day, one business is selected to host the Cash Mob, what has been really exciting to see is the wide range of nominations from the community. There have been nominations for restaurants, retail businesses,  non-profit and cultural organizations. It's fantastic to see the love and passion people have for these businesses! The Cash Mob itself is a great way to support our local businesses - plus, I came away with some one-of-a-kind gifts crafted by local artisans!"


 
~Marissa
 

2015 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!


Nominations are open until June 22nd at 9:00am. You can nominate in as few or as many categories as you like. 


Here is your chance to show your support for your favourite local business!
 

BEA WINNER PROFILE
TOURISM IMPACT AWARD - 2015 CANADA WINTER GAMES

 

The 2015 Canada Winter Games certainly had a huge impact on our city this past winter. But even before that, this multi-sport event was making waves in the community. In recognition of this, the 2015 Canada Winter Games was the recipient of the "Tourism Impact Award" at the Business Excellence Awards in October,  2014. This award is presented to a Prince George based business or organization that has delivered a top quality product or service which has worked to promote tourism and hospitality for Prince George and the region. We spoke with Director of Marketing and Communications Mike Davis about winning the award.


 

 Describe what it was like to hear your name called and receive the Tourism Impact Award.

Mike Davis: It was an honour to win this award. To deliver an event like the Canada Games takes a true community effort. There are so many individuals that played a part in making this a success over the last six years. Many people in the community deserve to be recognized.


 

What was the significance of winning the award to you?

MD: It solidified that the community was ready to welcome the nation. We united as a region to host athletes from over 800 Canadian communities and the award was a rallying point for the 2015 Canada Winter Games and all our Green jacketed volunteers.


 

 How has winning the award benefited you and the work you do in Prince George?

MD: It brought more attention locally to the project. To be recognized by the community for the efforts of so many really shines a spotlight on the great things we can do when we work towards a common goal.

 

 
 DID YOU KNOW...   All four of the resolutions brought to the floor by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce were adopted by the provincial membership. You can read more here.
LEARN MORE


JOIN US FOR MNP'S PRINCE GEORGE GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

You are invited join us for a fun and relaxing evening to connect with our team of MNP advisors and network with other business leaders in the community. As a firm built on relationships, we want to take this opportunity to share our story, introduce you to our unique culture and celebrate our new location in PG. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss new opportunities, and address any concerns you may have about the future of your business - over delicious appetizers and refreshments at our charity toonie bar!   

Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, June 11
Location: MNP Prince George
4th Floor, Royal Bank Building
400 - 550 Victoria Street

  RSVP
DID YOU KNOW...  the Chamber will once again be taking part in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Prince George's Big Squeeze? Mark your calendars and come on down to the Chamber office on August 5th for a glass of lemonade!


TOOLS FOR BUSINESS: MOVE UP PRINCE GEORGE AND THE PG BUSINESS DIRECTORY - 

 

TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2015

DOORS OPEN AT 11:30AM

SANDMAN SIGNATURE SUITES

MEMBERS $26 | NON-MEMBERS $36
*Don't forget your business card for the door prize draw!
The lucky winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to the Prince George Business of their choice!

Does your business have an internet presence? You're not alone, just over 2500 local businesses operate without their own internet page. IPG has created an online Business Directory which is free to use for all Prince George companies.

Do you want to boost your current online exposure? Expand your marketing reach with the IPG online Business Directory that is searchable on Google. Initiatives Prince George helps promote the breadth and quality of Prince George companies to provincial, national, and international investors.

Are you struggling with recruitment? Learn about the Move Up Prince George website and how it can benefit your business. The website provides valuable information about living and working in Prince George, it is also host to a FREE job posting portal which is advertised throughout Prince George, in job markets across Canada and at several job fairs each year.
 


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!

 

June 11 - Tools to Help Business: Move Up Prince George and the PG Business Directory

June 11 - Business After 5: MNP's Prince George Grand Opening Celebration

August 14 - 4th Annual Cosmic Golf Tournament

 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 4TH ANNUAL
COSMIC GOLF TOURNAMENT - AUGUST 14 AT PINE VALLEY

Get ready to take part in one of the most fun networking events of the year! 

Grab 5 of your coworkers/friends and enter a team. This year we are bringing back the best ball, shot gun start tournament to ensure all skills levels have a great time on the course. We encourage you to have fun with the "Cosmic" play- break out that neon and flourescent!

Boost your visibility at the event by sponsoring or donating some great prizes!

Watch for registration to open in next week's Events Digest along with a link to become involved through event sponsorship!

DID YOU KNOW... the Chamber offers Showcase Tours of Prince George to assist with your business recruiting? Have your perspective employees taken through the city with our Ambassador tour guides to see what Prince George has to offer for those working and living here!

BCIC INNOVATOR SKILLS INITIATIVE PROGRAM | ICS

The Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) delivers skills, training and practical experience to post-secondary students across the province. This initiative focuses on the person or innovator, engaging them in a work experience opportunity to develop hands-on business skills and technical training while exploring career opportunities in BC. Students gain practical industry experience and the opportunity to showcase their skills and talent to potential employers.

The ISI is funded by BC Innovation Council (BCIC). The students are paid for their time working with the company, through the BCIC ISI voucher valued from $2500 - $7500, depending on the company's ability to match the voucher in-kind or in-cash, project type and length, and industry norms.

Interested companies and post-secondary students will apply for the ISI through ICS.

 

EventHostBC
GRANTS TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development has allocated $250,000 towards a one-time funding opportunity to encourage community events that strengthen volunteer capacity for event hosting throughout the province.

 

Eligible non-profit organizations are invited to apply for up to $5,000. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis and distributed throughout B.C.'s six tourism regions.

 

This initiative will provide a stimulus for new events and will assist existing events that are currently ineligible for other provincial government funding.

 


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:
  • Amanda Soares RMT
  • Belissima - Shabby Chic Furniture, Decor & More
  • Menchies Frozen Yogurt Prince George
  • Neil Squire Society
  • Paris Jewellers
  • Players Bench
  • Puppy Patch Labradoodles
Events Around Town:

   

2015 Prince George Job Fair

Prince George Golf & Curling Club

Thursday, June 11, 2015 - 10:00am - 5:00pm
More Info

 

 

MNP's Prince George Grand Opening

4th Floor, Royal Bank Building

400-550 Victoria Street

Thursday, June 11, 2015 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm

 

 

The Plane! The Plane! - Aviation history at the library

Bob Harkins Branch, downtown

Thursday, June 11, 2015 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm

For more information call Andrea Palmer at 250.563.9251 x. 128

 

 

Marketing BC Agrifood and Seafood
Domestic Marketing Workshop
Coast Inn of the North
Friday, June 12, 2015 - 8:30am - 4:30pm
More Info


Mudd, Sweat and Tears
Otway Nordic Centre
Saturday, June 13, 2015 - Heats start at 9:00am
More Info
 

 

Sistema Prince George Benefit Concert

Theatre North West

Saturday, June 13, 2015 - 2:00pm

More Info

 

 

First Nations Art Gala

Coast Inn of the North

Thursday, July 16, 2015 - Doors Open at 6:00pm

Tickets available at Studio 2800

Call 250.562.6935 for more information

 

 

Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards

Nominate a deserving volunteer today!

Nominations open until June 30, 2015

More Info

 

 

 

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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