Chamber Chatter September 15, 2015                         Issue 058

STAFF SPEAKING

Here is a note from the volunteer Carbon Footprint Reduction Project Coordinator, Barbara Otter:


" The Chamber's Carbon Footprint Reduction in the Prince George Business Community Project 2015 will wrap up in a celebration on Wednesday, 23 September at 10am at Duchess Community Park.  Please join us on National Tree Day as we plant a tree to honour our first carbon neutral business (via this project) and unveil an educational plaque.  This local idea solved three local needs; the business need for carbon footprint reduction, the need for experiential post-secondary student learning, and the general need for further public education on fossil fuel usage and environmental impact. It is a win-win situation for our community.  I am very pleased to be part of this successful initiative." 

 
~Barbara
 

2015 ADVOCACY SURVEY

Your Prince George Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to staying "ahead" of the issues that affect our membership and community.  We would like to ask that you take a few moments to fill out this Advocacy Survey, and update us on what issues are out there (and which should be placed in the forefront), as well as how you would like to see the Chamber advocate on your behalf.  We use this information to help shape our advocacy efforts to all levels of government...and even more so now with a federal election approaching!

Please note that the Prince George Chamber, in partnership with the Prince George Citizen, CKPG and UNBC, will be hosting a Federal Election Forum for both local riding candidates Thursday October 8, 2015, 7:00-9:00pm.
 
  SURVEY
 DID YOU KNOW...   there are still sponsorship opportunities available for the 2015 Business Excellence Awards? With multiple sponsorship levels there are opportunities for any business to get involved, no matter what size! For more information please contact CEO, Christie Ray at 250.562.2454
DID YOU KNOW...  the Chamber has two great after hours networking opportunities for our members to take advantage of? Check out our two Business After 5 events happening in September by visiting the events calendar on our website. 


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!

 

September 17 - 2015 Business Excellence Awards Nominee Luncheon

September 17 - Business After 5: SpeeDee Your Office Experts

September 18 - Canucks TownHall Breakfast

September 23 - 2015 Carbon Footprint Reduction Wrap Up Celebration

September 23 - Business After 5 (at lunch!): Columbia Fuels Prince George Grand Opening

October 24 - 2015 Business Excellence Awards Gala

 

CANUCKS TOWNHALL BREAKFAST
SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

Presented by





Here's your chance to interact with the Vancouver Canucks management team just hours before the team hits the ice for the first time this season. You'll have an opportunity to ask questions and hear about the goals for the upcoming season and the long term future for the club. Plus, you'll learn about the marketing benefit of aligning your business with your community sports franchises. The Vancouver Canucks are one of the best examples of success through teamwork. And the business of the game is something we can all learn from!

On September 18 th , the Prince George Chamber will host the top three members of the current Canucks Management Team... (and MC'd by TSN 1040 and Sportsnet Pacific, John Shorthouse)


Trevor Linden, President Hockey Operations Jim Benning, General Manager Victor de Bonis, COO
 
DID YOU KNOW... You can advertise in the 2016 Top 40 Under 40 publication. Contact Shirly Prokopchuk at adsales@pgchamber.bc.ca

LOOKING FOR MENTORS IN TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATIONS!
 
Innovation Central Society (ICS) supports innovation and technology entrepreneurs in starting and growing successful companies. We need mentors to provide strategic direction to new startup and early stage companies to help accelerate their growth.
 
You will have knowledge of:
  • Sales/marketing; engineering and/or product management;
  • Navigating challenges of technology commercialization and new venture development;
  • Setting objectives and deadlines; and
  • A mixture of entrepreneurial and professional experience.
 
This is a voluntary opportunity. Being part of a successful startup company will be your reward!  Please contact Robert Quibell, Executive Director, at 250-562-9622 ext. 108 or  Robert@innovationcentral.ca  Learn more at www.innovationcentral.ca
 

2015 BUSINESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SURVEY - RESULTS

During the revision of the Chamber's Strategic Plan, the Chamber wanted to investigate what kind of role it could have in research, case study and collaborative projects in order to enhance members' operations.  Also, the Chamber recognized the need for local businesses to become more engaged with post-secondary educational facilities, namely the College of New Caledonia and the University of Northern British Columbia.  The Chamber's Planning Task Force implemented a survey through "Chamber Chatter" in July to get a better understanding of what our members experiences and needs are.  We wish to share those survey results in a summarized format.

 

LAST WEEKS MOST POPULAR POSTS


What an honour it was...


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
  • 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:

BCIC Market Validation Training
ICS 1566 7 Avenue
Wednesday, September 16, 2015


Project Management for Non Profits Workshop
CNC
Saturday, September 19, 2015 - 9:00am - 5:00pm


Incorporating Your Sole Proprietorship - FREE Workshop
ABDC Office - 555 George Street
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 - 8:30am - 4:30pm


IMSS Annual Fall Job Fair
1270 2 Avenue
Thursday, September 24, 2015 - 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Email for more info


British Columbia's Medal of Good Citizenship
Nominations Open until September 25, 2015


10th World Religions Conference Prince George (10th Anniversary)
Canfor Theatre, UNBC
Sunday, September 27, 2015 - 3:00pm - 7:00pm


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


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


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.
 
We would love to hear from you...