|
|
|
Chamber Chatter 2015 Year In Review
Issue 066
|
|
|
|
|
Grab a cup of coffee and ease back into work (and the New Year!)
with a recap of what the Chamber accomplished in 2015!
|
|
 |
|
|
|
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
"I am so proud to have served the Chamber as President in 2015. It was an incredible year in Prince George with the 100th anniversary of the city, the 25th anniversary of UNBC and hosting the Canada Winter Games. As a Chamber, we hosted the BC Chamber AGM, a Federal election Forum amongst many other fabulous events. All of these things have had a positive effect on our membership. I look forward to a new and exciting year with even more opportunity." - Cindi Pohl
|
CEO'S MESSAGE
"Looking back on the flurry of activity in 2015, it seems hard to believe only a year has passed. We get so immersed in creating and executing a wide array of beneficial events and opportunities for members and the community, we sometimes forget to step back and celebrate all that we have accomplished. I consider our greatest 2015 success to be the increased engagement of members and visibility within the community. More members are aligning closely with the Chamber and are taking advantage of the many opportunities available. And there is only more to come. 2016 is shaping up to be another eventful, value-packed year at the Chamber. Make sure you're part of it!!!" - Christie Ray
|
|
|
 2015 CHAMBER AGM
On Thursday, March 26th, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce held their Annual General Meeting at the Coast Inn of the North.
Chamber members in good standing were invited to exercise their right to vote for the representative(s) that they wished to address business matters in the coming year.
Newly elected to the board were: Alex McIntosh, John Reed, Kara Biles, Roberta Stewart, Russ Peterson and Tracy McCall.
At this meeting, Cindi Pohl presented the Chamber's proposed changes to their Constitution and Bylaws. All the changes where reviewed and with no objects, a motion was passed to accept the changes.
Allison Beswick, of RHB Schmitz de Grace, gave a verbal summary of the Auditor's Report followed by VP of Finance, Bill Phillips' presentation of the 2014 Finance Report. No questions, comments or concerns were raised and a motion was carried to accept the both the auditor's report and Finance Report.
The meeting ended with the swearing in of the 2015-2016 Prince George Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Congratulations!
Directors- Alex McIntosh, Clint Dahl, Dan Ryan, John Reed, Kara Biles, Roberta Stewart, Russ Peterson, Todd Bugge, Tracy McCall and Vincent Prince
Executives- VP Bill Quinn, VP Lorna Wendling, VP Finance Corey Naphtali, President Cindi Pohl and Past President Ranjit Gill.
Throughout the year, the Board has seen a few changes to it Directors. Alex McIntosh resigned from the board following The Free Press closing its doors. We wish Alex all the best in his future endeavors back in Ontario! Kiel Giddens from TransCanada was appointed in his place. Dr. Dan Ryan's new role as
Acting Vice President Academic and Provost had him regretfully stepping down from his role of director. With understanding, we wish Dan luck in his new role! Past President Derek Dougherty was appointed in his place. Senior Manager at MNP, Frankie Albano was appointed to the board in October after a resignation from Director Tracy McCall.
Don't forget to save the date! Our 2016 Annual General Meeting is March 31, 2016
|
|
|
|
DID YOU KNOW? During the 2015 calendar year the Chamber hosted over 35 events. That's a lot of networking opportunities!
|
|
EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
The Chamber hosted an increased number of events and networking opportunities for its members over last year.
Our Speaker's Series luncheons started the year off strong with a January event sponsored by UNBC which included a presentation from UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks. Throughout the year, we also enjoyed presentations from Pacific Coastal Airlines and Air Canada. Administrative Professionals enjoyed a day in their honour at the Coast Inn of the North where we held our breakfast event with keynote speaker, Katy Suik of KMS Life Coaching. The annual Mining Week Luncheon once again boasted a sold out event to hear from the Chair of the Mining Association of BC, Scott Broughton. Our special Festival of Trees luncheon saw over 250 attendees, immersed in the spirit of the holidays, listening to an amazing story of perseverance and determination from our Keynote Speaker, 3 time Olympian Mercedes Nicoll.
Following our 2014 Membership survey, our staff identified a few hot topics that our members were interested in learning about. This led to a number of workshops being hosted, including a fraud workshop hosted by Constable Daniel Farwell, a succession planning workshop series hosted by RBC, KPMG and HSJ Lawyers and most recently a representative from PGNAETA hosted a lunch time workshop covering diversity in the workplace.
Another popular networking choice for sponsoring companies and attendees were our Business After 5 events. Members and non-members alike gathered after hours (and in one case- over lunch!) to celebrate MNP and Columbia Fuels grand openings, check out the latest in ergonomic office solutions at Speedee Your Office Experts and learn about small business banking options at Scotiabank.
The Chamber would like to thank all the sponsors who continue to make these events possible. Thank you to all our members for attending. We continue to strive to offer relevant, timely and engaging content in our workshops.
|
|
|
SPECIAL EVENTS
Thinking outside the box, the Chamber hosted some truly unique events throughout the year.
CHAMBER HOUSE - FEBRUARY
February was an exciting month in Prince George and the Chamber was no exception. Our boardroom was transformed into a lounge for the business community to use when taking in the 2015 Canada Winter Games festivities at Canada Games Plaza. Whether it was a quick business meeting, a warm cup of coffee or simply taking the opportunity to pop in and say hi, the Chamber House Lounge was ready. A number of members sponsored the day's refreshments. We want to thank all our sponsors and everyone who joined us.
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION WITH THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL REVENUE - APRIL
In April, we welcomed the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue, to the Prince George Chamber of Commerce for a round table discussion with our Membership. The Minister was joined by, the newly elected Chamber President, Cindi Pohl, and MP Richard Harris. During the round table, Minister Findlay sought feedback from small business stakeholders, within Prince George, on the Canada Revenue Agency's ongoing efforts to improve services and reduce red tape.
PICK UPS AND PLAID - BC CHAMBER AGM NETWORKING EVENT
Another special event to hit our great city this year was the BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting. As hosting city/chamber, we were tasked with hosting an evening networking social and in true PG Chamber spirit we hosted a party like only we can! The Pick Ups and Plaid tail gate party took place at the Central BC Railway & Forestry Museum and boasted numerous activities to keep all those in attendance happy. Whether you were "gone fishing" at the fish pond, taking aim at the laser shot or simply enjoying a ride on the mini rail, the 150 guests in attendance were living the "Northern BC" lifestyle. Thank you to the planning committee and Heidi Martel of Settings Event Design + Decor for coordinating such a spectacular event.
Make sure you check out the photo album on Facebook!
CANUCKS TOWN HALL BREAKFAST
In September, Prince George hosted the Vancouver Canucks training camp and the Prince George Chamber hosted a "Town hall Breakfast" with the Canucks management staff: President of Hockey Operations, Trevor Linden and General Manager, Jim Benning. This unique event gave the whole community an opportunity to listen first hand about the direction the team was going at the start of the season and to ask questions. The morning was
emceed by TSN 1040 and
Sportsnet
Pacific announcer, John
Shorthouse to round out the full hockey fan experience!
|
|
|
CHAMBER ANNUAL FUNDRAISERS
PRESIDENT'S GALA
This year's Jeopardy-themed celebration, in partnership with CN, was emceed by Gil
Botelho
as Alex
Trebek and
featured games that tested the attendee's knowledge of the Prince George business scene.
Two rounds of Jeopardy play had tables rallying for board control and three individuals faced off in Double Jeopardy with Andrea Palmer from the Prince George Public Library walking away as champion. Hosted at the unique UNBC Bentley Centre, all in attendance enjoyed the buzz of energy in the sold out banquet hall.
The Chamber recognized past and present presidents, board members, and local businesses that had reached significant milestones with the Chamber in 2015. Notably, the marking of one of our founding members, The Prince George Citizen's 100th year of membership!
*Click here to view more photos from the night's festivities. Mark your calendars for next year: our President's Gala will take place on Saturday, April 16th, 2016 and the Chamber will once again bring our "A Game" Jeopardy style!
CHAMBER COSMIC GOLF TOURNAMENT
PRESENTED BY: KOPAR ADMINISTRATION
Who says you need to play golf under the sun? This annual golf tournament was a great success with 108 golfers in attendance. This year we "Raised the Bar" with a gourmet hot dog bar, sweet treats a midnight with our dessert bar and of course the ever popular drinks bar!
Thanks for all our wonderful sponsors and businesses who donated to our draw prizes, without you the event would
not
have been the success that it was! Congratulations to Canadian Western Bank who won the tournament with the lowest score.
"THE AWARDS" - 2015 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Business excellence in Prince George was celebrated in fine form at the Civic Centre on October 24. With host Gery Schubert as "Tony Martini" the Chamber awarded winners in eleven categories. With presenting sponsor Northland Auto Group and many other great sponsors, the evening's entertainment couldn't be rivaled. Opening the show was a dance sequence from Performers North and then it was right to business. Those in attendance dined on a full course meal boasting themed Cannoli for dessert! To view all our winners and check out some great event photos visit our website!
Planning for next year's event is already under way!
Stay tuned for winner profiles from this year to appear monthly in our Chamber Chatter newsletters.
|
|
|
 |
|
DID YOU KNOW? During the 2015 calendar year more than 60 new members joined the Chamber of Commerce.
|
|
CARBON REDUCTION PROJECT
It's a Wrap, on National Tree Day in 2015!
Left image: L to R- Jason Thompson, Garth Frizzell, David Brogliatto, Dr. Daniel Weeks and Cindi Pohl
Right Image: Plaque unveiled by Natalie Alteen
The Carbon Footprint Reduction in the Prince George Business Community 2015 project was a success. Local businesses were given practical, customized information on how they could reduce operational costs while reducing their fossil fuel usage. UNBC students were given hands-on direct involvement in real world consulting-type projects. The Chamber benefited, as it continued to fulfill its objectives to connect, engage and enhance the local business community.
In 2015, a number of local businesses provided class-only access to general data such as: energy usage, staff commute, and paper usage. Many thanks to: Chilako River Ranch, Environmental Dynamics Inc., Glenbirnam Farm, Handsome Cabin Boy Tattoo, Home Sweet Home, JFT Secure Ltd., Nest Egg Ostrich Ranch, and P.S. Piano Service for their participation. Later in the summer, the Chamber helped these businesses implement energy conservation and reduction strategies. As this project continues into 2016, the Chamber remains well positioned to bridge connections between local business and academia.
In recognition of the large contributions made by various organizations and the local business (JFT Secure) that became carbon neutral during the project, a ceremonial tree planting took place and an education plaque was unveiled at Duchess Community Park. Both these items are now permanent City records of how the Chamber can improve air quality and enhance the lives of students, local business and citizens.
The primary project funder continues to be CN. Should your business wish to take advantage of this amazing opportunity (numbers are limited) in 2016, please contact Barbara Otter, barbara.otter@pgchamber.bc.ca.
|
|
|
CASH MOB!
Always looking for unique ideas, the Chamber and Hell Yeah Prince George joined forces to bring a new event to our community. The Cash Mob is intended to bring the community together to support a local business at a specific time encouraging participants to spend $20 cash at the designated business. Gaining community interest and supporters along the way, the Chamber and HYPG organized four cash mobs in 2015.
BOOKS AND COMPANY
Our inaugural Cash Mob was held on a Saturday in May at Books and Company. This well attended community oriented event provided a sales increase of 20-25% over a normal Saturday which in the words of owner Owen Lubbers is "good news for any business".
TWO RIVERS GALLERY
Just before summer set in, we hosted one last Cash Mob at the Two Rivers Gallery Gift Shop. Mobbing was easy when you walked into this store and saw not only items they specially tagged as being $20 but the variety of gifts available within the shop!
VAN HORLICK'S TROPHY & GIFT HOUSE
Back for the holiday gift giving season, our next Cash Mob target was Van Horlick's! With excitement for the event buzzing through social media, many people were ready to spend their $20 on items they've had their eyes on while others were discovering the store for the first time. That kind of interest is great for any business!
BITES OF BLISS
Our last cash mob of 2015 was held at Bites Of Bliss and gave mobbers an opportunity to shop for their sweet tooth and stock up on holiday treats. A popular cakery among the Hell Yeah Prince George community, this cahs mob kept owner Cindy Klassen busy all day long.
|
|
|
DID YOU KNOW? This year the BC Chamber of Commerce and the Prince George Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to host a Business Development Forum on January 19th to open the BC Natural Resource Forum. You can find more information on this event on our website!
|
|
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR CHAMBER TEAM??
This past year, the Chamber has been fortunate to have a great staff compliment contributing to the office's overall success. With a few changes in roles throughout the year our team has been able to benefit from the past knowledge of veteran (for us!) staff and the exciting new ideas from those just joining our exciting and fast paced environment.
How well do you know the team members in our office who work hard to bring you all those exciting events and projects?
|
CEO - Christie Ray
Christie's optimism and good cheer is well known to those who work closely with her!
She almost always runs on high speed - whether it's in the office, at an event or toting her kids around on the weekends. But she also loves to relax. Give her a good book and a glass of cold white wine, and Christie is a happy camper.
|
|
Projects & Executive Coordinator - Felicia Magee
No coffee for this girl! Her addiction is an XL Tim's Orange Pekoe tea with one and a half sugar. It's the secret formula for keeping all those projects organized!
A lover of white wine, photography and her family; Felicia spends most of her time out of the office chauffeuring her two gorgeous girls to dance, gymnastics and play dates.
In her rare moments of spare time Felicia will curl up with a good book, or binge watch Netflix, with a hot cup of tea or a cold glass of wine!
|
|
Membership & Events Manager - Meghan Ginter
No matter what the season, you will find this girl in the outdoors. Whether prepping the garden in the spring, camping and canoeing in the summer, hiking in the fall, or snowshoeing in the winter, Meghan takes full advantage of the beautiful scenery that British Columbia has to offer.
A self-confessed 'gl-amper', her annual camping trips to the Okanagan tend to include afternoons full of wine tours and evenings cooking over a campfire.
|
|
Bookkeeper & Office Administrator - Erin Tulle
When Erin doesn't have a flurry of paperwork around her at the chamber you can most likely find her camping!
A lake, lawn chair and excitement of her kids is all she needs to unwind.....and maybe a little bit of country music in the background.
|
|
Communications Coordinator - Jennifer Brandle-McCall
A self-professed 'Word-Nerd', Jennifer enjoys correcting her friends' grammar and otherwise using her communications powers for good.
Outside of work, she enjoys cross-country skiing, drinking gourmet coffee, and traveling internationally.
You'll catch her cruising around PG in her very uncool minivan, with her husband and three 'littles', shopping at the Farmer's Market, hiking around Ferguson Lake, and eating sushi whenever possible.
|
|
Project Coordinator, Carbon Footprint Reduction - Barbara Otter
This lady has embraced the community of Prince George for over 15 years. Barbara leads an eventful lifestyle keeping up with a growing family and volunteering where she can.
Her true weakness is dark European chocolate with a remote second place held by herbal tea - all accompanied by a good book when time permits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMITTEES AT WORK
The Chamber of Commerce has three committees chaired by the support of Board members and driven by volunteers that carry out a lot of the objectives and goals set by the Board.
The Service Delivery Committee works diligently on the three large fundraisers, grants and programs.
The Communications Committee and its Membership Task Force continue to work on the Chamber's communication strategy to encourage new members, retain current members and increase membership engagement. Having published their annual Membership Survey, you can expect this committee will be working hard to read through all the survey results and implement necessary changes to reflect some of the greatest needs and wants of our members.
The Advocacy Committee was put into high gear this year with the Federal Election. In addition to the regular work, this committee advocates for our members at the Municipal, Provincial and National levels where needed. The Chamber hosted the Federal All Candidates Forum in partnership with CKPG, UNBC and the Prince George Citizen.
|
|
|
DID YOU KNOW? The Chamber issues Press Releases not only to promote and share achievements and successes, but also to state the Chamber's official position on various news topics making headlines and affecting business. Our Media releases are posted on our website.
|
|
|
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - MARCH
The Chamber board met with the new city council early in 2015 to discuss a wide range of topics.
BC CHAMBER AGM - MAY
Delegates from all over BC arrived in Prince George for the BC Chamber's Annual General Meeting,
the province's foremost business gathering. More than 160 delegates voted on 51 resolutions. The experience in Prince George was very well received by those in attendance, with many delegates expressing their desire to return to the city.
All four of the resolutions brought to the floor by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce were adopted by the provincial membership.
These adopted policies now become part of the BC Chamber's advocacy agenda.
CHAMBER ADVOCACY COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Every month the Chamber's Advocacy Committee meets to stay on top of any local, provincial or national news that may impact business in our community. If you're interested in getting more information on what this committee works on, need a little clarity on what exactly "advocacy" and "policy" is, or are just plain curious feel free to contact our office or attend our next meeting.
|
|
|
|
DID YOU KNOW? The Chamber's Annual General Meeting allows members in good standing to exercise their right to vote for representatives to serve on the Board of Directors. The next Annual General Meeting is scheduled for March 31th, 2016 and nominations are currently being accepted for new potential Directors. If you're interested in being a part of the Chamber as a Director, please contact CEO Christie Ray at 250.562.2454
|
|
|
|
| JB Brothers Concrete Finishing Inc. |
Kawano Farms Ltd. |
| Nerium International - Independent Brand Partner |
Carol Brown Reflexology |
| The Heart of The Matter |
The Christian Labour Association of Canada |
| RCL Transport Ltd. |
Mothers 'N' More Maternity Ltd. |
| Colette Bruneau Coaching |
DMG Mechanical Ltd. |
| Fraserway RV LP. |
Lambda Cabaret |
| Signpatico Digital Advertising Ltd. |
Christopher Van Oord |
| Hart Modular Homes |
Futurpreneur Canada |
| Sonrise New Directions Society |
3 Sisters Rock 'n Gems |
| Venture Elevator Inc. |
Yellowhead Helicopters Ltd. |
| Prince George Exploration Group Society |
Black Donkey Cafe |
| B&F Auto Service |
Added Advantage Marketing |
| Amanda Soares RMT |
Puppy Patch Labradoodles |
| Menchies Frozen Yogurt Prince George |
Bellissima - Shabby Chic Furniture, Decor & More |
| Players Bench |
Neil Squire Society |
| Paris Jewellers |
Northern BC Recruitment Solution |
| CARA Operations Ltd. |
Air Canada |
| Northern Lights Estate Winery Ltd. |
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP |
| Lesley's Complete Pet Parlor |
Caledonia Nordic Ski Club |
| Apnasara Phonebook/Zoya Magazine |
KRT Enterprises Ltd. |
| Money Miracles |
Anu Laser & Skin Care |
| GMW Bookkeeping Services |
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada |
| MWatt Electric Inc. |
Prince George Driving for Life Academy Ltd. |
| Chinook Yoga |
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory |
| Global Roadway Maintenance |
Poplar Ideas |
| Dave Fuller - MBA, Certified Professional Business Coach |
Emily Kwitkoski, Spa Practitioner |
| La Tienda Hair Design Ltd. |
Cakewalk Desserts |
| Chinese Store |
Vanderhoof and Districts Co-op Ltd. |
| Sweet Cherry Bakery |
The Arthritis Society, BC & Yukon Division |
| Prince George Weight Loss & Wellness, Inc. |
Transform Our Conversaton |
| Jane Wakelyn, Dominion Lending Centres |
OVERhang Education Centre Ltd. |
| National Concrete Accessories |
Invis - Canada's Mortgage Experts |
| Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of BC |
AA private Investigations & Bailiff Service Ltd. |
| R. Loreth Construction |
A1 Self Storage Ltd. |
| Dr. Suzanne Rozon Inc. |
Prince George Diaper Service
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We would love to hear from you...
|
|
|
|
|
|
