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Chamber Chatter 2016 Year In Review
Issue 091
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Grab a cup of coffee and ease back into work (and the New Year!)
with a recap of what the Chamber accomplished in 2016!
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
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I cannot believe that 2016 has come and gone. It has been an incredible honour to serve as the President of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce for a second and final year. This past year we had the opportunity to do so many great things at the Chamber. This includes reviewing and updating our strategic plan and starting to work toward accreditation with distinction. Our Advocacy Committee did some excellent work creating new resolutions which passed at both the BC Chamber and Canadian Chamber levels. We also had many fantastic events bringing our membership together. Overall, it was a memorable year and I look forward to 2017."
- Cindi Pohl
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CEO'S MESSAGE
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Another year come and gone! As the Prince George Chamber continues to evolve and rise to new challenges I focus on a few factors in particular that have made this possible. Member engagement is increasing, which has given us opportunity to better understand member needs and desired focus. The Chamber image is shifting to better align with our modern organization working to drive positive change in the community. And we could not make any of this progress without the dedication of a great team of leaders...from the strategic and supportive Board of Directors to the hard-working and innovative staff and contractors. Together we grow and achieve, celebrate success, and look with enthusiasm to 2017!"
- Christie Ray
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2016 CHAMBER AGM
On Thursday, March 31st, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce held its 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: Daniel J. Weeks, Derek Dougherty, Keriann Harlow, Laurie Dillman and Scott McWalter.
Allison Beswick, of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, gave a verbal summary of the Auditor's Report following Lorna Wendling's presentation of the 2015 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 2016-2017 Prince George Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Congratulations!
Directors- Daniel J. Weeks, Derek Dougherty, Frankie Albano, Kara Biles, Keriann Harlow, Kiel Giddens, Laurie Dillman, Roberta Stewart, Russ Peterson and Scott McWalter.
Executives- VP Bill Quinn, VP Lorna Wendling, VP Finance Corey Naphtali, President Cindi Pohl and Past President Ranjit Gill.
In June of 2016, Paul Mercer was appointed to the board following the resignation of Director Scott McWalter.
Don't forget to save the date! Our 2017 Annual General Meeting is March 30th, 2017
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DID YOU KNOW... During the 2016 calendar year the Chamber hosted over 30 events. That's a lot of networking opportunities!
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EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
The Chamber hosted a 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 held in connection with our Business Development Forum titled, "Higher Education, Stronger Economy". Throughout the year, we also enjoyed presentations from PricewaterhouseCoopers, heard an update from our local MLAs, listened to VP Mike McNaney share "The Westjet Perspective" and the City of Prince George shared both the results of their Business Outreach Program and the Mayor's update.
The annual Mining Week Luncheon was another sold out lunch with those in attendance getting a special presentation and update on Mount Milligan, one of the newest and largest mines in our region.
Following our 2015 Membership survey, our staff identified a few hot topics that our members were interested in learning about. Our June Speaker Series Luncheon, "Social Good for Business Impact" addressed our members requests to find ways to better connect with the community. We were also able to offer 3 workshops this year addressing: networking and social media, human resources and small business profitability. We are already looking forward to bringing you more of the content you want to see in 2017!
Another networking staple was the quarterly Coffee Hour with the Chamber. This event offers many members a chance to connect with Chamber board and staff before the work day starts. For many this is the only time they can spare from running their business and we appreciate those who choose to start the day early and have coffee with us!
A popular networking choice for both sponsors and attendees were our "Business After 5" events. Members and non-members alike gathered after hours - and in one case - over lunch! At DMC Chartered Professional Accountants Inc, the team introduced their newest partner and unveiled new branding. We enjoyed wine and appetizers at Northern Lights Estate Winery while taking tours of the cellar. Waste Management hosted a special Business After 5 (at lunch!) for their Customer Appreciation event. Northland Dodge hosted a Business After 5 to commemorate one year in their new building. Heather Sadler Jenkins paired with the Chamber to celebrate 45 years of business in Prince George in October. To end the year Sandman Signature Suites hosted our final event in luxury showcasing the stylish venue available for professionals doing business in Prince George.
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.
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CHAMBER ANNUAL EVENTS
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FORUM
The Prince George Chamber - in partnership with the BC Chamber - organized and hosted the Business Development Forum. This event focused on topics relevant to small businesses servicing and supplying the natural resource sector. It provided "golden nuggets" of information and ideas for easy implementation on current capital projects (and how to get a piece of the pie), small business grants available, navigating HR trends, and finding success in a changing economy.
*Join us on Tuesday, January 31st for the 2017 Business Development Forum.
For more information visit our website.
PRESIDENT'S GALA
This year we brought back the Jeopardy-themed celebration, in partnership with CN. Emceed by Ron Polillo
and
featured games that tested the attendee's knowledge of the Prince George business scene.
Hosted at the Prince George Civic and Conference Centre, everyone in attendance enjoyed a delicious meal and game style entertainment.
The Chamber recognized past and present presidents, board members, and local businesses that had reached significant milestones with the Chamber in 2016.
*Click here to view more photos from the night's festivities.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS' DAY BREAKFAST
For the third consecutive year, the Chamber hosted the Administrative Professionals' Day Breakfast, this time at the Westwood Church. Sponsored by Speedee Your Office Experts Ltd, The River and The Drive with keynote speaker Katy Suik of KMS Life Coaching; those in attendance enjoyed a delicious breakfast, went home with a grab bag of stationary supplies and spent an hour hearing tips from Katy on how empower yourself in the workplace.
"BACK TO THE AWARDS" - 2016 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
'Back to the Awards' was the theme for this year's event, playing off the hit 1985 movie "Back to the Future". Several guests donned puffy red "Marty McFly" vests and high top running shoes. There were a handful of people in character as "Doc" Emmett Brown, which helped in celebrating the fact that the evening occurred on the actual 78
th birthday of Christopher Lloyd, the actor who played Doc in the film.
Taking on the role of Emcees (at the eleventh hour!!), Kyle Sampson and Doug Jones helped create an celebratory atmosphere while remaining focused on the exemplary work demonstrated by our business community. 6ixSigma Productions had guests rolling with laughter at their short film depicting Chamber CEO Christie Ray as an award winning basket weaver!
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.
LUNCH AMONG THE TREES
This annual event kicks off the holiday season for the Chamber with help from our sponsors: Northland Auto Group and RBC. Keynote speaker for 2016 was RBC Olympian, Rower Will Dean who captured the audience's attention with stories from his journey to the Olympics and touching tributes to the inspiring women in his life.
Guests were encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item, this donation to St. Vincent de Paul Society was greatly appreciated and those generous attendees were rewarded with an entry to win a Kobo e-reader and gift card compliments of CNC & CNC Continuing and Community Education.
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DID YOU KNOW... During the 2016 calendar year more than 60 new members joined the Chamber of Commerce? We also piloted a membership referral program!
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CARBON REDUCTION PROJECT - PROJECT CONTINUES INTO 2019!
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| UNBC's Carbon Management Class 2016. |
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We are pleased to continue "CN's Carbon Reduction Project for Business" for another three years. The company agreed to a total of five years of funding, as Canadian National continues to work towards strengthening the communities it serves. UNBC committed to offering the Carbon Management course into 2019, which is an integral part of this project.
The Chamber teams up volunteer businesses with a UNBC class to provide these students real-world case studies, where they can practice newly acquired carbon analysis skills. The time commitment is minimal for participating businesses, as the students do the real work! The businesses benefit from a FREE carbon report, practical knowledge on fossil fuel usage, a customized carbon reduction plan, as well as lower fuel bills thanks to greater efficiency.
In 2016 FREE carbon footprint analyses were given to: Benchmark Automotive Services, Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum, Joey's Only, Nancy O's, Shiraz Café and Restaurant, Staples, Two Rivers Gallery and Zaffron Cuisine. The 2016 summer intern, sponsored by PGAIR, assisted all interested
project businesses pursue carbon footprint reductions and produced a regional composting feasibility study.
There are only a few spots left for these FREE carbon footprint analyses in 2017, please take advantage of this Chamber membership bonus and volunteer your business.
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NEW YEAR, NEW CONCEPT - "COLLABORATIONS... CONNECTING BUSINESS TO CAMPUS"
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| Photo courtesy of UNBC. |
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The Chamber listens to its members! Working with CNC and UNBC, we're launching "Collaborations . . . Connecting Business to Campus" in February 2017 (view event details here). This is an opportunity for businesses to connect with both post-secondary institutions, and tap into their expertise. Transfer innovation from the academic world, into your business!
A lot of behind-the-scenes work was completed in 2016 to market, plan and conceptualize how this concept will fit into the Prince George business community. We look forward to seeing you at one of the "Collaborations" events in 2017.
Thank you to project funders . . .
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CASH MOB!
Always looking for unique ideas, the Chamber and Hell Yeah Prince George joined forces! For each 'Cash Mob,' locals were encouraged to bring $20 cash to spend at a small business, on a particular day and time. Our Cash Mobs gained plenty of community interest and supporters along the way!
In April, we mobbed Menchie's Frozen Yogurt (a favourite destination among the staff's kids!). The store offered giveaways, discounts, and had heir mascot on hand for high five's and photos.
Country Creations saw a mob of shoppers and inquisitive patrons in May. It was the perfect opportunity to shop for Mother's and Father's day or end of the year teacher gifts.
Local artisans saw some love in June, when our final mob took place at Studio 2880. With an assortment of pieces priced within the $20 range, our "Mobbers" had no problem finding a little something.
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DID YOU KNOW... You can view your Member Benefits online? Are you taking full advantage of your membershi? See a list of local, provincial and national benefits that may be able to help you do business better!
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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?
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CEO - Christie Ray
What was your first paying job? - Chambermaid at Hudson's Bay Lodge in Smithers, BC
What did you want to be when you grew up
? - First a Rock Star...then a Marine Biologist...later on a Physiotherapist (until I learned that needles made me faint...and scrapped the medical field)...then finally a "sensible" way to work artistically! This landed me in a Marketing program at UNBC.
What do you want to do when you retire?
My 7 year old daughter assures me that when I finish my work with the Chamber she will give me a job at the art gallery (or pet store) she will someday own. I will get to read books and drink tea all day long...and be paid $10 at the end of each week. Sounds like a solid retirement plan to me!
What is the best perk that you have had at a job? -
Maybe the well-stocked staff drink fridge at Stockgroup Information Systems Inc. or the napping room at BMO. No, on second thought the best perk would be the matched RRSP contributions at WOLFTEK Industries Inc.
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Projects & Executive Coordinator - Felicia Magee
What was your first paying job? - I was a Tae Kwon Do instructor at the Northern Institute of Martial Arts.
What did you want to be when you grew up? - It changed frequently but when I was younger I wanted to be a lawyer... or a pop star, but I can't carry a tune!
What is the best perk that you have had at a job? - When I worked for a Financial Institution in Alberta, I really loved having waived service charges for all my banking accounts (and staff mortgage rates!). That really adds up!
If you had one free hour each day, how would you use it? - I would spend it on online courses for photography, typography, graphic and design... I could go on and on. #Alwaysbelearning
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Membership & Events Manager - Laura Lawrence (covering Meghan's maternity leave)
What was your first paying job? -
Movie Extra. First full time job was working on the docks in a fish packing plant
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Actress or Anthropologist
If money was no concern, what job would you be doing?
- Humanitarian
If you had one free hour each day, how would you use it?
- Doing Yoga or hiking with my dog & kids
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Bookkeeper & Office Administrator - Erin Tulle
What was your first paying job?
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Working at Julianna's Pizzeria!! I was 14
I learned how to make a "mean" pizza and the most delicious donairs!
What did you want to be when you grew up? -
A nurse....but now that I have children I know I couldn't handle what they do, day in and day out and I have a very WEAK stomach.
Where do you want to retire? -
I would love to retire back home on PEI, in a cozy cottage on the North Shore.
If you had one free hour each day, how would you use it? - I would be at a café, in a huge comfy chair with a book or magazine and a hot drink.
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Communications Coordinator - Camille MacDonald
What was your first paying job? - When I was 8, I started my own crafting business, selling handmade items at craft fairs during the Christmas season. I made money to buy presents for my family and friends!
Where do you want to retire? - No idea - retirement is too far in the future to think about!
If you had one free hour each day, how would you use it? - I would use it for creativity! I'm trying to learn to knit - with limited success. I'd put the extra time into that, or maybe take a watercolour class.
What is the best perk that you have had at a job? - At CKPG, on-air personalities get free haircuts. That's definitely one part about the job I miss!
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Project Coordinator, Barbara Otter
What was your first paying job? - Locarno Beach concession stand (Vancouver Parks Board) cashier.
What did you want to be when you grew up? - I wanted to be a high school English teacher.
If you had one free hour each day, how would you use it? - Reading novels.
What is the best perk that you have had at a job? - International and national travel
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2016 MOST POPULAR FACEBOOK POSTS
Our social media channels have never been more engaged as they were in 2016. This year also saw our Facebook page reach almost 2000 followers!
Here is a small sampling of some of the news we have shared on Facebook this year:
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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 two large fundraisers, grants and programs.
The Communications Committee continues 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 saw great success this year with their policy resolutions. All four resolutions were adopted at the BC Chamber AGM and our resolution
entitled "Canada's Small Airports and Access to ACAP Funding" met with 97% support, without amendment. This committee works year round on providing advocacy support to businesses at the municipal, provincial and national levels of government.
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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.
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CHAMBER 101 WITH CITY COUNCIL
CEO Christie Ray presented an information "Chamber 101" session with City Council and Senior Staff, outlining the Chamber's current direction, initiatives and Advocacy Process.
BC CHAMBER AGM - MAY
Three representatives from the Prince George Chamber of Commerce joined delegates from across the province in Kelowna for the BC Chamber's Annual General Meeting. D
elegates participated in the AGM workshops and presented resolutions during policy debate sessions. The Prince George Chamber authored two of the resolutions and co-authored the forestry resolution with the Williams Lake Chamber of Commerce. A late resolution was also submitted regarding "Ensuring Sufficient Time is Provided for Pipeline Projects to Successfully Meet Conditions". All four resolutions were adopted.
CANADIAN CHAMBER AGM - SEPTEMBER
Regina, Saskatchewan hosted Chamber professionals from across the country for this year's Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting. Delegates took part in workshops and policy sessions, presenting resolutions for debate with the National network. The Prince George Chamber
presented two policy resolutions to the membership. While both resolutions were approved, the Chamber's resolution entitled "Canada's Small Airports and Access to ACAP Funding" met with 97% support, without amendment.
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.
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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 30th, 2017 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
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
| Howe Sound Clearing Ltd. |
Elstad Contracting Ltd. |
Monster Industries Ltd. |
| Belledune Homes Ltd. |
Rotary Club of Prince George - Nechako |
Factors Western Inc. |
| Pathfinder Endeavours Ltd. |
Loved Always |
Civeo |
| PG Dome Society |
Ace Rebar Ltd. |
Industry Training Authority
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| HRPG Consulting |
ABC Food Safety School |
Country Creations |
| UHLS Tree Service |
Tyrod Industries Ltd. |
Novatone Consulting Ltd. |
| Precision Metal Works Ltd. |
Brink Forest Products Ltd. |
Go West Development Ltd. |
| Wild Rose Wellness |
Raven Creative |
MP, Todd Doherty
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| Dennison HR Consulting |
Tasha Moodley - Professional Coaching & HR Consulting |
Guardian Aerospace Ltd. |
| Prince Motel |
go2HR - The resource for people in Tourism |
Stickys Candy |
| Handy Circle Resource Society |
Coast Eagle Consulting Inc, Health & Safety |
Pro Works Painting |
| The Hubspace (powered by Innovation Central Society) |
Kelly O'Bryan's Neighborhood Restaurant |
Lowe's |
| All Points Waste Disposal Inc. |
Millennium Professional Services Limited |
Business2Mobile Communications Inc. |
| DUC - Digital Umbrella Creative |
Core Salon and Spa |
Krell Chiropractic Ltd. |
| Days Inn Prince George |
Phillips Media |
VanKam Freightways |
| Prince George Gymnastics |
West X Business Solutions |
Play Grounds Cafe |
| Balanced Accounting |
SPH Consultancy Inc. |
Prince George Humane Society |
| D. Kersey Electric |
Norton North Ranch Cottages |
Stantec Consulting Ltd. |
| TLC Solutions |
Naoki, Sato Master Carpenter |
Harbour Digital Media |
| Ladybug Wellness |
Project Friendship Society |
C. Keith Aartsen Law Corporation |
| Exit - Prince George |
World Financial Group |
Tabor Mountain Ski Resort Ltd. |
| Genesis Engagement Inc. |
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We would love to hear from you...
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