Chamber Chatter January 20, 2015                         Issue 042

STAFF SPEAKING

Here is a note from the Project Coordinator for our Carbon Footprint Reduction - Phase 2 Project:



"This will be my 15th year in Prince George.  This city has always made me feel welcome.  There is a definite sense of wanting to embrace our neighbours and to make our city better.  Volunteering and taking part in local initiatives have made me more aware of our specific regional needs and resources.  I look forward to further community involvement as I match UNBC students with our interested members so that carbon footprints can be measured and potentially reduced.  Such community focused and driven initiatives make me proud to call Prince George home"


~ Barbara

 

2014 BEA WINNER SPOTLIGHT
HELL YEAH PRINCE GEORGE AMBASSADOR AWARD - NORM COYNE



2014 was the first year for this award, presented in partnership with the Hell Yeah PG Facebook Group and sponsored by the Prince George Airport Authority.  The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to the betterment of Prince George, or promoting positive aspects of the community. The winner, Norm Coyne, was selected through online voting on Facebook.  Norm heads the Events Division at the Prince George Citizen, and has been active in promoting Prince George arts and culture for 15 years. The PG Chamber asked Norm what winning this award means to him.


 

Chamber:  "What it was like for you to hear your name called, and receive the inaugural Hell Yeah PG Award?"

NC: "Hearing my name called was thrilling. It is a tremendous honor to be attached to the legacy of such a momentous initiative."

Chamber: "What was the significance of winning the award for you personally?

NC: "We are all very lucky to have Hell Yeah PG inspiring so many to do their part in making a difference to improve our city and help others. Personally, I am one of the many likeminded people in the group and our city who see Prince George as something unlimited where anything can happen. Winning the award has motivated me to further challenge myself to do my part in facilitating the great things happening here and nurturing the great things we can make happen."


 

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

NC: "At its essence, Hell Yeah PG is about building and appreciating community. There is an escalating positive energy in Prince George due in part to the rallying of the group. Much of the work I do both in planning events and in the Scene PG is developed and grown through collaboration with partners. These initiatives benefit directly from a stronger, better community. Between the current momentum of the Hell Yeah PG group and the added recognition the award has given me, I have seen a lot more people and businesses reaching out to get involved with the projects I am working on or asking me to get involved with their own projects. People in our city are eager to share and help right now. We all stand to gain from this."

 
DID YOU KNOW...  the Chamber expects to welcome an increased number of visitors in the office during Games time. Will your company be seen? Drop by the office to update your business cards and promotional material. Don't already have your business cards on display? Bring them by!


INITIATIVES PRINCE GEORGE

Promote your business by increasing your online presence. Add your business to the Prince George Business Directory for free.

DID YOU KNOW...  Chamber week across British Columbia is February 16-20, 2015

CHAMBER HOUSE 
FEATURING THE BRICK LOUNGE


The Prince George Chamber of Commerce is taking on a cozy new look for the Canada Winter Games. Our office will become Chamber House, a place where members can warm up, enjoy a hot beverage, watch Games' events, or work remotely. 

As a Chamber member, you will be able to enjoy the following benefits at Chamber House:

 

- "The Brick Lounge," featuring comfy leather couches, and a big screen TV where you can watch major Games' events courtesy of Shaw Cable in an intimate, living room-like setting

- Conveniently located two blocks from Canada Games Plaza, Chamber House offers a place for members to socialize and network while taking in events in the downtown

- Members can book a space at Chamber House to meet with clients or guests from out of town

- FREE hot chocolate and other hot drinks to keep you warm and in good spirits!

 

There are several opportunities for sponsorship at Chamber House. Members are invited to sponsor drinks for a day, or provide snacks or desserts. This is an excellent venue to showcase your business and products! Contact the Chamber if you are interested in sponsorship. 

 

Chamber House opens February 14th, and will be open 9am-9pm weekdays and 12pm-9pm weekends. We look forward to celebrating with you!

  

 


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.

 

January 29 - "UNBC at 25: Strengthening the UNBC / Prince George Relationship" - Speaker Series Luncheon

February 14 - March 1 - Chamber House featuring The Brick Lounge

March 26 - Annual General Meeting

April 18 - 2015 President's Gala

 

DID YOU KNOW...  The Chamber is seeking testimonials from members who have taken advantage of our Member to Member benefits. These testimonials may be included in the 2015 edition of The Source Directory. If you would like to submit a testimonial please email Membership & Events Manager, Jess Walker at membership@pgchamber.bc.ca

IMMIGRANT EMPLOYMENT COUNCIL OF BC

In response to the introduction of Canada's new immigration system called Express Entry, the Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) is holding a free 90-minute webinar on February 5th that is designed for BC employers, especially small to medium-sized enterprises.

http://iecbc.ca/employer-resources/webinars 


THE PRINCE GEORGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS LOOKING FOR EXCITED AND ENGAGED DIRECTORS FOR 2015-2016!

The Chamber's Annual General Meeting, on Thursday, March 26th, allows the members the opportunity to vote for the representation on the Board of Directors that will represent the Business Community in the coming year.

Directors of the Chamber of Commerce volunteer at least 5-7 hours per month and remain visible and approachable to those in the business community.

For more information on the nomination process for our Board Election please contact Chamber CEO, Christie Ray at 250.562.2454.

Find out more: 

CALENDAR

Find out about all the latest events held by the Chamber



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 

AMPLIFY YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE CHAMBER

Take advantage of one of the many perks of your membership... affordable advertising 
Welcome New Members:
  • CBI Home Health
  • Colour of Glass
  • Jayrod Consulting & Sales Ltd.
  • JB Brothers Concrete Finishing Inc.
  • M&M Meat Shops Prince George
  • Sixto & Maricela Gonzalez
  • Wilson Square Community Market Association
Events Around Town:

 

2015 Canada Winter Games: Games Gear Fridays

Every Friday until the 2015 Prince George Canada Winter Games begin February 13, 2015

More Info 


 

3rd Annual Market Expansion Forum 

Procurement Opportunities in Northern BC

Ramada Hotel

Tuesday, January 20, 2015 - 8:30am-3:30pm

Registration Closes January 15, 2015

Early Bird registration closes December 23


 

Road Safety at Work - Complimentary Employer Workshop

266 Queensway, 2nd Floor Boardroom

Tuesday, January 20, 2015 - 9:00am - 12:30pm

More Info

  

 

Premier's BC Natural Resource Forum

Prince George Civic Centre

January 20-22, 2015

More Info

 

 

The Prince George Native Friendship Centre Presents:

George Chuvalo

Fundraiser Benefiting PGNFC Food Bank

1600 3rd Avenue

Thursday, January 29, 2015 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm

For tickets call 2500.564.3568 or email

 

 

"Doing Business with Korea" - IPG Workshop and Luncheon

Ramada Hotel

Thursday, February 5, 2015 - 8:00am - 1:00pm

More Info

 

 

Dragon's Den Auditions

Saturday, February 28, 2015

More Info

 

 

Timberwolves Legacy Breakfast with 

Keynote Speaker Hayley Wickenheiser

Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre

Friday, March 20, 2015

More Info



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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