Chamber Chatter February 17, 2015                         Issue 044

STAFF SPEAKING

Here is a note from the Director of External Relations, Marissa Kellet:


 

"Social media is an important tool for expanding the Chamber's communication network, enabling Members to have an even greater reach when they use our various marketing channels. Our facebook page has steadily built up to nearly 700 likes, which is fantastic. But we are ambitious. We are hoping to top 2000 likes... in the next couple of days. How do we plan to do this? The Chamber is teaming up with the Hell Yeah Prince George Facebook page for a contest. The contest launched on Monday on the HYPG page, and will run until 11am Wednesday. The prize? A $200 gift certificate that can be spent at the Chamber Member of the winner's choosing. Help us get to 2000 likes and spread the word!"


~ Marissa
 

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!

  

Thank You to Our Generous Day Sponsors!

Saturday, February 14Sunday, February 15Monday, February 16
Linda Rempel, Sun Life Financial / Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan
Tuesday, February 17Wednesday, February 18
Trim - Line Sign Crafters		Thursday, February 19
Friday, February 20
Myatovic Construction Ltd.		Saturday, February 21
Theatre North West		Sunday, February 22
Monday, February 23Tuesday, February 24
KMS Life Coaching		Wednesday, February 25
Sandman Signature / Sandman Hotel Group
Thursday, February 26
Waste Management		Friday, February 27
Canadian Cancer Society		Saturday, February 28


 
DID YOU KNOW... that Chamber CEO, Christie Ray, was a torch bearer for the 2015 Canada Winter Games. Did you happen to see her and have photos? We'd love to see them! If you didn't you can catch all the highlights online.

2014 BEA WINNER SPOTLIGHT
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD WINNER - BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS PRINCE GEORGE




Each month, we will profile each of the award winners from the 2014 Business Excellence Awards. Today we are shining the spotlight on the Community Impact Award. This award recognizes a not-for-profit organization that coordinates projects, services and/or events that give back to the community. Their efforts contribute to the social and cultural well-being of Prince George. The 2014 winner was Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince George. We spoke with Executive Director Tim Bennett about what winning this award has meant to the organization.

 

1. Describe what it was like for you to hear your name called, and receive the community impact award.

TB: "I think hands down the easy answer is pretty amazing.  The other organizations nominated do such amazing work in our community that we felt it was anyone's game.  It took a moment for it to sink in and felt nothing but honoured that the members of the PG Chamber sees the value of mentoring and the impact it is having on children living in Prince George." 
  
2. What was the significance of winning the award?

TB: "As an organization it was a great way of recognizing everyone in #TeamBBBSPG who helps us start something for kids living in Prince George.  Whether you are a staff member, mentor, community partner or support a fundraising campaign you are a member of our team and are the reason we are able to create a positive impact in our community."  
    
  
3. How has winning the award benefited you and the work you do in Prince George?

TB: "It helped us continue to build our profile in the community and through the PG Chamber and their members.  As mentioned during our acceptance speech, 2014 was an incredible year but it is just the new baseline.  We need to live up to that now!  We know that by working together with the community we can accomplish it!  Thank you to all chamber members for your support, kind words and honour."



UNBC STUDENTS PAVING THE WAY

Students from UNBC have made public transit in Prince George free of charge during the 2015 Canada Winter Games! Their project, entitled: UNBC Students Pave the Way, was an initiative run by students with the goal of reducing traffic and air pollution during the games by encouraging more people to take the bus.
 
DID YOU KNOW...  that the Chamber is less than 1 month away from the ad deadline for our 2015 The Source Membership Directory. Have you purchased your ad space in the directory? Contact the office for more information 250.562.2454
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.

 

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

March 12 - Fraud and Loss Prevention Starts With You

March 17 - IEC BC & PG Chamber Workshop

March 26 - Annual General Meeting

April 18 - 2015 President's Gala

May 13 - Mining in the 21st Century 

 

DID YOU KNOW...  the Chamber has a already begun planning on all our major events in 2015. Each one of these events offers our members a unqiue opportunity to market themselves when they align with an event as a sponsor. Whether you're small business or operate on a larger scale, contact Chamber CEO Christie Ray to discuss which option provides the greatest value and benefit to you.

CON"GRAD"ULATIONS KEY!

The Chamber is excited to announce the recent graduation of our intern Key (Qi)!
We first introduced you to Key in our October 28, 2014 Chamber Chatter issue. Key was completing a 4 month full time internship at the Chamber as the last step in completing his MBA program.



BDC ENTREPRENEURS FIRST 
2015 YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

Created by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) in 1988,
the BDC Young Entrepreneur Award contest pays tribute to remarkable
young Canadian entrepreneurs. Over the years, the contest has recognized
the success of more than 300 young business owners. Since 2012, the
BDC Young Entrepreneur Award finalists have been competing online at
www.bdcyoungentrepreneuraward.ca to win the $100,000 Grand Prize and
a second prize of $25,000 in consulting services from BDC.

 
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 
Contact George Daye
Welcome New Members:
  • CBI Home Health
  • Colour of Glass
  • Jayrod Consulting & Sales Ltd.
  • JB Brothers Concrete Finishing Inc.
  • Kawano Farms
  • M&M Meat Shops Prince George
  • Nerium International - Independent Branch Partner
  • Sixto & Maricela Gonzalez
Events Around Town:

 

2015 Canada Winter Games: Games Gear Fridays

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


 

Rolling Mix 50th Anniversary Celebration

Rolling Mix Shop (on Foothills near Otway)

Friday, March 13, 2015 3:00pm - 5:00pm

More info or RSVP call 250.563.3565

 

 

Dragon's Den Auditions

Saturday, February 28, 2015

More Info

 

 

Timberwolves Legacy Breakfast with 

Keynote Speaker Hayley Wickenheiser

Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre

**New Date**

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

 More Info

 

 

#RandomActsofService

Youth Volunteer Awards 2015

Nomination Deadline is Friday, March 27, 2015

(Nominees must be residents of Prince George & District)

Nominate Online or by calling 250.564.0224


 

Antique & Collectibles Spring Fair 2015

Prince George Roll-A-Dome

Saturday, April 11, 2015 10am - 5pm

Sunday, April 12, 2015 10am - 4pm

Admission is $4 or $6 for a two day pass

Senior Admission is $3 or $5 for a two day pass

 

 


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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