Our Mission Statement
The Squamish Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the community by actively supporting business, economic growth and diversification.
"Come Grow with us!"
North Shore Credit Union presented The Chamber Golf Party 2010 on Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Check out the photos from this great party!!
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2009
Every year, the Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with The Chief Newspaper, honours hardworking individuals for their outstanding contribution to our community.
Congratulations to the Squamish Chamber 2009 Citizen of the Year Winner, Kristen Lee McBride.
Kristen Lee McBride
“After finishing her College Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2003, Kristen was in a motor vehicle accident at age 20 which rendered her a Quadriplegic. She was determined to not let this stop her from moving forward and after months in rehab she came home to start her life again in her hometown community.
She participated in her first Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion that June, and has continued to do so every year. She also began working with the GK Ripper foundation that helps local individuals who have had some form of accident or other misfortune. Along with Sarah Tipler, she worked hard to bring the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion to Squamish for its first year, knowing by doing so the money raised will stay in Squamish locally(50 % and the other 50% to Spinal Chord Research). She has been asked to be an Ambassador for that organization.
She has gone back into the workforce to become an Early Childhood Educator to work at a local Preschool with children, something she loves and is very passionate at. She also works one afternoon a week with Students from HSS and students at Squamish Elementary being the coordinator for Teen Mentoring for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Having grown up in Squamish and played sports since she was four, she began playing Wheelchair Rugby. She loves the sport and is one of 2 women playing for BC. She travels twice a week for practices and is fortunate to play with 5 players who are on the Canadian National Rugby team and won bronze in Beijing.
This year she is also proudly representing Squamish and Canada and has been asked to participate in the Opening Ceremonies for the Paralympic Games at BC Place on March 12, something she is very excited about doing. She is proof that you shouldn't allow a life altering experience stop you from doing and getting what you want out of your life."
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2009
Every year, the Chamber of Commerce honours a local business for their outstanding contribution to our community.
This year, in partnership with LOKL.
Congratulations to the Squamish Chamber 2009 Business of the Year Winner, SNAP Sea to Sky.
SNAP Sea to Sky
Locally owned for 3 years covering the entire Sea to Sky Corridor; Squamish Chamber of Commerce member; employs 8 photographers, up from the original 3; volunteers coverage and promotion of local events and businesses; promotes Squamish and area in a positive light as an only good news newspaper; recognizes the dedication of the many volunteers in our community; received the Media Award from West Coast Railway Association in 2008; ranked #34 with SNAP Newspaper Group in PROFIT’s “Hot 50 List” for Canada’s Emerging Growth Companies for 2008
About Squamish
Squamish is located halfway between Vancouver and Whistler at the head of Howe Sound. Surrounded by the scenic Coast Mountains, this dynamic young community offers outstanding lifestyle and business opportunities. More than 16,500 people call the District of Squamish their home.
As the hub of the Sea to Sky Corridor, Squamish provides a full range of services to a regional population of more than 25,000. Its location and accessibility have spurred growth and economic diversification. As the "Heart of Sea to Sky", the District of Squamish is further poised to maximize economic opportunities and build lasting legacies resulting from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Squamish Chamber of Commerce
The Squamish Chamber of Commerce is the vibrant voice of local business. Whether you want to feel the pulse of the local economy, get connected with local business people or simply introduce yourself to the Squamish market place, the Chamber of Commerce is the place to start.
The Squamish Chamber located in the Squamish Adventure Centre is home to Squamish's Visitor Information Centre, activity booking and ticket centre.
Find out about events, educational opportunities, advertising & networking opportunities, how to join the Squamish Chamber and more by calling us at
604-815-4990.
See Squamish Chamber event photos on FLICKR courtesy of Double-Shutter Images:
Click on the following link
www.flickr.com/photos/squamishchamber/
Squamish Chamber of Commerce Committees
The Squamish Chamber of Commerce encourages both members of the Chamber and members of the community to participate in our events, programs and committees.
If you would like to get involved in one of the below committees, please contact Kenny at
kenny@squamishchamber.com
Stephanie Wells – Chair
Amy Fast
Sameer Kajani
Kenny Music
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Denise Imbeau – Chair
Darren McCartney
Steve Drinkwater
Sameer Kajani
Kenny Music
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Steve Drinkwater – Chair
Denise Jimmo
Sameer Kajani
Kenny Music
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Nancy Hamilton – Chair
Denise Imbeau
Denise Jimmo
Maurice Freitag
Sameer Kajani
Kenny Music
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
Darren McCartney – Chair
Nancy Hamilton
Ron Anderson
Sameer Kajani
Kenny Music
LMTP Delegate - Kimberely Armour
In addition to the regular roles and responsibilities that our Board Members hold, some are actively involved in other areas of the community noted below:
SPIRIT COMMITTEE
Margo Dent
ACCESSIBILIBTY COMMITTEE
Maurice Freitag
Chamber Membership Testimonial
"You and the team are doing a great job to support the local business economy especially in difficult times like these. Under the management of 2009 the Squamish Chamber has delivered huge value, an inspiration to many business owners with every event growing more and more in attendance."
"I am pleased to be a member of such a progressive and active organization and look forward to the New Year which I know will only grow even more in strength."
Conny Millard, MILLARD CONSULTING GROUP inc.
“I am so happy to be part of the Chamber of Commerce here in Squamish. I think it makes a big difference to my business to be able to network with our community.”
Heidi Stokes, Garibaldi Fitness
"About all the events, The Squamish Chamber always seems to arrange events that will clearly have an impact on our business. So, even though I live in another town and we have staff in Squamish that could go, I often can't resist going to them myself! Special thanks to Victoria and Carolyn who seem to have "the touch" when it comes to choosing events."
"About Chris Flett / MCG evening: I cant thank you enough for speaking to me as an entrepreneur. It was so valuable to hear someone else talking like I think (but cant say to anyone around me, because they cant get excited about it). I felt such a relief to be supported and understood in that environment."
"About the 2010 Opportunities workshop: I never thought of our company as sustainable before. But, as Ken Veldman spoke I realized more and more things that we already do in our company that make us sustainable. That evening gave our company the realization of a whole new strength that we can compete with!"
Garth Wardle, Allsite IT
"My husband and I are thrilled with all the contacts we have made through attending the Chamber events. We have learnt so much, in such a short time on new directions to explore with our businesses. It has also been a great social, we've met some wonderful people. Thank you."
Terri & Harvey Kroeker, Glacier View Cedar Homes and Diamond Head Yamaha
"I love these After 5 events. Gets me out and about after work, lets me try restaurants that I normally wouldn't go to since they are not on my radar and it lets me connect with our community."
Heidi Stokes, Garibaldi Fitness
"Joining the Squamish Chamber of Commerce in 2003 for me was all about networking, professional development and meeting new friends. Having moved to Squamish 4 years ago and working from a home office, joining the Chamber has been an invaluable experience both on a business and personal level. I will be an active chamber member for as long as I continue to work and live in this great community."
Kim Stegeman, Horwath Consultants, Chamber of Commerce Board Member (2004 - 2007)
Chamber Board 2010 Work Plan
Have a look at the latest strategies that the Chamber Board is planning.
Click here 2010 Work Plan : PDF File
New Chamber 90 Day Money Back Guarantee Policy
The Squamish Chamber of Commerce has launched a 90 Day Money Back Guarantee Policy effective November 1st, 2009. This means that all new members have 90 days to try out their investment as an active member including attending three Squamish Chamber events.
For more information please read the following:90 Day Money Back Guarantee : PDF File
Complimentary Lunch Voucher for New Members
All new members investing in the Chamber will receive a complimentary voucher to attend one of our luncheons as a thank you for joining and a chance to meet other chamber members. A voucher will be sent along with a membership card which is good for discounts with other chamber members (check the Membership Directory under Member Services for discounts)
For more information please contact Jane at
jane@squamishchamber.com
or
604.815.4990.