Click HERE for all local 2010 Olympic Winter Games Updates
Thank you to all our Squamish Chamber President's GROOVIN' Gala '76 Sponsors and auction donators
Thanks to everyone who attended our 76th Anniversary party. You all looked fabulous, darlings! It was great to see everyone boogin’ the night away while munching on some jelly beans and Pop Rocks courtesy of Moe’s Vending Candy Bar. Thanks to Wunderbread who rocked the house!
A huge thank you to all our sponsors for partnering with us on this memorable event.
Event and Entertainment Sponsor:
North Shore Credit Union
Corporate Sponsor:
Capilano University
"RIGHT ON" Business of the Year Sponsor:
LOKL
”GROOVY” Citizen of the Year Sponsor:
The Chief
FUNK Sponsor:
Cardinal Concrete
PUNK Sponsors:
Garibaldi At Squamish
Granite Art Masonry /Moe’s Vending
Mojo Signs
Squamish Inn on the Water
Sweet Beginnings/Billie’s Bouquet
Beer Sponsor:
Howe Sound Inn & Brew Pub
To our Chamber Gala Committee, we could not have done it without all your support:
Alaine Brawley, Arbonne
Sean Brawley, MacDonald Realty
Carrie & Maurice Freitag, Granite Art Masonry/Moe’s Vending
Heather Beatty, Kenny Music and Carolyn Green, Chamber Staff
Thanks also to our guest auctioneer, Kirstin Clausen and to our fabulous MCs Denise Jimmo and Stephanie Wells. Thanks also to the great staff at the Howe Sound Inn and Brew Pub for their great service and amazing food.
Congratulations again to our Citizen of the Year winner, Kristen Lee McBride, and to our Business of the Year winner SNAP Sea to Sky. For more details please see below.
Congratulations to Carrie and Maurice Freitag who won both the Best Women’s 1970’s costume and Best Men’s 1970’s costume.Photos of the gala can be found on our Squamish Chamber Flickr profile – Thanks, Cindy! (Link below) Thanks to Double Shuttle Photography for providing the great opportunity to capture the evening – visit their website soon to order more copies of your groovy picture WEBSITE
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."
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
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, 2010 opportunities, advertising & networking opportunities, how to join the Squamish Chamber and more by calling us at
604-815-4990.
NEW - See Squamish Chamber photos on FLICKR: www.flickr.com/photos/squamishchamber/
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 15,000 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.
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 us!
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEEStephanie Wells – Chair
Amy Fast
Sameer Kanjani
Kenny Music
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Denise Imbeau – Chair
Darren McCartney
Steve Drinkwater
Sameer Kanjani
Kenny Music
GOVERNANCE COMMITEE
Steve Drinkwater – Chair
Denise Jimmo
Sameer Kanjani
Kenny Music
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Nancy Hamilton – Chair
Denise Imbeau
Denise Jimmo
Maurice Freitag
Sameer Kanjani
Kenny Music
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
Darren McCartney – Chair
Nancy Hamilton
Ron Anderson
LMTP Delegate – Steve Drinkwater
Sameer Kanjani
Kenny Music
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
Accessibility 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 Strategic Plan Summary 2009
Please feel free to have a look at the latest strategies that the Chamber Board is planning.
Chamber Board Strategic Plan 2009 : 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 Carolyn at carolyn@squamishchamber.com 604.815.4990.