Voice of Business

strength of our network

The Squamish Chamber of Commerce is the ‘voice of business’ in Squamish, championing important issues for the business community.

Key issues for 2020 have been identified, which we champion at various committees, communicate with elected officials, discuss at our events and address through our programming. Read more on key issues, recent activities, policies and reports.

KEY ISSUES 

  • Housing affordability
  • Transit & Transportation
  • Growth Management
  • Economic Development

As the voice of business in Squamish, the Chamber believes in partnership and collaboration. Together we are stronger – both in terms of the size and strength of our network, and in having our community recognize us as a trusted partner; one who makes evidence-based decisions with the shared goal of a stronger Squamish. 

The Squamish Chamber provides members with opportunities to engage with our elected officials – Mayor, Councillors, MLA, MP, Ministers – at lunches, breakfasts and networking events. 

In the 2017 member survey, nearly two in three respondents (61%) stated they had faced challenges with recruiting or retaining staff in the last 12 months. Housing affordability (to rent and own) and lack of skilled candidates applying were cited as the key challenges.

Working in partnership with the District of Squamish and Tourism Squamish, the Squamish Chamber has developed a training and educational program – Squamish Excellence – to improve the skills of the Squamish workforce and help businesses grow.

Squamish Excellence is strategically designed to:

• Demonstrate investment in staff, resulting in improved staff engagement, increased employee satisfaction and higher retention levels.

• Grow knowledge and skills, thereby improving customer satisfaction, productivity and fiscal strength.

• Improve the skills of the workforce and talent pool in Squamish.

The Squamish Chamber is very grateful for funding from the Province of BC which has allowed us to develop many tools and resources to help businesses grow and to create the talent development program.

By working together, we can achieve so much more. 

Destination Development Squamish Chamber

The Squamish Chamber working together with the Economic Development Officer, Tourism Squamish and local businesses.

 

The Squamish Chamber makes your voice heard in a number of forums:

Participation in various community engagement initiatives, including the Official Community Plan, Downtown planning, Squamish Marine Strategy and engagement with various sector associations.

Submission to public consultations, including the Sunshine Coast Fixed Link and the Official Community Plan

Destination Development – a collaboration of local, regional and provincial agencies, First Nations, destination marketing organizations, tourism operators and business associations working together to strategically vision and plan for the future of tourism in the region.

Collaboration with the BC Chamber of Commerce, Whistler Chamber, Pemberton Chamber, Gibsons Chamber and North Vancouver Chamber to identify collective issues and ways of working together to achieve our goals.

Please let us know if there are any opportunities or issues we should be aware of by emailing admin@squamishchamber.com 

 

CONNECT. COMMUNICATE. COLLABORATE.

CONNECT. COMMUNICATE. COLLABORATE.

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