Notes from the Board
Message from the Chair, Robert V. Weys
Congratulations and Thanks
Congratulations to the newly elected Mayor and Council, and thank you to all the candidates for stepping up to represent our community. It takes passion, commitment and courage to serve as an elected official and we congratulate you for your dedication to the Squamish community.
We look forward to continuing our strong and productive relationship with the District of Squamish as we work together to enhance the quality of life in Squamish.
Election Season
As the Municipal election ends, it’s time to initiate the Squamish Chamber Board of Directors election. The Squamish Chamber is governed by a Board of 11 Directors. The role of the Board is governance and policy-making, framing the strategic direction of our organization.
To ensure continuity, elections are alternated, with six Directors elected one year and five Directors elected in the subsequent year. This year, we will be electing six positions and we are seeking candidates who can support the Chamber’s commitment to champion business, economic growth and economic diversification.
Voice of Business
The Squamish Chamber is the voice of business in our community. We work closely with the District of Squamish, Tourism Squamish, our neighbouring Chambers in the Sea to Sky corridor, the BC Chamber of Commerce and our elected officials at all three levels of Government.
In 2018, formal communication included coastal forestry policies, protecting funding for tourism marketing and mamquam blind channel maintenance. We also provided significant input at various forums, public hearings, committees and meetings.
We will be conducting our annual member survey later this month and encourage you to provide input so that we can continue to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the business community.
Read more about how we support you as the Voice of Business
Progress Update
Under the guidance of the Board, and the leadership of our Executive Director, Louise Walker, I am pleased to report strong progress in our key areas of focus. Membership has increased 33% in the last two years, thanks to improved programs, training, events, business resources, an updated website and strong engagement.
Here are a few takeaways:
- squamishchamber.com has been completely revamped, including a modern business directory, business resources and promotional tools. All members have a free listing on our business directory, which we encourage you to update.
- Squamish Success Stories are an excellent means to showcase your business and position Squamish as a great place to invest, start and grow businesses.
- Tools & Resources have been created and collated to encourage business and economic growth.
- Events have increased, including six Lunch and Learns (e.g. Mayor’s Lunch, Cannabusiness Panel), ten networking events and 15+ workshops / training, along with the Ron Anderson Memorial Golf Tournament, Squamish Business Excellence Awards and the 2018 Municipal All Candidates Meeting.
- Strategic Partnerships have been developed to help grow the local economy, including participation on the Squamish Economic Steering Group. Through collaboration, we have secured significant grant funding, improved data implementation and developed support for businesses (e.g. The Squamish Hiring Guide).
- Squamish Excellence is affordable training, brought to you in partnership with Tourism Squamish and the District of Squamish. This program aims to improve service levels, grow your business and provide affordable options to invest in your staff.
We could not do this alone and we are grateful for your continued support. As a vibrant, relevant and growing organization within Squamish, we welcome all businesses to join the Chamber. Together we can build a stronger economy for the community of Squamish and the Sea to Sky region.
If you are interested in a position on the Board of Directors, please contact louise@squamishchamber.com and we will be happy to share the nomination package.
Robert V. Weys
Chair, Squamish Chamber of Commerce
