Notes from the Board
Message from the Chair, Robert V. Weys
Welcome and Thank You
Voting for the Squamish Chamber of Commerce 2019 Board of Directors has closed. We are delighted to welcome five new Directors to the Squamish Chamber Board of Directors, and to welcome back Christine Campbell. Please join me in congratulating your 2019 directors:
- Christine Campbell, C.Campbell Agency (incumbent)
- Mike Coyne, LandSea
- Sacha Fabry, Good Governance Group
- Rajan Hans, Diamond Head Security Group
- Annabel Majendie, Quest University Canada
- Jack Montpellier, Race and Company
Previously elected directors who will continue are:
- Maxime Charron, LeadingAhead Energy
- Hilary Ewart, 7mesh Consulting
- Allie Meeres, Woodfibre LNG
- Bianca Peters, BP Communications
- Robert V. Weys, MarXet Management
Our new and existing Directors bring experience, leadership and strong representation across various business sectors. We look forward to working together.
2019 Business Plan
Thank you to everyone who completed the member survey. Your feedback allowed us to develop a strong workplan for 2019, with increased emphasis on business advocacy, along with strategic partnerships to grow the local economy and enhance business development resources. Our Executive Director, Louise Walker, will present key results from 2018 and tactics for 2019 in the new year. We will also be hosting a 3-5 year strategic planning session in spring 2019, and encourage all members to participate. More details to follow.
Read the 2019 Strategic Plan Overview
The new directors be sworn in at the Après After Five session on Wednesday December 12. See you there!
Robert V.Weys
Chair, Squamish Chamber of Commerce
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