WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

The first month of 2011 has passed and we have a good feeling of the major challenges facing our Organisation. With careful planning we have selected a number of projects that we will embark upon in the first 6 months of 2011, projects that will add relevancy and sustainability to the Chamber, for its members and its community.

The Council has decided we don't want to be just a business forum; we want to be a fully fledged Chamber of Commerce, with national affiliation.

We have a strong executive in place to protect the interests of our members through lobbying, advocacy and representation and promote our members through networking, business opportunities and contacts/referrals.

The interests of the local economy are inextricably linked with the rest of the province and for the first time the Chamber has embarked on a Provincial road show to the towns in our province.

This project is aimed at creating awareness of the BCCI's initiatives to assist business development in the province. This is across the scope from the survivalist to the emerging entrepreneur. From businesses who are failing and need turn-around strategies to current established businesses that want to engage in new projects.

Lastly, we are extremely proud to announce that within a few weeks we will be launching our “new” chamber to expand our operations and increase the value proposition to our members and the community we serve.