What is the BC Chamber of Commerce?
The BC Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1925 and incorporated in 1929. It is the largest association in Canada with over 400 Chamber Boards being represented and over 192,000 members. The Board itself is a non-profit corporation.
TheMissionof the British Columbia Chamber is:
- Develop a true cross section of opinions of the British Columbiabusiness community, and effectively present these opinions to government.
- Build a diverse, competitive and sustainable economy that provides opportunity for all who invest, work and live in BC
- Create and nurture an effective membership organization that provides value and purpose to its members.
What is the Hope & District Chamber of Commerce?
Hope and District Chamber of Commerce is a member of the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Separate bylaws govern each of these entities and we are governed by the Boards of Trade Act. Goals of the Hope & District Chamber of Commerce:
1.) Business Partnering — showcasing businesses in the community and getting their story out there
2.) Member Services — engaging the Chamber’s members in discussions and other information gathering to better understand the problems its members have with all aspects of their business and helping to find solutions to overcome these obstacles.
3.) Community Involvement — showcasing the vibrancy of the community to other potential investors and businesses who may be thinking of moving into the community, thus helping the entire community as a whole in realizing its potential.
Local Chambers deal with the same issues as the national and provincial counterparts but in a more hands on fashion. We are the collective voice that the municipal government hears, which in turn the provincial equivalents hear, all the way to the national counterparts. We provide local business community with leadership, advocacy and the promotion of their business.
But What Have We Done Lately?
Each year the elected Chamber Board will work on a Strategic Plan for the upcoming year. 2010/2011 was a very busy year for the Hope & District Chamber. In addition to monthly meetings, the Chamber hosted events in the community intended to generate business such as Moonlight Madness, Classic Car Show’n’Shine, Strong Man Competition and the Motorcycle Show’n’Shine. In addition to events we promote the community through a network of signage and kiosks, partnering in the Hope Daytripper Magazine, and advocacy to the Municipality.
We have also hosted Business Networking Events, begun initiating a business to business buy local campaign, and worked closely with the new Advantage Hope Office and Executive Director of Economic Development. We also try to build community through events such as Treasures to Trash, purchasing Christmas lights for the Town, etc. We are also keen to communicate with Members what the organization is up to with monthly meetings, monthly newsletters, regular email updates, our website, and our facebook page.
Why Become a Member?
In addition to the association and advocacy benefits listed above, you will also enjoy local, regional and provincial benefits.
Hope Chamber of Commerce Benefits:
- AGM and monthly meetings where you can network with your business peers, find out what is happening and make your voice heard.
- Business to Business Buy Local Incentive Program
- Member Pricing on business seminars
- Invitation to free business networking events
- Business Excellence Awards (every 2 years)
- Brochure Racking at Romano’s Photo and Frames.
- Discounted advertising rates in the “Hope Daytripper” tourism magazine published by the Hope Standard Newspaper with a distribution of 80,000.
- Advertising opportunities at the Hunter Creek Rest Area Info Kiosk.
- A website listing and link on the Hope & District Chamber of Commerce website.
BC Chamber of Commerce Benefits:
- Competitive Group Medical Rates 604-855-1990
- Constant Contact – customizable templates for newsletter, announcements, events and surveys.
- Esso Direct Driver Billing Program
- Hotel discounts inCanadaand around the world
- Husky and Mohawk – 2 cent/litre discount on all fuel purchases
- Payworks Discount
- Petro Canada Superpass
- Shell Commercial Card Discount – 3 cents per litre
- Staples Advantage Discount
- TD Merchant Services Discount
- IndusTravel Discounts
- Versapay Discount for merchants
Fees (Annual)
Non-business affiliated individuals ……………………………………………. $ 50.00
Non-profit organizations ……………………………………………..………… $ 75.00
Business (owner operated – no employees) .…………………………………… $110.00
1 – 5 employee business ………………………………………………………. $130.00
6 – 10 employee business ……………………………………………………… $160.00
11-20 employee business ……………………………………………………… $190.00
Over 20 employee business …………………………………………………… $270.00
Joining the Board
As you can see, the Hope & District Chamber of Commerce has a lot to offer. In order to achieve our goals and serve our Membership we need to have an active Board filled with individuals committed to the community. Participation in a Board can change your life, and you can change your community for the better. Whether or not to join is a complex decision. Ultimately, you have to weigh your commitment to the cause, your knowledge of the organization, and your personal interests and obligations. If you have an interest in joining the Chamber Board, please email info@hopechamber.bc.ca and come out to our Annual General Meeting where we elect these positions.
Membership Application: Chamber_Membership_pkg_2011-2012