This is the Chamber’s first regular column in the Cowichan Valley Citizen. We’ve dubbed it “The Chamber Voice” — an appropriate name, as the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce is considered the voice of business in the Duncan Cowichan area.
These columns will feature issues that affect businesses in the Cowichan. We’ll share success stories of businesses thriving here in the Valley and we’ll introduce you to businesses that you may not know even exist. We will inform you of upcoming events and opportunities, and we will talk about economic development and tourism initiatives.
First, let us introduce the Chamber. The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce has been serving the business community since 1908. The Chamber is a membership organization. In 2015, we reached a milestone in building our membership to 450 members strong. We were recently recognized by our peers with a provincial Communication Award from the British Columbia Chamber Executives. We must be doing something right!
Chamber membership is one of the best values in business today. With dozens of benefits, exclusive to members, and more being introduced all the time, the Chamber provides value and positive return on investment many times over. When we talk to current members about their reasons to belong, they cite networking, advocacy, benefits and savings. But the No. 1 reason you should join a Chamber is consumer confidence.
“When consumers know that a small business is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, they are 44 per cent more likely to think favourably of it and 63 per cent more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in future.” (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
We invite you to join the Chamber — Cowichan’s most active business networking organization. Both businesses and individuals can join. Membership starts at $215 per year or $17.92 per month.
Stop by our offices at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre, adjacent the BC Forest Discovery Centre, for a chat about how we can add value to your business. Or join us on Friday, Oct. 23 for our 3rd Annual Business Showcase at the Travelodge Silver Bridge Inn. We have a full day of networking, learning and engagement with the Cowichan business community planned. The exhibit area is free and open to the public. Guests are welcome to purchase seats at the morning sessions on market analysis and digital marketing, followed by our monthly luncheon featuring the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. Join us and find out about one of the fastest growing sectors on Vancouver Island and how its success affects our region and economy.
We would like to recognize and welcome the following new members: Jackie Wood Pemberton Homes, CrossFit Anchored Athletics, Chemainus Valley Courier and South Cowichan Echo, West Coast Solutions Inc., Friendship FUNdamentals Learning Centre, Farmer Ben’s Eggs, Something Celtic, Tap into Gusto, Twincreeks Vacation Rental and B&B, 360 Comfort Systems, Steelhead LNG, Time to Heal Treatment and Workshop Facility, Island Time Tours, and Red Arrow Brewing.
Submitted by Chamber team: Sonja Nagel, executive director, Elizabeth Croft, membership and event manager, Kirsty Grant, Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre