The Downtown Duncan BIA is hosting an All-Candidates Forum ahead of the provincial election on Oct. 19.
The forum, which will take place on Oct. 7 at the Duncan United Church starting at 7 p.m., will be moderated by Katherine Devine, executive director of the DDBIA.
It will focus on small business issues and is a crucial opportunity for the downtown business community to engage directly with candidates.
Devine said the event is open to the public, but the focus will be on business issues and there will be no questions taken from the floor.
Hosting all-candidates forums to discuss business issues are a tradition at the DDBIA, and the business organization has been holding them before elections for a number of years.
“We encourage you to submit your questions in advance to ddbia@downtownduncan.ca to ensure that the concerns of downtown Duncan’s businesses are at the forefront of this important discussion,” Devine said.
“Let’s make sure our voices are heard.”
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Watch for the winners of the Cowichan Valley Citizen’s sixth annual Best of the Valley competition that will be listed in the Oct. 9 edition of the newspaper.
The Best of the Valley is an initiative that allows the newspaper’s readers to vote on who they feel is the best local company, organization, place and event in 60 categories.
They include the best restaurant, florist, car-repair shop, pub, restaurant, music venue, health store and much more in the Cowichan Valley.
This year, there were 250 businesses nominated in the competition, and more than 10,000 people voted.
“We’re very excited to see the growth in popularity of the Best in the Valley competition,” said Cowichan Valley Citizen publisher David van Deventer.
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The Cowichan Valley Co-operative Marketplace (Cow-op) is inviting the public to join its Harvest Feast fundraiser, a community event celebrating the rich harvests of the season and Cow-op’s 10-year anniversary, on Oct. 5.
This event marks a pivotal moment for Cow-op, as a part of a larger fundraising campaign aimed at securing long-term investment in the future of local agriculture.
With increased competition and rising operational challenges, Cow-op needs the community's support to continue its mission of connecting local farmers to consumers.
The Harvest Feast will showcase the best of Cowichan Valley’s local food scene, featuring a multi-course meal prepared by Mensch Kitchen and Catering at the bucolic Bird’s Eye Cove Farm. This event will bring together local farmers, chefs, community members, and Cow-op supporters in celebration of the bounty that our local soils provide.
“Harvest Feast is a chance for us to share our abundant harvests, celebrate our 10-year milestone, and raise the much-needed funds to continue supporting local farmers,” says Danielle Bellefleur, president of the board for Cow-op.
“We invite the public to join us for a wonderful evening, and invest in the future of sustainable farming and food security in the Cowichan Valley.”
Visit www.cow-op.ca/donations for more details on the Harvest Feast, ticket purchases, and what you can do to support Cow-op’s mission to grow local agriculture.
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Stephanie Denny, from Change Fitness, will be the next guest speaker at the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce’s Morning Member Meetup on Oct. 4.
Denny will share her valuable insights on the benefits of Employee Health & Wellness Programs at the event, which begins at 8 a.m. at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre.
Learn how these programs can reduce turnover, boost productivity, and improve company culture.
Plus, discover creative solutions like Change Fitness’s Employee Wellness App and more.
“Start your day with great Gulf Islands Coffee, tasty breakfast treats, and even better company,” said the chamber.
“Brought to you by Kubera Payments, this event is the perfect chance to connect with fellow chamber members before the workday begins. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network, enjoy a delicious start to your day, and take home tips on creating a healthier workplace.”
The event is free for chamber members and their guests.
Register online, call 250-748-1111 or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca.
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In other chamber news, the business organization will be working with Talent Beyond Boundaries to connect local businesses with the incredible talent and skills of displaced professionals, in partnership with the Cowichan Intercultural Society, at its next Speaker Series Luncheon on Sept. 26.
At this luncheon, you’ll discover how CIS is helping Cowichan Valley employers connect with skilled newcomers through programs like TBB, which opens up pathways for refugees to access skilled jobs globally.
CIS and TBB work together to remove barriers and create opportunities for refugees to rebuild their lives while helping local businesses meet labour shortages.
Tickets are $35 for chamber members and their guests, and $45 for non-members.
The luncheon begins at noon at the Best Western Cowichan Valley Inn.
Register online, call 250-748-1111 or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca.
