As follow up to our successful forestry business roundtable, we are now hosting a luncheon with Deputy Minister John Allan, Ministry Forest, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development on May 15th at the Enterprise Centre. This is an opportunity to discuss what’s driving forestry policies and how that’s impacting the coastal forest sector. It’s important that Campbell River’s voice is heard on what the challenges and opportunities are for this industry and the businesses and people employed within in.

The luncheon will be held on May 15th at the Enterprise Centre, sponsored by Capacity Forest Management and tickets are now on sale at www.campbellriverchamber.ca.

 Our Chamber is also encouraging our members and local business to participate in the BC Chamber MindReader survey. This quick six question survey looks at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announcement of new management measures aimed at protecting Chinook salmon stock on BC’s coast and how has business been impacted by this closure. The survey link is available on our website.

Workforce development and access to a skilled workforce to meet the needs of our employers is a continuing theme for our Chamber. The launch of People Power, is the Chamber’s response to addressing these concerns. A highly engaging sold out luncheon kicked off our series of highlighted issues and solutions to attracting and retaining employees in this hyper-competitive marketplace and what that means for you and your business. A featured panel of local business owners who shared their on the ground experiences resonated with guests and we will continue featuring new local businesses at each luncheon. Thank you to our business panel that included Christine Lilyholm, Owner/Operator of Stonehouse Teas; Mark Degagne, Branch Manager of McElhanney Engineering and Rick Segal, COO, Poseidon Ocean Systems. The luncheon was moderated by Daniel Kasun, Manager HR Consulting, MNP. Daniel provided great insights and context into the percentage of businesses that are having difficulty recruiting and retaining people; the top 10 reasons why people leave their jobs and how BC compares to Alberta in salary increases from 2016-2019. We are looking forward to the next People Power event in late May or early June with more details to be announced soon.

A recent announcement confirmed that as Chamber CEO, I will be retiring in early summer, more details are posted on our Chamber website. Exciting times at the Campbell River Chamber for sure!

Colleen Evans is President and CEO of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce