Kamloops Chamber of Commerce 125 YEARS IN SERVICE — www.kamloopschamber.ca | Wednesday, June 30, 2021 —
The Kamloops Chamber recognizes that we operate and have operated through our 125-year history on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Tk'emlúps te Secwémpec peoples. We take ownership of the fact that we, as settlers, have benefited from colonialism and as we reflect on our 125 years in service to the local business community. We know we need to continue to listen, continue to learn and continue to do better. The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce is honoured to be on this shared land, and commit to taking action for reconciliation to seek prosperity for all. The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce stands in solidarity with the Tk'emlúps te Secwémpec. Community and all Indigenous peoples on Canada and in the spirit of reconciliation, “Every Child Matters.”
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Q&A with Chamber executive director Acacia Pangilinan
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James McIntosh, Father of the Chamber
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Kamloops Tomorrow - profiles of future business leaders
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Profiles of long-time Chamber members
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Chamber policies have nationwide impact
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Congratulations from local and national dignitaries
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EVERY CHILD MATTERS TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION OF CANADA: CALLS TO ACTION trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT TK’EMLÚPS TE SECWE̓PEMC? tkemlups.ca/how-to-support-tkemlups-te-secwepemc/ ADDITIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES Indian Residential School Survivor Society Toll-Free Line: 1-800-721-0066 24hr National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419 KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717 Tsow-Tun-Le Lum: 1-888-403-3123
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service Kamloops Chamber of Commerce president Dan Carroll.
Chamber president has deep roots in Kamloops
F
ulton and Co. has a longstanding tradition with the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, so when legal expertise was sought for the board in recent years, partner Dan Carroll joined. Carroll grew up in Kamloops, having graduated from Kam High in 1988. He left the River City at age 18 to study history, political science and law in Victoria and launched his career in Vancouver before returning to Kamloops with wife and Fulton partner, Denise McCabe. He has called Kamloops home ever since. Carroll said Kamloops was B.C.’s “best-kept secret” for a long time, with low property prices (relative to the Lower Mainland) and a high standard of living. He particularly enjoys trails around the city and can be found in his spare time mountain biking in Pineview, including with an early morning group dubbed the Dawn Riders Club. Carroll became president of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce board in early 2021 after a short time on the board. Carroll said he came to the board fresh and was quickly impressed with the chamber’s skill, respect and ability to make change. “I recognize it as a very important institution for business,” Carroll said, noting he hopes to increase membership and dispel myths about the chamber as a political organization that tilts to the hard right. “It’s technically an apolitical organization and its goal is to promote prosperity in business. The way I look at it, it does a positive feedback loop,” he said. “The community is not divorced from business. It’s not an either-or. Business succeeds and the community succeeds and the community succeeds and business succeeds.” As president, Carroll volunteers several hours per month to chair board meetings, set meeting agendas, conduct meetings and act as a spokesperson on behalf of the business community. Carroll took the helm of the governance board — which he said works with the chamber team, including executive director Acacia Pangilinan — in the midst of a global pandemic. He said the goal this year is to work with members and act as a conduit between business and government. During the pandemic, the chamber has provided information to businesses and reached out to government, based on the needs of businesses. Carroll said some people might not recognize the role the chamber has in shaping policy. Nationally, chambers of commerce represent thousands of businesses, help push policy and are sought out by government for guidance. “When all the craziness was happening last spring and the programming was rolling out very quickly, there was almost a constant dialogue rolling out between the executive and the Canadian Chamber [of Commerce] and the federal government — and we were pumping information from our members up through the network to get these things tweaked and fixed and put in place so that they were of benefit,” Carroll said. Some other local advocacy initiatives underway include broadening primary health care to reduce the bottleneck with general practitioners and support for an infrastructure institute to professionalize infrastructure development on First Nations land. Carroll succeeded Tyson Andrykew as president.
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Q&A WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ACACIA PANGILINAN
A statement from Kamloops Chamber of Commerce executive director Acacia Pangilinan: “I want to take a moment to acknowledge and recognize that where I am writing this from is on the ancestral and unceded territories of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc people — the people of the confluence — who have shown tremendous courage and bravery during this time of grieving. “I wish to send our allies and friends of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and the surrounding communities our support and love as they grapple with this trauma, a trauma that is shared by the community as a whole and across the nation. “I am grateful that my family sought out Canada for prosperity and safety. I recognize I am a settler on this land and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples of the nation. I am honoured to have grown up on this shared land and recognize my role as an individual in the work of reconciliation with Indigenous people. I commit to learning more — and acting. “As a community, province and nation, we have an opportunity to build a society that allows all to succeed. If you have not already reviewed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, I strongly encourage you to do so. Please visit www. tkemlups.ca to learn how you can directly support our Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc friends during this difficult time.”
Q: What have you learned since the COVID-19 pandemic began about how the chamber does its business? A: Remain flexible. Creativity is essential and immediate action is needed to bring more diverse voices to the table. The norm was tossed out the window early on and we all had to get online to connect with staff, customers and clients, the chamber included. For example, alongside our friends at MNP, the Business Excellence Awards program was able to directly infuse more than $40,000 back into the local economy by hosting the gala in a decentralized, low-capacity format that was live-streamed via Facebook. This pivot allowed us to provide direct support for some of our hardest-hit industries. We are building upon that format again this year with the help of our generous sponsors. Early in the pandemic, we would read reports and hear stories about how women and BIPOC business owners were disproportionately affected. This resonated with me and is something my team and I are actively working on to address locally and with the chamber network. Since stepping into the role of executive director only two years ago, I knew I wanted to make diversity, equity and inclusivity a top priority for our organization. We recognize how critically important it is to have different perspectives, experiences and voices at the table and believe in the strength it can give our community. Recently, we were able to offer complementary skills and education training about topics like unconscious bias to more than 60 local businesses, thanks to the generous donations from Venture Kamloops and the City of Kamloops. This type of training is not always easily accessible for small business owners, so we were thrilled with the uptake. As we figure out our post-pandemic roadmap, this type of skills training will be easier to access in the future for all local business owners. Q: What are some of the changes you have seen in local buying trends due to the pandemic? A: People have always known the importance of “supporting local,” but when COVID-19 arrived, I think it struck home for many people. The owners of many local small businesses are our friends, coaches and family members. Not only that, when you spend your money locally, it recirculates throughout the local community. These businesses then reinvest the money back into the community by sponsoring events, sports teams and a wide variety of initiatives. Our board and staff have heard from various business owners, from retail shops to non-profit organizations, who have had to make difficult decisions to continue to operate throughout the pandemic. It was through these first-hand stories that the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce was able to advocate for our business community and get it the support it needs. From advocating for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to remain in place throughout the public health
In May 2019, Acacia Pangilinan was hired as executive director of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. She had been in that office in an interim decision since the end of 2018.
crisis to help our businesses keep their teams, to advocating to allow fitness studios to operate in public parks, our chamber network across B.C. and Canada was working overtime to help our local businesses keep the lights on. The world has changed, shopping habits have changed and hybrid models are becoming the norm. Many businesses need to have a robust online presence to remain competitive and grow their brands. Traditional office settings have shifted, too, as people are looking for a hybrid model of work-from-home and in-office. People want flexible options to suit their lifestyles and, with Kamloops’ endless accessibility to enviable outdoor space partnered with a relaxed pace, we are gearing up to embrace this culture shift and new era of worker. If you are a local business owner and need advice on where to start, please set up a meeting with a member of our team to discuss your business struggles. We can provide a wealth of information to assist you. Whether it be digital tools training, opportunities to hire students or new grant opportunities, our chamber exists to help all businesses succeed. You can schedule a coffee with a member of our team by emailing hello@kamloopschamber.ca Q: Has the chamber seen a shift in the ways Kamloops’ businesses are going about their business since the pandemic? A: Absolutely. We have seen first-hand the creativity and perseverance the business community embraced. Do you remember early in the pandemic when Western Canada Theatre performed Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen via a Facebook livestream? How great was that? Or how wonderful has it been to see parking stalls reclaimed for public use with the expanded patio program? Not only does it support the businesses, but it also makes our corridors livelier, allowing residents and visitors opportunities to use public
space in a non-traditional way. In the future, we hope to see the business community continue to offer a mix of in-person and online offerings. I guess we have shifted from pivoting to offering hybrid options. Let’s embrace it. Q: With B.C. unveiling its four-step restart plan, what are some of the supports the chamber is providing to local businesses seeking to rebuild themselves after being impacted by the pandemic? A: Our team is continuously updating our offerings to support the evolving needs of the business community to help them remain competitive as we slowly move beyond COVID-19. Last year, we surveyed 100 business owners, asking about what they need and what they want. As a result, we are proud to have partnered with two new service providers: Peninsula HR and Kubera Payments. Our membership is composed of many businesses with under ten staff, businesses that do not have inhouse human resources services. Peninsula HR makes the tedious tasks simple. From writing every word in every document — like contracts and handbooks — to tailoring them to protect you, they give small businesses the time and confidence to make decisions that impact their bottom line. Kubera is a B.C.-based company that provides payment-processing solutions (POS, landing pages, etc.) to help your business save money on fees and transaction charges. They offer such excellent customer service. We now use them as our official payment processor. Beyond services, we are providing digital skills training to bolster your online presence, soft skills development training to bring diversity to the forefront and industry-specific training to raise the profile of our city. If you are not currently a member of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, let’s meet up for a coffee or pint on the patio. I want to learn more about your business and how we can create the Kamloops of tomorrow together.
We stand in solidarity with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc community – and all Indigenous peoples of Canada. In the spirit of healing and reconciliation, “Every Child Matters.”
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service
MEET JAMES MCINTOSH, FATHER OF THE CHAMBER
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ntil the late 1850s, the Interior of British Columbia was the domain of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The quest for gold eventually introduced prospectors to many regions and they saw at once the vast potential for resource development in ranching, logging and mining. Many schemes were failures, but a few individuals were successful in securing their fortune. These people with the vision, and often the right friends, we now refer to as entrepreneurs. James Mcintosh is a typical example of the successful entrepreneur. He began as a gold seeker, turned labourer, became a contractor and then a landowner and industrialist. It was he who first owned and subdivided the original Kamloops townsite and who managed and partowned the Shuswap Milling Co. Few towns can claim their origins in one man and Kamloops is no exception; however, we owe much to the singular vision of Mcintosh. Lured by the Cariboo gold rush in 1862, Mcintosh, then 20, left Ottawa and travelled through Panama to San Fransisco. He proceeded to the gold fields, accompanied by James Reid and Arthur Stevenson. Reid, made senator in 1888, was an MP for seven years and a prominent Quesnel businessman. Arthur Stevenson, his cousin, was road superintendent from 1865 to 1907. Mcintosh mined for one year; packing supplies from Wlilliams Lake into Barkerville was a far more lucrative venture. The inflated prices paid for foodstuffs in the gold fields provided a good and stable livelihood for anyone who could endure the physical hardship. On one occasion, he packed 90 pounds from Forks Quesnel to Williams Lake, a distance of 80 kilometres. Excitement waned in the Cariboo and Mcintosh, like many others, was drawn to the small Leechtown gold rush on Vancouver Island. Discovered in July 1864, the Leech River reported in the Victoria newspapers was rich in gold, but the digging dwindled within a year.
While heading east to attend a family funeral in 1865, Mcintosh landed in Kamloops. Kamloops in 1865 was in the midst of the Big Bend gold rush and the HBC post was anxious to act as supply depot to the miners. Chief trader Joseph McKay planned the construction of the steamer at the head of Seymour Arm. Through the winter, Mcintosh, whose father had been a carpenter and contractor in Ottawa, and A.G.Pemberton worked on the boat. They built the Marten at the Chase ranch on Little Shuswap and completed it by April 1866. The rest of that year saw Mcintosh packing supplies and mail into Big Bend and probably engaging in some mining. Mcintosh was back in Kamloops in the summer of 1867 and the next year pre-empted land above Tranquille River, In partnership with William Fortune, Mcintosh proposed to construct a lumber and grist mill. Farmers would benefit as well. They were at that time growing wheat as their main crop and needed a grist mill to produce flour. The machinery was brought from Victoria by Mcintosh and was in production by June. Apparently, only the grist mill was operating at first. In October 1868, the HBC Journal mentioned “a large scow with a threshing grain at the different farms along the river.” This must have been Brock McQueen’s enterprise, since he was the first to import such a machine. The operation must have been too small for both Mcintosh and Fortune, for in February 1870, Mcintosh sold his interests, leaving Fortune with the land and mill at Tranquille. The mill prospered under Fortune, being the only local facility of its kind until the Shuswap Milling Co. was formed by Mcintosh and partners in 1878. In 1871, Mcintosh pre-empted 100 acres of land immediately east of the HBC post on the south shore of the Thompson River. This land covers much of the present Old Town bounded by Overlanders Bridge, the river, Mcintosh Street and Columbia Street. The Mcintosh Memorial is near the south-
ern-most tip of his pre-emption. CONFEDERATION AND ONWARD In 1871, when British Columbia joined Confederation, Kamloops consisted of the HBC post, James MacKenzie’s newly opened store, a restaurant-saloon and a few individual dwellings. It could hardly be called a village. The absence of the fur trade and gold mining had left the local economy stagnant. With Confederation, however, came the promise of a transcontinental railway. The first survey party arrived in August 1871 to establish the route through the B.C. Interior. McIntosh was fortunate enough to pre-empt the land immediately east of the HBC post. Probably in 1871, he constructed a small cabin to live in, a requirement of the pre-emption law. We know he used his carpentry skills to produce small articles, such as tubs and washboards, for the local market. This could not have been a very profitable business and McIntosh, along with Donald McPhadden, opened a small hotel in September 1872. The hotel was later rebuilt and called the Dominion. Today, the building houses the Emerald Centre. McIntosh was well aware of the potential for development of his newly acquired land. MacKenzie’s store was probably the first subdivision, but many more followed. The preemption was surveyed as a townsite by Edgard Dewdney in 1875. During 1871 and 1872, McIntosh may have been involved in building the road from Savona to Kamloops and from Kamloops to Okanagan Lake. In view of his later road construction activities, it seems reasonable to speculate on his participation. In October 1872, McIntosh received the contract for the construction of a new store for the HBC. He worked on the building well into the spring of 1873. This was to replace the impossible conditions of the old establishment. CONTINUED ON C5
Congratulations Kamloops Chamber of Commerce on your 125th Anniversary! We THANK YOU for your service and support though the years!
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CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 125TH ANNIVERSARY! Cindy & Anna firmly believe in giving back to the community they grew up in, and in the organizations that have helped them THRIVE along the way.
McIntosh helped build roads, bridges through the region FROM PAGE C4
It was this structure that was demolished in 1941 to make way for the West End Auto Court. In 1873, McIntosh started construction of the first Kamloops courthouse and jail. It consisted of a small whitewashed log cabin with a central courtroom and jail cells opening directly on the side. James Knouff supplied the lumber for the finishing and fencing. He probably operated a small planer mill up the North Thompson. William Fortune, McIntosh’s former partner, was conspicuously not the supplier. The courthouse and jail were another addition to McIntosh’s townsite. One of the largest contracts to come to McIntosh was the construction of the Lytton Bridge, In 1874, just after the first two piers had been completed, the first rush of high water carried them away. McIntosh hurried to Victoria and secured a second contract for nearly twice the money to begin again. In his letters, he blames the plans and defends his rights to the new contract, but the B.C. Colonist was sceptical of the government for issuing a new contract without calling tenders: “Some people say — they may or may not speak the truth — that the highly favoured contractor in this particular instance is an influential political of Yale District and that he passed polling day canvassing for the government candidates, according to agreement.” The years 1875 to 1877 were spent building roads. McIntosh finished the New Westminster to Hope Wagon Road in the spring of 1875 and almost immediately began work on the Hope to Nicola Trail. This was an important route for Interior ranchers, enabling them to drive cattle to the coastal market. He finished the trail in September 1876 and started the Kamloops to Nicola Road. The construction of roads and trails opened up new areas of the Interior to settlement. The Cariboo Road, finished in 1865 to Barkerville, was an arterial route from the gold fields to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Roads branching off the Cariboo Road allowed easier access to places like Kamloops and the Okanagan. Though the late 1870s were a period of economic stagnation, settlers were filtering inland. By 1877, McIntosh had earned enough money from government contracts and land sales to found a new venture — the Shuswap Milling Company. MILLING TIME Notice of incorporation of the Shuswap Milling Company was printed in the B.C. Colonist in October 1878. W.B. Wilson, J.A. Mara, J. McIntosh and J.T. Ussher were all listed as partners. The prospectus outlined the company’s activities: “The purchase of logs and timber
and the manufacture and sale of lumber, the purchase of wheat and other kinds of grain and the manufacture and sale of flour, brans, shorts and other produce of a grist mill, the breeding and purchase of hogs and the preparation and sale of hams and bacon.” Timber was collected from the forests around Shuswap Lake and floated downstream to the mill. James Hartney managed the lumber camps on the Shuswap for many years. Lumber was supplied to ranchers throughout the river system, from Savona’s Ferry to the SpallumcheenShuswap area. In 1878, Mara & Wilson constructed a steam, the Spallumcheen,, to haul the wheat to the mill and to deliver flour and lumber. In 1881, they constructed the Peerless to take on the increased business in areas such as the North Thompson. The site of the mill was at the west end of the present Riverside Park at the bottom of First Avenue. Flooding was a particular hazard. The area has been altered by considerable landfill, which altered the topography and reduced the flooding. In 1879, deliveries were delayed because the machinery had been inundated. The same situation occurred in 1880, making flooding a constant threat to production. Intense competition arose between the Shuswap Mill and William Fortune’s Tranquille Mill. In 1886, Fortune’s enterprise was destroyed by fire, but he rebuilt it two years later with new equipment and added capacity. In 1880, when the Shuswap Mill was flooded, the Tranquille Mill ran day and night, shipping large quantities of flour to Savona’s Ferry, the Cariboo and other places. Under McIntosh, who managed the mill while the other partners remained silent, business prospered. In full production, the daily capacity of the Shuswap Mill was 15,000 feet of lumber and 50 barrels of flour. In 1882, they had more than 1,000 hogs in pens and 12 men employed in processing them. At one point, when the Bank of B.C. was being constructed, McIntosh complained to the head of the bank, Cecil Ward, that lumber had been ordered from New Westminster and that the bank was not supporting local industry. Kamloops was experiencing a period of rapid growth and it is unlikely McIntosh suffered for lack of business. To meet the increased demand for building materials, McIntosh planned a brick kiln to be built in 1889. The first bricks were fired in August and pronounced to be excellent. The Sentinel expected brick business blocks to sprout along Victoria Street. The shortage, however, was in housing. Every available residence was occupied and “newcomers were obliged to wait until other buildings could be erected.” Fire struck the Shuswap Mill in
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1891. The quick work of the two fire brigades and local citizens kept damage to a minimum. Ten years later, in March 1901, the mill burned to the ground. McIntosh had been sole owner for some time. The loss to him and to the community was severe. The Shuswap Milling Co. remained solvent, largely owing to its extensive real estate holdings, until liquidation in 1911. The mill site was sold to the city in 1902 for use as a park. The land became the nucleus of Riverside Park. A PROSPEROUS PERIOD The lumber and flour business boomed as CPR construction neared completion. By the early 1890s, James McIntosh had settled into a period of prosperity. Lots in his new townsite were selling fast to businessmen who saw the potential service centre at Kamloops. Main Street, present-day Victoria Street West, evolved as stores and residences accumulated on both sides. There was no delineation between residential and business areas until the first houses were built on Hill Street (now Seymour Street West). There was also no separation of the Chinese community into a specific area. Chinese and white businesses operated side by side. McIntosh himself, still in partnership with Donald McPhaddon, rebuilt his hotel, previously a small log structure, in 1878 and called it Dominion House. With the approach of the CPR came a new townsite development. The area east of McIntosh’s preemption was bought by a syndicate, surveyed by L.A. Hamilton and put up for sale by lot. The CPR received one-third of the lots for the establishment of a divisional point here and the New Townsite Syndicate kept the rest. The lots sold slowly at first, but as businessmen realized the benefit of locating near the CPR station, they gradually moved to “East Kamloops.” The CPR not only attracted people away from Main Street, it also seriously hampered access to shops and homes. McIntosh complained bitterly about this in a letter to friend and partner McPhaddon: “Railroad has cut Kamloops all up, in fact it will ruin present town. A team can scarcely get all through town now. Opposite your house there is a pile of about 4 feet, in fact it ruins very near all the property along the road.” A year later, in 1885, a delegation went to Victoria to complain of the condition of the street, but the powers of the CPR were too much for the Main Street businessmen. Not until 1913 were tracks removed from the centre of the street. In an effort to increase his property values, in the face of fierce competition from the real estate agents of the syndicate and the CPR, McIntosh built a water works.
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ANNA HARRISON
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Congratulates the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce on it’s 125th year anniversary
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Congratulations to The Chamber of Commerce on 125 years
Thank you for supporting Kamloops businesses for all these years. Not many of us century club members left. Thank you Kamloops for supporting our business through 107 years. Here’s to many more!
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service Korah DeWalt-Gagnon’s Kamloops of tomorrow is inclusive The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce asked local community leaders about the future of Kamloops and the industries in whch they work. The chamber spoke with Korah DeWalt-Gagnon, New Gold Inc.’s First Nations co-ordinator, about diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Q: You are an avid and active voice who champions diversity and inclusivity. Why is diversity and inclusivity so important to you? What are the benefits of organizations that champion diversity and inclusivity? A: As a First Nations female in the mining industry, my interest started as a personal one. Over time, I’ve learned the benefits of listening to others, collectively coming together to identify solutions and using our voices to educate and advocate for change. Not only is diversity and inclusion the right thing to do, but the direct benefits to organizations have been demonstrated through studies across North America and include better profitability, governance, talent, stakeholder management, risk management and increased financial performance. Q: Tell us about your role at New Afton Mine. What are the day-to-day tasks of a First Nations Co-ordinator and what attracted you to the role? A: I work with the leadership team to build our First Nations partnership with the Stk‘emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation, support Indigenous candidates through to employment, provide internal support to our Indigenous employees and work with departments across the site to achieve our commitments as set out in our agreement. I was attracted to the role because I felt that learning more about our agreements would provide me with valuable experience that would benefit myself and my community — Tk’emlúps to Secwépemc. Q: Let’s talk about the Kamloops of tomorrow, I want you to transport yourself 50 years into the future. In your
opinion, what are the characteristics of an inclusive and diverse organization and a community? What do we need to start doing today to get there? A: These organizations will be places where “people feel expected, reflected and respected …” (Vernã Myer) and people will feel that they belong and their differences are embraced. We need to educate ourselves on the topic of equality, biases, benefits and actionable solutions, then use that education and conversation to make a change. Q: The Beyond New Afton project you are helping to spearhead at New Afton Mine is very forward-thinking. What advice do you have for businesses that would like to be as proactive, but are not sure where to start? What is step one? A: The first step in creating a proactive project is through conversation. Connect with other companies that have done something similar, discuss internally to create buy-in and support and collect a diverse group of individuals who can share their perspectives to generate creative ideas. Q: What advice do you have for future champions of diversity and inclusivity? A: Ask “Why?” Get to learn why things are done a certain way to better understand where the opportunity for change lies. The solution can be found together through creativity and collaboration.
Korah DeWalt-Gagnon is New Gold Inc.’s First Nations co-ordinator.
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service Introducing Friendly Composting’s Kamloops of tomorrow The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce asked local community leaders about the future of Kamloops and the industries in which they work. The chamber spoke with Friendly Composting eco-prenuers Katie Forsyth (co-founder and owner), Claire McLoughlin (co-founder and owner) and Parker Sydor (manager of customer service and operations) about their sustainable business. The Friendly Composting team is supporting local small businesses with composting and sustainability. Q: Support small business as you compost — what a simple, but ingenious idea. Where did it come from? How many small businesses do you currently help support? A: We were visiting hundreds of Kamloops homes a week and wanted to make those trips even more impactful and economical, so we added a local product delivery to our compost pick-ups. Consumers will have their composting picked up and local products dropped off all in one service. We currently deliver for nearly 25 local food producers and farmers every week. Q: You are not originally from Kamloops, so why did you choose to set up a business in the River City? Why should other young entrepreneurs consider Kamloops? A: This city has a way of bringing you in with its small-town mentality and sense of community, while providing all of the amenities and opportunities that a larger city has to offer. We were blown away by the outpouring of support when we launched and the continuous support we have from the local community now. Entrepreneurs should consider Kamloops because the community is growing quickly and the diversified population gives the local businesses a great market to target. Q: You are self-described eco-preneurs. What is an eco-preneur? What
are some of the key characteristics of an eco-preneur? Why did you choose composting? A: Eco-preneurs are socially conscious entrepreneurs who, at the heart of every decision, focus on impact — impact on the environment, impact on our local economy and impact on the well-being and mental health of employees to be truly sustainable. For Kamloops, proper waste management of organics was an immediate threat to our environment that needed a solution. We are able to provide a solution and make a positive impact and it makes us proud to be eco-prenuers. Q: Let’s talk about the Kamloops of tomorrow. I want you to transport yourself 50 years into the future. In your opinion, what are the greatest opportunities for eco-preneurs who are looking to make an impact in their local community? A: There has been a huge shift towards sustainable initiatives and this is just the beginning. The Kamloops community wants to do better. If you have something great to offer and see a gap where improvement can be made, go ahead and fill it. Q: What advice do you have for someone looking to become an eco-preneur? A: Just start. Since we launched midpandemic, we have found a network of like-minded people to support us and provide amazing learning opportunities that allow us to make decisions based on impact and move us closer to a life filled with purpose.
The Friendly Composting team, from left: manager of customer service and operations Parker Sydor, co-founder and owner Katie Forsyth and co-founder and owner Claire McLoughlin.
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service Erik Fisher’s Kamloops of tomorrow is on the grapevines The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce asked local community leaders about the future of Kamloops and the industries in which they work. The chamber spoke with Erik Fisher, general manager of Monte Creek Ranch + Winery, about viticulture and the future of the Thompson Valley appellation. Q: Why is it important for the winemaking industry to shift to sustainable practices? Can you share some examples of what Monte Creek is currently doing to be a sustainable leader? A: We work hard at regenerative agriculture, a practise of conservation and rehabilitation of our ecosystem. A big focus for us now is building healthier soils that encourage biodiversity and rebuilding organic matter in the soil. We have deployed an organic compost program and are utilizing cover crop blends composed of indigenous plants. These blends are designed for specific soil types and use native plants that can thrive in the hot, dry summers and provide habitat for beneficial insects and microbes. Biodiversity above and below ground helps to balance this environment, strengthens the grapevine and creates complexity in the fruit and wine. We are currently trialing portable chicken coops (chicken tractors) that work in teams to reduce cutworm populations and keep the weeds at bay. We also have honey bees on site to pollinate our haskap berries and utilize both cattle and goats to maintain pastures. We know that in order to succeed in a meaningful way, it will require a multi-pronged approach. Q: Monte Creek has been working on expanding its output to 40,000 cases annually, making nearly 500,000 bottles of wine with the introduction of the new gravity-flow facility (which itself is also a sustainable winemaking practice). What other projects or initiatives are you and your team working on to bring more awareness to the Thompson Valley appellation? A: We are also mid-production on a
new greenhouse facility. The primary focus of the greenhouse is to propagate grapevines, but also to fuse innovation, viticulture advancements, agri-tourism and education in this state-of-the-art facility. Not only will Monte Creek Winery produce vines for its own operation, but supply others, as well. This fully accessible greenhouse is positioned right next to the existing winery building to ensure we can incorporate both learning and exposure to our agricultural practices. Q: Let’s talk about the Kamloops of tomorrow, I want you to transport yourself 50 years into the future. In your opinion, what are the greatest opportunities that not only bring more awareness to the Thompson Valley appellation, but will help make Kamloops a destination for wine lovers? A: In the Thompson Valley, we have very mineral-rich soils largely created from glacial events and remarkably favourable temperature changes in the growing season that offer great natural acidity and freshness in the wines. Q: What advice do you have for the future wine enthusiasts looking to break into the industry? A: Purchase suitable land as soon as possible and start planting varieties that are right for your site.
Erik Fisher, general manager of Monte Creek Ranch + Winery.
Happy 125th birthday,
Kamloops Chamber of Commerce! We’re proud to be a part of the Kamloops (Tk’emlúps) community, on the traditional lands of the Secwépemc Nation. It’s our ongoing privilege to be trusted advisors on local infrastructure projects.
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service
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Maeghan Summers’ Kamloops of tomorrow is sustainable The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce asked local community leaders about the future of Kamloops and the industries in which they work. The chamber spoke with Maeghan Summers of Sumco Holdings (The Noble Pig Brewhouse, Forno on 5th) about the future of the hospitality industry. Q: Did the team at the Noble Pig know the microbrewery scene was going to explode when it first opened its doors? What ignited the passion? A: The original partnership that created this concept really was on to something and it felt like a dream to be a part of this in the early years. Once (executive chef and partner) Jared and I joined the team, it was clear we needed to up our food game to join the level of incredible brews that were on tap. Once all synergies were working, we felt like we were riding the wave of change and could see the industry starting to join us. This only pushed us harder to make sure we were always working to be creative and try new things. Q: Tell us the story behind the name The Noble Pig. A: The “Noble” part of our name comes from the idea of using noble hops in our beer and the pig portion came from the concept behind the Spotted Pig. That New York City restaurant was a gastro pub with a Michelin Star and one that inspired the group.
opinion, what are the biggest opportunities or trends you can see emerging in the hospitality industry? A: We can see the emphasis of sustainability being the centerfold of the future in hospitality. It will no longer be a buzzword or a driver in the industry; it will be the standard. This means we will see locally sourced menu items. Vegan restaurants and/or plant-based options will be normalized as we become more aware of our impact on mass food production. Kamloops is a wonderful hub to grow things and, as our wine, beer and spirit sector grows in town, so will the desire for more local produce. I also see the explosive growth of our community and this allows for more independent operators to succeed and survive due to the densification of our city. Q: If someone wants to be a bad-a** boss like yourself, what advice do you have for them? A: Be an active member of our community, truly believe in the future of Kamloops and find mentors that have the experience you want to achieve.
Q: We have a feeling Sumco Holdings is working on some fun and unique new projects. Can you share some details about what new endeavours we can expect to see in the near future? A: We are always looking at new and fun opportunities that relate to our experience in the industry. We are thrilled to be working on our new concept for Forno and relaunching it this fall. Q: Let’s talk about the Kamloops of tomorrow, I want you to transport yourself 50 years into the future. In your
Maeghan Summers of Sumco Holdings is operations manager and parnter at The Noble Pig Brewhouse and Forno on 5th.
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service
Chamber is crucial voice for Giddens in Valleyview
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eing a member of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce keeps Giddens Services up to date on changing government legislation that impacts small businesses. It’s a connection the third-generation family business has seen the value in for the majority of its 107-year existence. John Giddens, co-owner of the home electronics and appliance repair service store at 1613 Valleyview Dr., said he sees the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce as a voice for the business community, and being a member adds integrity to one’s own business. “The fact that we’re a member, we support Kamloops businesses through the chamber of commerce and I think because of that, perhaps, people have supported us,” he said. Giddens said any business considering joining the chamber should know they will be welcomed by a group of people ready to advocate for them, with myriad businesses ready to support theirs in turn. “You become a member of a bigger group and the whole idea is to keep your business going in any type of economic times,” Giddens said.
Giddens co-owners Dave Giddens and John Giddens are keeping the family tradition alive.
EXCEPTIONAL KAREN WATT LETS BRING THE RBC MOMENTUM AWARD HOME TO KAREN FROM KAMLOOPS AND LET’S WISH HER WELL Karen Watt, in her position of President/CEO of Excel Personnel Inc. since 1992, has over the past twenty nine years provided temporary and fulltime employment placements in professional offices and skilled labour situations throughout British Columbia and surrounding areas. This includes a 98.5 percent success rate, some of which have turned into permanent placements ranging from Saskatchewan to Vancouver Island. After being downsized, she sought out a placement agency and found no representation in Kamloops. She immediately recognized a new market and opened the door for a new business to assist in temporary and permanent staffing for the community. In 2018 Excel Personnel Inc. hit their goal of reaching over $2.052 million in sales. Karen is a mentor in her field and a highly respected business person in her community, and is well known for her openness and willingness to assist other independents with information or guidance in job searching, and skills and abilities required. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the many committees she has assisted in being part of a team that gained the rights to make a college a university status, assisted in gaining $37.5 million from BC Government to expand Kamloops Sporting Facilities in The Tournament
Capital of Canada and assisted in lobbying government with the Kamloops and British Columbia Chambers of Commerce to achieve the voice of Provincial and Federal Governments to extend our Airport Runway to permit jet service etc. She has been the sole leader, training hundreds of skilled individuals on the ways and means of seeking employment while implementing systems in the company for procedures from telephone answering to final recruitment processes so that when a position is vacant, a replacement can easily follow the procedures. Karen keeps in tune with the Personnel Industry with memberships across Canada and the United States, and brings from the larger centres practices in Codes & Ethics and Policies & Procedures to Kamloops. On top of her wide-ranging role at Excel Personnel Inc., Karen gives back to the community by her extensive volunteer services through her participation in: Daybreak Rotary Club, former member for four years Past Director on the Airport Society Committee, 2003 Director on the $37.6 million initiative “Yes Committee”. 1992 – Present – Member and past President of The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce
Karen has served fifteen years on the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, where she has progressed from Director, Secretary, Treasurer, on to President and Past President 2004/2005, and appointed District 10 Director for British Columbia Chamber of Commerce, 2005/2007. She represented the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce on the 2010 Olympic Games Committee. In 1994, 1996 and 1999 Karen was the recipient of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Presidents Award for exemplary service. In 1997, Karen’s Demonstrated Management Excellence and Outstanding Business Achievement was recognized by the Kamloops Business Community with the Professional Business Service Award for Small Business. Excel Personnel serves the Northern, Central and Southern BC in all sectors of employment. Increasingly, however, Watt finds their services in demand from further afield, with clients now coming from across Western Canada from referrals. “Excel is not just about putting a warm body into a position, just to get the fee. Karen Watt makes sure it is a good fit based on skills, abilities, personality, dress and attitude. Not every person will fit into every company or position,” she says.
A passion for people—bringing individuals together with companies... Watt says she started her business with $30 in the bank and soon after needed a $1,000 loan from her mother to cover wages for her first placements. Excel now has branches in Prince George, Kamloops and Kelowna. Today, Watt sits atop a successful operation, currently with a staff of 3 in-house and 52 in the field. Excel has placements on more than 300 job boards, and manages an average of about 75 job searches at a time. With Excel’s superior Industry Standard Data Base you will find today 53,056 candidates registered to be seen and placed. Excel has either spoken to, interviewed or placed these candidates within the last 3 years and knows where they are to offer different opportunities as they arise or head hunt them out of their current position for their advancement on request. The Excel team reviews all the references, face-to-face interviews and short lists the top candidates for every temporary or permanent/executive search positions prior to submitting to their clients for review. Karen empowers her staff to make key decisions, and stands behind them when they do.
Karen has lead by example, learned from her mentors and implemented policies and procedures that her staff can follow. Her standards are high, her clients and candidates attest to the fact that they were all happy with the way in which they were treated on both sides and the successful results keeps her clients coming back monthly for placements. Karen does not take anything for granted and believes working as a team is by far, better than working alone.
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service
Schoening Funeral Service staff, from left: assistant funeral director Jennifer Heather Vincent, administrative assistant Ashley Willson, office manager Leona Pickard Smith, manager Sara Lawson, family service advisor Joanie Dunn, assistant manager MarieHelene Gauthier and funeral assistant Hans Korvemaker.
Chamber an important advocate for Schoening and others
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choening Funeral Service sees value in supporting the local business community through the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. “The chamber of commerce is the voice to advocate for any challenges we’re having or anything we need resolved as the business community,” said Sara Lawson, general manager of Schoening Funeral Service. The funeral home has two locations in Kamloops — downtown at Seymour Street and Fifth Avenue and on the North Shore at 177 Tranquille Rd. — providing cremation and burial services for the community since 1888.
Lawson said Schoening has been a longtime member of the chamber of commerce, having been particularly active in the last couple of years. Lawson herself serves on its board of directors. As a funeral home, the business tends to have unique challenges, but the chamber is a place where Schoening can liaise with other businesses on common issues such as staffing, Lawson told KTW, noting the chamber is a great resource for assistance and connection. “The main benefit that I see is connecting you to people that you can talk to,” Lawson said. She said it’s important to be a good community citizen and get to know people on a personal level before they have to use Schoening’s services,
noting that being a chamber member gives the company an avenue to make those friendships. There’s also a level of advocacy at all levels of government from being a chamber member, Lawson said, adding she would definitely recommend that new businesses join the organization. “They really will work with you in whatever your specific needs are,” Lawson said. She said the chamber of commerce can particularly assist smaller operations with issues such as marketing and securing resources. “It is definitely worth your membership fee to be part of the chamber,” Lawson said.
Congratulations to the Chamber on their
125 Anniversary th
Peter Milobar, MLA
Todd Stone, MLA
618B Tranquille Rd, Kamloops, BC Phone: 250.554.5413 Toll Free: 1.888.299.0805 peter.milobar.mla@leg.bc.ca
446 Victoria St., Kamloops, BC Phone: 250.374.2880 Toll Free: 1.888.474.2880 todd.stone.mla@leg.bc.ca
Kamloops – North Thompson
PeterMilobarKNT/ @PeterMilobar
Kamloops – South Thompson
ToddGStone/ @toddstonebc
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service LOCAL CHAMBER POLICIES HAVE HAD NATIONWIDE IMPACT The work of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce’s business advocacy committee might be its best-kept secret. Brant Hasanen, a chamber past-president, is one of the original creators of the policy group at the organization. He also served as board chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce in 2014 and 2015. Hasanen described his work with the committee, which has about eight members, as working to identify and fix what is broken — issues typically related to government red-tape bureaucracy or taxation.
BRANT HASANEN “What often happens in any person’s business or sector is that things go wrong,” he said. “There’s oversights, shifts and transitions that don’t make any sense, things that create additional expenses or inefficiencies, and the individual has no way of getting a hold of policy makers to fix stuff like that.” The chamber holds roundtable discussions to collect feedback from local businesses, then advocate on their behalf. Sometimes, policies are the answer to that problem and the chamber has a far reach into Canadian politics. In 2009, as part of the 2008 federal
budget tabled by then-federal finance minister Jim Flaherty, Canadians gained the ability to open a tax-free savings account, or TFSA. The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in the creation of the policy that made that possible. Hasanen, a financial advisor, sought out a way to add to Canadians’ investment toolbox. “That was one of my personal initiatives ... Something for people to ensure a more stable financial future,” Hasanen said. “Having access to RRSPs is not enough. There is a need for new tools that Canadians can have to get access to help them with their retirement savings.” Another big win for the local chamber’s policy team was the 10-year passport. Prior to the chamber’s intervention, passports expired after five years. “In the business community, we found that very distracting and distressing because it’s not a long enough period of time and we have a lot of companies who do a lot of international travel,” he said. One current effort of the chamber’s policy team is to increase access and reduce costs related to health care. With B.C.’s doctor situation and shortages, Hasanen noted, costs are rising. With tax implications and the health care of employees to worry about, the issue can have a big impact on businesses. One solution the chamber is working on is to allow nurse practitioners to not only to do more for patients, but to also be able to directly bill the government for their services, rather than having to go through a doctor’s office — a doctor who might not even have been involved in a patient’s care. “It will open up access to a lot of services that are bogging down access to other medical services and doctors,” Hasanen said.
In 2009, the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in convincing the federal government to add a 10-year passport option for Canadian citizens.
Congratulations To The Chamber On 125 Years!
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service
May 21, 2021 mmerce amber of Co Kamloops Ch Street 615 Victoria V2C 2B3 Kamloops BC erce: tulate the ber of Comm s, to congra loops Cham m Ka e th s of Kamloop To en tiz ci e th uncil and lf of City Co th anniversary. sure on beha on its 125 ce er It is my plea m r and I m Co of r be am local chambe hip with our Kamloops Ch ions of ns ut tio rib la nt re co e ng th ki a strong wor te and value amloops ia ys “K ec jo re pr en tu ap s fu e r op W Kamlo d shaping ou ue to grow. an in nt The City of ity co un ill m w m rtnership siness co know our pa g our local bu r in supportin the Chambe your be proud of ur success, Tomorrow”. yo e at br le ary! Ce 5th annivers ns on your 12 our future. in t en Congratulatio id nf , and be co contributions Sincerely,
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Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian.
HAPPY 125TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service Todd G. Ston
Kamloops − So
May 17, 2021 Kamloops Cham ber of Commer ce 615 Victoria St reet Kamloops, BC V2C 2B3
To Kamloops C
hamber of Com m
erce As MLA for K amloops – Sout h Thompson, it Chamber of C is my pleasure ommerce on its to congratulate 125th annivers the Kamloops ary. As you celebrat e with family an d friends, know you and are se nding you best that others in our community wishes. are thinking of Thank you for the important work you do! Warm Regards,
Todd G. Stone MLA KamloopsSo
uth Thompson
Ka mloops − So uth Thom pson Constituenc y Office 446 Victoria Street Kamloops, B. C. V2C 2A7 T 250.37 4.28 80 | F 25 0.37 7.3448
Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone.
OUR MISSION:
The Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association provides value to our members through advocacy, beautification, promotion, development and preservation of Downtown Kamloops.
OUR VISION:
A vibrant and livable Downtown that is the focal point of Kamloops.
DOWNTOWN K AMLOOPS MEMBERS
Meet our Alliance Members! Arwen’s Apparel & Instinct Adornment Inc. Andres Electronic Experts (Telus Business Center) Crooked Crown Boutique Empire Dental Far & Wide | Botanical Scene Fresh Slice Pizza Healing Spaces HeBrew’s Ahava Coffee House Kamloops Art Gallery Kamloops Arts Council Kamloops Florist Ltd
Kipp-Mallery Pharmacy Ltd Lansdowne Central Liquor Store Life Ink Tattoo Main Street Clothing Moxie’s Grill & Bar Mittz Kitchen Paladin Security Red Wing The Noble Pig Brewhouse The Plaza Hotel Thompson Hotel & Conference Centre
Meet our Enhanced Members! Brendan Shaw Real Estate Community Futures Thompson Country Golden Buddha Hoja Mongolian Grill
Jardines Domaine Manhandler Barber Shop Nightingale Medical Supplies The Cure Culinary Provisions
downtownkamloops.com
Christine Beaton, Administrator & Member Services #202-246 2nd Avenue, Kamloops BC, V2C 2C9. p: 250-372-3242 ext 1
e, MLA
uth Thompson
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service May 26, 2021
ce ber of Commer Kamloops Cham reet 615 Victoria St V2C 2B3 Kamloops, BC
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th sary g 125 Anniver n ti ra eb el C ce mmer k you for 125 Chamber of Co atulate and than gr n co Re: Kamloops to re u great pleas son it gives me p m o Th h rt o N loops – As MLA for Kam sentative the community. s owner, repre in es n rk si o u b w f a o s as s ar ye r the year thand the d executives ove have seen firs an I s , er ly b b em em m ss A er with Chamb e Legislative Having worked Member of th a unities. y tl en rr cu t and ness and comm si en u m b s rn p ve o lo go l am of loca done for K at the e Chamber has ry apparent th th ve rk ’s o it w s, le ar b ye ka remar verall r those 125 al part of the o e Chamber ove gr th te d in le e an av so h al t at Kamloops bu n the names th for business in e Looking back o ic vo g n ro st ot only been a y has seen. Chamber has n ter ader communit ro b e th at munities a bet th m s co es r u cc o su g d in an growth ment to mak d your commit an , ip sh er ad s le ion exemplifie ud of. Your organizat to u should be pro yo at th very honoured g in am h I d et m an so n is so p ce m pla atter North – Tho e issues that m ops and in the th lo r am fo K te in ca r fo vo l merce and ad to be gratefu amber of Com We have a lot h C s p o lo am K ing with the continue work e future. today and in th o. r all that you d fo n ai ag ks an od work, and th Keep up the go
Warm Regards,
Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar.
Peter Milobar son – North Thomp s p o lo am K LA M
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service they have the ada, ensuring an C in ic onomy is ph ra demog ribute to our ec nt co to es iti same opportun ard ce The Way Forw er m om C imperative. mber of d Kamloops Cha ness commerce an busi 0 chambers of r’s 44 e be th m of ha 125 years for e C n on ia As the Canad y er rm ov fo sc at di th e e th of ws of boards of trad ops Chamber message, the ne 0 children ork, the Kamlo mmunity 20 tw co ne an As I write this ss l th ne na e si or tio bu m na k to your d graves of lin l ke an ta ar di vi m In a s un is op e ce lo th of Kam Commer s of the former has on the ground and the news h es in Kamloops. fr ill st is hool business in Residential Sc ovthe business of ns. sc ia di ow the ad kn im an gr to C l ty na en ili ditio shak unities across The ab e know that ad ng, reflective time d that of comm an am ch ity l un na m In addition, w tio ri m your co cial and na It is a sobe in e. ov ad pr m ur k en yo or be h netw eries have country throug s our business y. ns is what give with tio d ec an t nn for our countr en co r m be eral govern cr de to fe e is k th or ith tw w r ne credibility tional chambe sia whole. Our role as a na businesses to thrive – all bu Canadians as r fo s on iti nd ground for ate the co unities. is the starting m n m tio co ec l al nn in co , l relationships nesses The loca st, forging new posipa ed e ch th ar g se in re dg eply acknowle ive future. developing de ic ing to an inclus We do this by osing pragmat ov op m pr d d an an s ie zpolic ent, by mobili t challenging tions on public one of the mos ment to implem vocate govrn en r ve be s go r ha fo ar ns ye k to ad ity. As a membe solutio The last ness commun diverse networ si en d so th bu al an e ng a’s st ar re va ad u st r an yo at ou C , ing erce ms th years for mber of Comm r network. ons and progra ring es and by offe Kamloops Cha ernment decisi be e iti th am un of m ch e m th co d – r e an d ou bigger save money, tim our country an of something at rt th pa es ic rv se ss essential busine cally, provinu are heard lo yo at th ns . ea rt m effo This in Ottawa, are lly and that we, ea where na ar e tio on of business na d is e an iv cially u – the voices th initiat yo g ow in gr by e ild ed iv bu us ap in cl sh Our in embers forward at this informed and . support our m t, as we move ve to pu ri in rng th ki ur es or Yo ss w s. ne e we ar en more impo eir busi in Kamloop y has never be at will help th or th st ps hi hi r ns ou tio in la re juncture often oups that are gr ith tant. w ps hi t ns e righ Building relatio n Chamber, ss is not only th comne si bu at the Canadia in d am te l te en over na e es th tio pr of na re lf r runde achievements On beha cal to ou t it is also criti your chamber’s g a respectful bu , on do ns to tio g la in tu th in congra d well-being. e commit to be We will work petitiveness an st 125 years. W n. la e io at th ili nc co re n to ee tw ad be ro t e gemen r on th ledge the past por- partne respectful enga ork to acknow d im tw an an ne r is ed ou es rm d iti fo an In ture with you. commun with you a’s inclusive fu d Indigenous ad an an es C ss e ne ap si sh bu and to r work. r of tant part of ou loops Chambe ’emlúps rrent and ly, with the Kam ul Tk cu tf e e ec th th sp in ith Re w ay solidarity is underw in s in ift le d sh op an ic st pe peoples m e is us w us , se no no ce A Commer d all Indige ct of Indige pa an im ity ss un ne m si m co n, “Every potential bu te Secwépemc y. of reconciliatio om it ir on ec sp e d th an y in our societ of Canada and .” ons of dollars lli bi te bu ri Child Matters nt oples co new g tin ea cr e ar Indigenous pe they y annually and nous to our econom times the rate of non-Indige , PC, OC e fiv e Perrin Beatty at es business The Honourabl CEO Canadians. president and erce us no mber of Comm ge ha di C In n at ia th ad ct an fa C e th d with When combine gest, fastest growing un yo e th e ar peoples
CONGRATULATIONS
KAMLOOPS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON YOUR 125TH ANNIVERSARY!
We know that there is more great work to come, as you look to the next 125 years.
New Afton values your feedback. If you would like to get in touch, call (250) 377-2100 or email info@newgold.com.
WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX AND NYSE AMERICAN: NGD
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Kamloops Chamber of Commerce — 125 years in Service McIntosh name lives on in many areas of Kamloops From C5
Work was in progress on the first such system in Kamloops in 1887. By October of that year, it was finished and ready for winter use. The system used water from the North Thompson pumped to a reservoir 110 feet above Main Street by the Shuswap Mill engine. There were 5,500 feet of main line pipe and five fire hydrants. At the same time, the CPR constructed its own private water works. It allowed only a few residences access, leaving most of “East Kamloops” without. Early in 1888, McIntosh extended his main line along Church Street (Seymour) to the Grand Pacific Hotel on Lansdowne and Third. The profits from this enterprise probably outweighed the flagging property sales on Main Street. In 1890, McIntosh embarked on another venture. Along with J.E. Saucier and William Slavin, he formed the Kamloops Electric Light Co. to provide electricity to local residents. The first power house was located on the riverbank just east of present-day Overlanders Bridge. The City of Kamloops, incorporated in 1893 and, in 1895, bought the waterworks for $14,000. In 1896, it purchased the Electric Light Co. MCINTOSH’S SOCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS McIntosh and his family were very active socially in the growing community of Kamloops. In 1881, McIntosh made his first trip east since coming to B.C. in 1862. He had become moderately wealthy and probably thought it time to return to Ontario and visit his family. McIntosh returned to Kamloops married to Hope Hermanse Magee of Clinton, Iowa. She brought with her a theatrical talent which she used for producing children’s operettas and concerts. She was also an accomplished pianist. They lived in McIntosh’s home on Main Street, which was refurbished with, amongst other things, the first plaster job in Kamloops. He built a new residence in 1897. That house still stands at 204 Seymour St. W. McIntosh’s contribution to social activities in Kamloops seemed to consist of becoming the president of every organization in town.
The McIntosh Memorial at the lookout on Columbia Street has been declared a B.C. Heritage Site. There is a large wooden plaque mounted on a side wall of the memorial building dedicated to the memory of James McIntosh. It was erected in 1932 by the Kamloops Rotary Club.
No doubt his economic influence had something to do with the number of positions he held, but he must have been generous with both his time and money. When the Royal Inland Hospital was established on land donated by McIntosh, he was elected chairman of the board, a position he retained until 1893. He was trustee of the Pioneer Band and Kamloops Club and first president of the Mainland Pioneer Society, B.C. Inland Board of Trade, St. Andrews & New Caledonian Society and Liberal-Conservative Association. He was also alderman from 1898 to 1901 and served as justice of the peace and city magistrate. Not always was his position as leader unquestioned. When McIntosh took over as
captain of the fire brigade in 1886, there was dissension. He concentrated his efforts on supplying the lower town, his townsite, with protection — distributing buckets, for instance, no further east than First Avenue. It may have been that the people of the lower town expected the CPR to supply their townsite with fire protection or that there were not enough people living in the new townsite to warrant special attention. Government grants were received for hose reel equipment, which was housed, naturally, in the lower town. At a heated meeting, where McIntosh accused them of poor attendance and they in turn spoke their minds about his leadership, it was decided to form two brigades and to seek
funds for extra equipment. McIntosh remained treasurer. While there may have been some ready to remove him entirely, his bookkeeping abilities, along with his ownership of the waterworks, made him invaluable. Signs that McIntosh was losing hold of his townsite came as early as 1888, when incorporation was supported by many people. McIntosh opposed it as premature and the citizens waited until 1893 before going through with it. By that time, upper and lower town had been joined and the only vestige of his 1871 pre-emption are the odd lot sizes in the West End. In 1901, McIntosh died of a heart attack. He had suffered a stroke two years earlier and had been paralyzed for some time. Businesses were closed for the afternoon and
the funeral attended by the entire community. The Mclntoshes had two children, Una and Clifford. Una married W.B. Maxwell in California in 1911. Mrs. McIntosh married Capt. Worsnop at the same ceremony. Maxwell died in 1918 and Una married V.M Ketchum. In 1936, she re-married again to Dr. J.S. Burris. Of Clifford we know little except that he trained as a civil engineer and worked in Vancouver. James McIntosh is remembered in McIntosh Heights, Mclntosh Road and in the McIntosh Memorial on Columbia Street, erected by the Rotary Club in 1932. In memory of her mother, Una McIntosh Burris donated the house and land on the corner of Seymour Street and Second Avenue for use as a library and museum.
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Located in the Heart of Downtown Kamloops, Both Businesses Have been an Integral Part of Kamloops Culture. Brown’s Repair has been serving Kamloops and Area for 99 Years and Ray’s Lock and Key Mobile service for over 39 Years,Now together, 2 Great Companies, one Great Service. Now Offering you Full Shop and Mobile Service together. Brown’s Repair Shop Ltd is also a Member of the Better Business Bureau, The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association. Brown’s and Ray’s Have always Been Locally owned Businesses with Friendly Professional Staff.
The Staff is Diverse, with each member bringing a unique skill set that creates an amazing team. Owner Ray Dhaliwal says “for keys and locks from residential to com-
mercial to institutional as well as mailboxes, boats and ATVs, we have you covered.” Brown’s has a large selection of automotive key fobs and keys , including Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Nissan, Kia Hyundai. Browns Repair also rebuilds Honda ignitions as well as program keys for most vehicles.
Ray Dhaliwal is a community leader and has served as President of the Kamloops Multicultural Society for the past 8 years, a former city councillor and a member of the North Shore Rotary, as well as a past board member of the Seniors Centre in Brocklehurst. Over the past few years Ray’s and Brown’s staff have participated in the Kamloops Rotary Food Drives. Ray’s is Open Monday to Friday 8 pm to 5 pm and Saturday 10 am to 4 pm. We are also available on evenings, weekends and holidays for Emergency Service.
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“We ask all Canadians to reacquaint themselves with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report and Calls to Action – upholding the heavy lifting already done by the survivors, intergenerational survivors, and the TRC. In addition, to show your solidarity, we encourage you to wear an orange shirt and start conversations with your neighbours about why you are doing so.” - Chief, Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir
Fulton recognizes the 125th Anniversary of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce and congratulates the Kamloops Chamber on reaching this historic milestone. Fulton has seen the Kamloops Chamber grow and expand over the years, helping so many businesses connect and flourish in our local community. With our firm being the professional home of current Chamber president, Dan Carroll and past-president, Rick Heney, we know first-hand the difference that the Chamber’s work makes for us, for our clients and for our business networks. We are grateful for the Chamber’s contributions to improve our city and region. Recognizing this historical milestone also gives us an important opportunity to reflect more deeply on many of the difficult and troubling aspects of our community’s history - specifically our historic failings and mistreatment of Indigenous peoples. Words are not a sufficient response to this history. We all must come to terms with past atrocities and take present action for lasting reconciliation as we work towards an equal and just tomorrow that is inclusive and supportive of all. It is not the responsibility of Indigenous people to solve these issues alone. We must listen to and learn from the lived experiences and wisdom of our Indigenous neighbours to educate ourselves and make lasting, positive change.
Fulton & Company LLP