Mission Chamber of Commerce
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Mission 2014 BC Winter Games
Creating a community legacy
I
n February 2014 the District of Mission will be hosting as many as 2,200 participants from across British Columbia as they arrive in our community to take part in the 27th BC Winter Games. This is the first time Mission has hosted a BC Games event and the community will rally over 2,500 volunteers in order to host athletes, coaches and officials. The Games, which will be held from February 20–23, 2014, will include participants in 18 sports. Most of the competitions will take place in Mission with some events in Hemlock, Whistler, the Township of Langley, Maple Ridge, and Abbotsford. Local volunteers make the Games happen – they are the driving force and heart and soul of the BC Games. From meal preparation, to transportation, to hospitality, and sport competitions, the enthusiasm and expertise of volunteers is what makes it all happen. Members of the
community are encouraged to volunteer and contribute to making the Games a memorable experience for the participating athletes, coaches, and officials. Generally there is close to one volunteer for every Games participant so that means we need over 2,200 volunteers for preGames and Games-time roles. In addition to the many volunteers who will be onsite at various venues in February 2014, a number of volunteers work for up to two years in advance of the Opening Ceremony in order to ensure the Games are a success. A communitybased Board of Directors was elected in the spring of 2012 and has been working to plan the Games ever since. The Board is led by a President and Vice President and includes 14 Directorates, dividing the tasks into like-areas. Liaisons from various community organizations also join the Board to provide support to the Games. The Directors lead teams of Com-
mittee Chairs each responsible for specific aspects of planning and staging the Games. In all there are over 100 Chairs. Each volunteer Director and Chair is committed to ensure that the community comes together in a celebration of pride and that participants have an unforgettable experience. The BC Winter Games is a significant event for Mission and will have an estimated economic impact to our community of over $1.8 million. The Games are supported by provincial Corporate and Funding Partners but, the support of local businesses is key to the success of the Games. Businesses can become involved through the Friends of the Games program which has a range of contribution levels for both cash and gifts-in-kind. “One of our greatest expenses is food for the athletes.” states Friends of the Games Director, Grant Mottershead. “Contributions to provide healthy snacks
for athletes and volunteers are being sought. There are many other areas that local businesses can support, ranging from office equipment and supplies, decorations, and infrastructure needs.” Support the community of Mission and be part of making the Games an amazing experience for British Columbia’s young athletes. Your contribution will help make this an experience that will last a lifetime for participants – the Games can be a springboard for athletes, coaches, and officials as they move on to higher levels of competition, as well as providing a memorable experience for organizers and volunteers. You will also be helping to create a legacy in sport, recreation, and culture for the District of Mission. Contact the Friends of the Games Directorate to learn more about how you can support the Games at 778-879-0710 or FOG2014@bcwintergames.ca or visit us at www.bcwintergames.org.
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President's message: Where were you when...? Elyssa Lockhart PAST PRESIDENT
Ann Harper VICE PRESIDENT
Pam Alexis
Satti Grewal
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
Cal Crawford
Carol Hamilton
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
Dave Sawatzky
Tricia Townsend
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
Corey Jong DIRECTOR
Allan Main LIAISON, C.F.N.F.
Mayor Ted Adlem DOM LIAISON
That is a question that will be asked many times as we move into the spring of next year. Why will it be asked? Well for the many people who have chosen to be involved in the exciting opportunity that the Mission 2014 Winter Games offers; they will be asking if you took part in some way in the premier event that drew province wide attention to Mission. I know many people who became more taken with an event after it had passed by simply because of the buzz and glow it had generated but at the time they didn’t take the opportunity to be involved. Don’t miss out on your chance to help create the best Winter Games and to really help enhance the image that Mission has both inside and outside our boundaries. Please go to www.bcgames.org to volunteer or to become a financial supporter or provider for our 2014 BC Winter Games! Shop local, spend local, eat local, enjoy local! Pay It Forward is back. In support of all business in our District and the Christmas Bureau, the Chamber has brought back this highly successful promotion launched last year. With over 40,000 receipts turned in 2012 that represented holiday spending at local businesses, a donation of $4,863 was made to the Mission Christmas Bureau. We are pleased to have the support of BC Hydro, Prospera, Vancity and TD to help make this year’s program another huge success and who knows; maybe we will hit the 60,000 receipts mark this year! Lend your voice to advocating for business in Mission... be part of your Chamber of Commerce!
Sean Melia PRESIDENT
Pay It Forward… Shop Local is Back! Mission business plans on thanking shoppers again this year for choosing to shop local. As we go into the holiday season, the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce would like to thank you on behalf of Mission business by paying it forward. For every receipt that customers send us or drop in one of the marked boxes at local retailers between November 22 and December 15, the Chamber will donate 5¢ to the Mission Christmas Bureau. Last year the program raised $4,863 for the Mission Christmas Bureau that
helped more than 700 families during the holiday season. When you shop at a locally owned retailer your always pay it forward as $73 of every $100 spent stays in the community. Shop at a large chain, still $47 remains in the community through wages and additional purchasing. Those dollars then circulate in the community 75 times. The simple act of shopping in Mission provides continual community benefit that lasts throughout the year. During the holiday season, we encourage you to visit local businesses
Your Comfort is our Calling.
and pay it forward. Ask for a copy of your receipt or gift receipt, and drop it into one of the many boxes around town or at the Chamber Offices at 34033 Lougheed Highway. Feel free to blank out the amounts. Businesses encourage your customers to submit receipts by making up a box for collection and displaying the Pay It Forward Sticker. This program is open to all businesses in Mission. Final results will be revealed at the Chamber’s Christmas Luncheon on December 19. So support your community this holiday season by shopping local!
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604-854-0322
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Natural Reflextions: Head-to-toe customer satisfaction By Kathleen Rake , Click Media Works “We owe our success to our clients,” said Carol Bisgard, owner of Natural Reflextions Day Spa on Horne Street in Mission. Bisgard opened her business in 2003, originally providing reflexology and massage services. But that changed quickly. “We listened to our clients. They really liked what we were doing, but they wanted more. So we obliged them,” said Bisgard. Today a long list of esthetic services for men and women – from pedicures and manicures, to waxing, facials and more – complements the therapeutic massage and reflexology treatments on the Natural Reflextions menu. “In 2009 we expanded our original premises so we could provide more services to more people. Now we have seven treatment rooms and a central lounge area,” she added. This year, Bisgard, along with co-owner and husband Ken Bisgard, office manager Susan Kirchmayer, spa manager Dianna Palma, and seven professional staff members celebrate
November 14 Speed Networking AM Place: ABC Restaurant
Natural Reflextions’ 10th anniversary. “This industry, like most others, experiences low and high cycles,” said Palma. “During both slow and busy times, we try to have enough staff on to accommodate walk-ins and last-minute bookings. We know how busy people are these days and we want to make sure all clients get the services they want, as conveniently as possible.” But it’s not just a matter of enough staff. According to Palma, the staff at Natural Reflextions is “trained, professional and committed to providing a thoughtful, relaxing and client-centered experience.” One piece of advice for people wanting to start their own businesses: “Research,” said Bisgard. “Research before you start so you don’t have to learn the hard way. The Mission Chamber is a great resource.” Natural Reflextions is wheelchair accessible and open to serve clients six days a week, with extended hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays. For more information, call 604-826-8265 or visit online at www.NaturalReflextions.com.
Time: 8am-9:30am
November 21 Chamber Luncheon Speaker: Riverside College, Employee Training Place: Chapel Room, Rockwell’s Time: 11:30am – 1pm
December 6 30th Candlelight Parade Largest Nighttime Parade in BC Place: First Ave Time: 7:30-8:30pm Enter a Float!
December 19 Chamber Christmas Luncheon Report on the Year Place: Ballroom, Mission Best Western Time: 11:30am – 1pm
Scan this QR code with your smart phone to see details on our website
Natural Reflextions massage suite: A place to relax and renew.
CHAMBER COMING EVENTS
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
Chamber Snapshots: A close-up look at members that keep Mission humming
CLICK MEDIA WORKS PHOTO
Looking? Listing? CALL TODAY! When you know the local real estate market like I do, sales happen faster.
Cal Crawford Over 30 years experience 604-854-0392
32386 Fletcher Avenue,Mission email: calinmission@hotmail.com
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member_services@MissionChamber .bc ca
execdir@MissionChamber .bc ca
Raj Saran
Executive Director
Member Services
Info@MissionChamber.bc.ca
Michelle Favero Admin@MissionChamber.bc.ca
2013 CHAMBER TEAM
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Allison Jack
Clare Seeley
Administration
Visitor Services
Candlelight Parade can market your business
“Membership has its benefits!”
Also, your centre for Mission & BC Tourist Information
Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce w w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a 6 0 4 - 8 2 6 - 6 9 1 4 3 4 0 3 3 L o u g h e e d H w y, M i s s i o n B C V 2 V 5 X 8
Harder RenovationS
Preparation has begun for the 30th Candlelight Parade which is a great vehicle for local businesses to get noticed at the beginning of the holiday season. “The parade is the largest nighttime one held in BC,” notes parade chair, Cal Crawford. “It takes many volunteers and of course the support of our sponsors to achieve its ongoing success.” With an average annual attendance of 14,000 over the last 5 years, the Mission parade is one of the largest. Families come from as far as Washington State, Vancouver and Hope to watch this down home celebration of the Christmas season wind down 1st Avenue from Horne to Park. The parade is a great opportunity
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• Mission Community Profile • Commercial and Industrial Property Inventory • Business Opportunities 34033 LOUGHEED HWY., MISSION, BC V2V 5X8 Tel: 604.820.3789 • Fax: 604.820.6738 • Toll Free: 1.866.814.1222
email: edc@mission.ca • www.mission.ca
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for business to highlight themselves as a supporter of the community. Sponsorship opportunities start at as little as $500 and will align your business with this historic event. Partner as the presenting sponsor for only $2,000 and keep your business top of mind in our media coverage. Unable to sponsor, then invest in a float. It is free to enter the parade and a great opportunity to showcase what you offer. Past winner Fraser Valley Building Supplies tested this and increased sales the following day. Market your business and be connected to the largest community event in Mission. Contact Allison Jack at the Chamber office, 604-826-6914 for more info.
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“T
he most wonderful time of the year” is fast approaching and it would not be complete without the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce Candlelight Parade. Mission held Christmas Parades on a Saturday afternoon for decades, until the decision to move it to an evening production was made in 1984. With bright light displays illuminating the crowds and festive music playing, the magic was created and we now host the largest nighttime parade in British Columbia. Today the event draws in crowds in excess of 14,000, with more than 75 participating floats. Initially started by local business, they took the opportunity to host the event as a “thank you” to residents for supporting them throughout the year. It was also the ideal time to raise awareness and support for the Mission Christmas Bureau and to this day
volunteers walk the parade route collecting non-perishable goods. With floats run and sponsored by companies, they were soon joined by local schools, sports teams and community groups, showing the overwhelming community spirit that remains Mission’s signature today. The route has changed little over the years and still runs along 1st Avenue from Horne to Park. This year for the 30th anniversary of the nighttime parade the Mission Chamber will add an additional theme, the BC Winter Games. To celebrate Mission hosting the upcoming sporting event this February 20th-23rd, floats have been asked to also highlight the 18 sports featured, which include skiing, karate, hockey and archery as well as their holiday spirit. So, mark the date! Come get your first glimpse of Santa on Friday December 6 at 7:30pm – see you there!
120 YEARS STRONG
Candlelight Parade celebrates 30 years!
Santa Claus during the Annual Candlelight Parade in Mission. MISSION RECORD PHOTO
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