The Mission Record Thursday, March 8, 2012 19
Mission Chamber of Commerce
BusinessTRACK connect • influence • prosper
The Fraser River - A powerful resource at our front door Mission has utilized the Fraser River to distribute and transport its resources and goods to market since amalgamation in the 1970s.
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hile our relationship with the river has shifted to the annual freshet flood watch and salmon count, we need to return to utilizing the river in a manner that is built on our economic sustainability. Since the 1800s, locals have diked the Fraser to harness its flow and develop local agriculture. This fertile area now produces more than 62 per cent of the gross farm receipts in B.C. in only 1.6 per cent of the province’s ALR lands. Initially, the Fraser was utilized to move these perishables along with logs and other resources to the growing market and port in Vancouver. Historically, the federal government found value in maintaining the river as an asset through Public Works Canada. In 1998, the federal and provincial governments stepped away from the maintenance of the river and downloaded responsibility to the municipalities and ill-funded diking authorities for maintenance of the flood protection systems; however, they maintained authority over allowing any work to be done. The outcome is a series of bureaucratic processes that take more than two
years to complete and if approval is given, windows of work are usually limited to time during freshet when the river is unworkable. Often these works are limited to small areas with little impact on the whole system. In a quantitative flood risk assessment for the City of Chilliwack, damage and loss figures from a dike-breach scenario would exceed $1 billion. What would be the cost to Mission if flood levels like 1948 occurred again? Impact of that event would affect the industrial parks and shopping areas as well as disrupting transportation routes to the south, east and west. Not only would our employment base be affected but access for those 80 per cent who work outside Mission would also be impacted. Due to siltation and lack of maintenance of a main navigation channel on the Fraser, resources that historically have been moved
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to market via the river now must be trucked through Mission. One log boom is equivalent to 50-80 logging trucks. As the river has become impassable for six to eight months of the year east of Mission for items of more than four feet under water, the number of trucks is growing to a record 360 per day through our struggling downtown. Environmentally, the greenhouse gas impact of one tug on the Fraser is less than five trucks. Lack of river maintenance is also impacting softer industries like tourism. Both fishing charters and tour boat operators are not able to traverse the shallow waters which can be as low as 15” in some areas. Tourism brings an estimated $1 of every $6 spent in Mission and over $94 million in direct angler
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expenditures occurs in the Lower Mainland. Looking forward, without a navigable Fraser, Mission’s opportunity to leverage industrial river access in a shrinking market and growth towards short-sea shipping opportunities will be negligible. As the Asia Gateway blossoms, Mission has a unique opportunity to be a hub of rail, road and river to grow our economic base. The Fraser is a comprehensive system. The piecemeal approach that has existed since 1998 is not working. That is why the Mission Chamber is asking the federal and provincial governments to work with local government and First Nations to develop a comprehensive
management plan for the Fraser River that balances economic, environment and public safety of the present system; that the process for work to be done on the river be simplified and that a central authority be created, not unlike the St. Lawrence. This authority would be responsible for the planning and maintenance of the Fraser. The Fraser is the backbone of the province, the mouth of the Asia Gateway and a competitive economic edge for Mission. Managing it is a key to our sustainable development.
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20 The Mission Record Thursday, March 8, 2012
2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BusinessTRACK
President's message Cal Crawford
Helen Secco
PRESIDENT
PAST PRESIDENT
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elcome to our new newsletter, the Business Track. The Mission Chamber has been producing a newsletter for its members since the 1990s, however, it has always been distributed to businesses. As our membership has grown and evolved, we recognize that we speak to issues that impact all levels of the community and would like everyone to know and understand the work the Chamber of Commerce is doing in the region. We appreciate the partnership with The Mission Record and Black Press for providing this avenue to communicate.
Elyssa Lockhart
Tony LaPointe
VICE PRESIDENT
TREASURER
Todd Budge
Sean Melia
EVENT CHAIR
DIRECTOR 2011
Phil Hope
Kelly Vaille
DIRECTOR 2011
DIRECTOR 2011
Attila Davalovsky
Charles Vander Byl
DIRECTOR 2011
DIRECTOR 2011
Satti Grewal
Ann Harper
DIRECTOR 2011
DIRECTOR 2011
Allan Main LIASON, C.F.N.F.
Councillor Dave Hensman DISTRICT OF MISSION LIASON
Since 1893, the Mission Chamber, or Board of Trade as it was called then, has promoted economic and regional development. Whether it was the historic land giveaway to encourage business to come to town, or the current lobbying for mobile business licensing that allows our businesses to grow in the Fraser Valley, the Chamber is always advocating for the economic well-being. In this newsletter you will find information on areas of business interest, our upcoming events and businesses that are thriving in our community. While we understand you may not always agree with our position or an article, we encourage you to view this as an opening for a discussion. Please feel free to respond to any our articles via e-mail to manager@missionchamber.bc.ca or by fax at 604-826-5916. Enjoy your read!
Network with 8 cities under 1 roof
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ne of the largest networking events for Fraser Valley businesses is taking place in Abbotsford. On April 11 from 2-7 p.m. the Fraser Valley Chambers of Commerce Business Showcase will open its doors at the Tradex. It’s free to attend when you register at www.abbotsfordchamber.com and it is heralded as one of the best Valley business-to-business networking opportunities all year. Chambers from Surrey to Chilliwack and Pitt Meadows to Mission promote the event to their membership and business communities resulting in 200 exhibitors and 1,000 people taking part in the event each year. “Not only is the event a great way to have others learning about your business, we get a lot of interest shown in our company resulting in a fair return on our investment,” relays Mission member, David Goodier, Allegra Design Print and Web.
“The show highlights services that are available in our neighbouring cities and includes unique businesses that many people may not be aware of.” You can attend and network using complimentary tickets found at www.missionchamber.bc.ca, or register as an exhibitor for $199. A variety of complimentary appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available. Parking for the event is $5.
unteers Needed! Seniors programs focus on enabling seniors to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Volunteers are urgently required to congregate meals, shopping trips, medical transportation, information and referral, income tax preparation, visitation and meals on wheels are just some of the services provided.
Mission Community Services Helping people
Changing Lives
For our Seniors Programs. FFor or mo more re inf nfor forma matitition on,, cont ntac tac actt ou ourr ma maiin in offi offi fficce ce at at:t:
331799 2n 3317 2ndd Av Aven enue ue M Mis issi sion on, BC V2V V2 V 1J 1J99 6044.82 60 4.82 8266.36 6.36 3634 34 info in fo@m @mis issi sion onco comm mmun unititys yser ervi vice cess.co com m
Building Communities
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The Mission Record Thursday, March 8, 2012 21
BusinessTRACK
During the regularly scheduled March 15 luncheon, the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual general meeting.
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tarting at noon in the Chapel Room of the Mission Best Western, President Cal Crawford will review the recent member survey and Vice President Elyssa Lockhart will report on the many Chamber advocacy successes of the past year. In addition to a review of the financials, members will be asked to approve a revision of the following bylaw: Article V Officers and Board Section 16A: (2011 bylaws)
• Trevor Girard, Future Right Insurance Services Trevor has served on the Chamber Membership Committee for the past 2 years as an avid contributor. Owner of FutureRight Insurance Services Canada, he is an insurance broker and entrepreneur. In the financial industry for more than 6 years he specializes in various insurance and investment strategies. Since moving to Mission in 2009, Trevor has enjoyed attending many community events and getting to know the city. With a strong desire to give back to and serve he believes it would be a great honour and a privilege to serve in the position of director. • Pam Alexis, CAF Systems Association
i) The Board of the Chamber be comprised of twelve (12) elected voting Members each of whom are in good standing, together with three one representative each non-voting liaisons to be appointed by the District of Mission, the Downtown Business Association and Community Futures Development Corporation of North Fraser; for a total of fifteen (15) voting Directors; Presently the Chamber has three liaisons on the Board of Directors with full voting powers though they are not elected by the membership. The revised bylaw while still encouraging the partnerships and collaboration of these organizations, limits their ability to influence the decision making of the Board of Directors. This is not an uncommon practice and avoids invariable conflict of interest that could occur. Following that will be the election of three new directors and officers of the Board. Nominees for the vacant director positions that have come forward from the membership are: • Vicki Gould, Canadian Tire Choosing Mission to open her Canadian Tire associate store in 2003, Vicki first contacted then Chamber President Cal Crawford. She credits him for convincing her that Mission would offer her a great platform for her new store. Vicki serves as chairperson for the Junction Mall Merchants Association (“JMMA”) where she is responsible for chairing monthly meetings and assisting with the planning of Mall events. Vicki is also a Director for the Mission Granite Curling Club, currently responsible for all aspects of Social Media. Vicki holds a Masters of Business Administration through the Simon Fraser University “Executive MBA” program.
Pam worked at the Clarke Theatre from 1996 to 2001 and then started a small company helping the community in producing events. She is a noted community volunteer and has sat in various capacities on many community boards. She chairs the District of Mission Cultural Resources Commission and has also served six years as a School Trustee for Mission Public Schools. A proud Rotarian for over 10 years and she served as its president in 2010. Presently Pam sits on the Chamber’s Tourism Committee and Building Community Leadership Project Team. Nominations can also be made from the floor in keeping with Article VI Section 37 iv of the Chamber’s Bylaws. The Executive positions of the Board include President, Vice-President and Treasurer. The slate to be presented by the Board of Directors includes: Elyssa Lockhart, Lockhart Law Corp. for President, Sean Melia, Prospera Credit Union for Vice-President and Tony Lapointe, Mission Community Services for Treasurer (second term).
For more information on the AGM go to the Chamber website www.missionchamber.bc.ca
March 8
Business after Hours Members Only Curves Fitness Place: A4 - 32081 Lougheed Highway Time: 5pm to 7pm
March 15
Chamber Luncheon Annual General Meeting Place: Best Western Time: 11:30am to 1pm
March 30
MLA Breakfast Conversation with MLAs Randy Hawes & Marc Dalton Place: Cedarbrooke Chateau Time: 7:30am to 9am
March 31
Building Community Leadership Series Session 3: Ethical Decision Making Speaker: Tamara Vrooman, CEO Vancity Credit Union Workshops: Ethical Fitness, Institute of Global Ethics & Rotary International’s Four Way Test Place: Mountain Room, Best Western Hotel Time: 9am to 1pm
April 12
Business after Hours Members Only Fraser Valley Child Development Place: 7337 Welton St Time: 5pm to 7pm
Scan this QR code with your smart phone to see details on our website
Randy HAWES, MLA Abbotsford - Mission Marc DALTON, MLA Maple Ridge - Mission
Our constituency office is here to assist you with: •GOVERNMENT RELATED ISSUES •INFORMATION ON GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS •CERTIFYING YOUR COPIES •ARRANGING CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES PHONE:
Randy Hawes MLA
Marc Dalton MLA
Abbotsford - Mission
Maple Ridge - Mission
EMAIL:
33058 First Avenue Mission, B.C. V2V 1G3 604-820-6203 TOLL FREE:1-866-370-6203 FAX: 604-820-6211
randy.hawes.mla@leg.bc.ca
EMAIL:
www.randyhawesmla.bc.ca
marc.dalton.mla@leg.bc.ca www.marcdaltonmla.bc.ca
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CHAMBER COMING EVENTS
Annual General Meeting March 15
th
22 The Mission Record Thursday, March 8, 2012
Michelle Favero Manager
Angel Elias Membership Co-ordinator
volunteer@missionchamber .bc ca
tourism_services@missionchamber .bc ca
membership_services@missionchamber .bc ca
manager@missionchamber .bc ca
2012 CHAMBER TEAM
BusinessTRACK
Allison Jack Tourism Co-ordinator
Heather Kardel Volunteer Co-ordinator
"Membership has it's benefits!"
Speed networking event The buzz of people connecting and networking filled Rockwells Bar and Grill Feb. 23.
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ore than 20 people participated in the inaugural speed networking event held by the Mission Chamber of Commerce.
MC Sandra Papagerorgiou of the Women’s Resource Society agreed that it was great to see so many new faces. Contacts were made while participants had a chance to develop their elevator speeches, and in some cases, remind themselves to note their successes. The night ended with appetizers, drinks, and of course, more networking. Please watch for details of the next speed networking event coming this October as part of Small Business Month celebrations. For more information on upcoming events that will connect your business, go to the Chamber event calendar www.missionchamber.bc.ca.
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
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Tel: 604.820.3789 • Fax: 604.820.6738 • Toll Free: 1.866.814.1222
Loans for business start-ups or expansions 604-826-6252 info@northfraser.org www.northfraser.org
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