The Mission Record Thursday, April 12, 2012 19
Mission Chamber of Commerce
BusinessTRACK connect • influence • prosper
Plenty of opportunities for outdoor tourism in Mission From geocaching to bird watching, outdoor enthusiasts will find a myriad of activities
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ith more than 30,000 visitors to the back country every year, it is inevitable that Mission has been known for the wild west areas around Stave Lake. Soon to change with the implementation of Stave Lake Interpretive Forest, Mission is poised to generate significant sustainable economic benefit from the surrounding natural beauty. With one out of every six dollars generated by tourism in Mission, it is important to understand the many layers of the local economy it impacts. While obvious tourism sites like the Mission Raceway and the Powerhouse at Stave Falls show a direct link; less recognized are the effects of festivals such as Rockin River, Mission Folk Fest, the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival, the Envision Twilight Concert Series and Old Car Sunday. Each of these and many more bring visitors to the area that buy gas, eat at restaurants, and buy groceries. Junction merchants can attest to the spill over effect of Rockin River each year. During last year’s Folk Festival, more than 150 visitors came into the Visitor Centre to ask directions to services, restaurants, and shopping. Recognizing that these are single annual events mostly in the high
season; what does sustainable yearround tourism look like in Mission? It is outdoors: geocaching, four-wheel driving, hiking, fishing and bird watching. Harder to recognize as an economic benefit it is the mainstay of tourism in our community. Geocaching According to www.bcgeocaching. com, there are over 27,000 geocaches in B.C., and over 1,500 are located in the Mission area. There are more than five million geocachers worldwide; many have taken up the sport as adventure day trips outside of the city. Given the natural terrain, accessible trails and variety of landscape, it is easy to understand why Mission would be a playground for this type of outdoor treasure hunt. The advent of smart phones and cell phones with GPS have increased interest in this activity,
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and in the Visitor Centre, geocachers have visited from as far away as Germany. Many of these are often families. These daytrippers ask about local restaurants, other places of interest and, of course, who has the best price for gas. Off-roading In the last year, the Four Wheel Drive Association of BC (4WDABC) surveyed its members and member associations on the economics around their hobby. As an umbrella organization of those who access trails and back country, they are advocates for a segment that uses Mission to camp, fish, hike, mountain climb, trail ride and enjoy nature. Established in 1977, the 4WDABC promotes “tread lightly,” giving back, and off road education. They organize an annual clean-up on Burma Road (future area of the
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Stave Lake Interpretive Forest) and work with the Ministry of Forests to upgrade and build facilities at recreation sites such as Hale Creek. Each year the clean up on the west side of Stave Lake hauls out 30-60 tonnes of garbage including cars, fridges, grow-op and construction waste and bags and bags of shotgun shells. In their survey, the 4WDABC found most of their members were located in the Lower Mainland and day trips extended mostly to the Fraser Valley and Hope. Spending anywhere from $500 to $50,000 on their off-road vehicles with up to $40,000 in additional investment, these enthusiasts certainly have a costly hobby. Camping, hiking and fishing tended to be their preferred outdoor activities with up to $2,500 being spent annually on these undertakings. During day trips a mean of $70 was spent in fuel and $30 in other consumables. Many come to Mission each weekend meeting at the Chevron or Tim Hortons. For more information on the 4WDABC and its work go to www.4wdabc.ca or check out Backroader Magazine which can be found at the Mission Visitor Centre. Hiking With over 40 maintained municipal trails and many more backcountry accessible areas, Mission is known See TOURISM Page 4
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20 The Mission Record Thursday, April 12, 2012
2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BusinessTRACK
President's message Cal Crawford PAST PRESIDENT
Sean Melia
Tony LaPointe
VICE PRESIDENT
TREASURER
Todd Bugge
Pam Alexis
DIRECTOR 2011
DIRECTOR 2012
Trevor Girard
Vicki Gould
DIRECTOR 2012
DIRECTOR 2012
T
hank you for electing me the new President of the Chamber. I am looking forward to my year chairing such an active organization.
As we successfully advocate in a variety of areas, most notably, our recent effort in partnership with other Fraser Valley Chambers to instill the Mobile Business Licensing in the Fraser Valley, I look to build on our ability to be the voice of business in Mission. I am particularly proud of the work we have done to produce two policy resolutions for the BC Chamber of Commerce. Both resolutions focus on the need to maintain the Fraser River, an economic resource that has helped build this community. In the upcoming year, I look forward to hosting more industry roundtables to better understand your challenges and offering more opportunities to connect in order to build your business. Advocacy is an important pillar of the Chamber’s work and I believe that with your input we can successfully build a dynamic business environment in Mission. The Business Track will be our conduit to provide you with the business news and opportunities that are developing in Mission. It will provide information on how we are advocating on your behalf. In May we will be adding a member spotlight that will begin showcasing one of the many businesses that make up our community. Enjoy your read!
Survey queries membership S
ent out to members at the February luncheon and via e-mail, the 2012 member survey asked various questions regarding advocacy, education and communication.
Attila Davalovsky
Charles Vander Byl
DIRECTOR 2011
DIRECTOR 2011
The results will provide the board of directors, committees and staff with direction that would best meet the needs of the membership. While the response rate was 13.7 per cent, most sectors did have representation, the highest being service based. The bulk of respondents are members who have operated in Mission for less than 10 years and provide business to consumer transactions.
Ann Harper
DBA LIASON
DIRECTOR 2011
Mayor Ted Adlem DOM LIAISON
LIAISON, C.F.N.F.
Allan Main
implement these changes for luncheons and changes will be implemented this spring in the newsletter. Education Where many are interested in attending educational seminars, most would prefer meetings over lunch. Communications and marketing were clearly listed as the primary areas that would be preferred. A program is currently being developed to provide sessions this fall. Communications
Most respondents wish to be surveyed regarding emerging issues in order to provide input. Bureaucratic process and taxation topped the list of issues members wanted addressed, followed by consumer discretionary income, merchant services and insurance costs. These items will be directed to both the Membership and Government Affairs committees for strategies to best meet members’ interest.
E-mail has now become the dominant communication tool that members prefer. While sharing information received from the Chamber is common, only 34 per cent of respondents consistently send it to others. Additionally, 41 per cent stated they occasionally used the website with the majority using the new member web portal, particularly the directory and event registration functions. Respondents felt that content, speed and navigation on the new website is good.
Historically members have wanted opportunities to hear from government and elected officials. This has now shifted to a preference for industry/sector leaders. By the fall, staff will
Information and comments collected from the survey will be used in the strategic planning process of the board of directors in April.
Advocacy Satti Grewal
Elyssa Lockhart PRESIDENT
In honour of National Volunteer Week, we salute the dedicated men and women who enrich their communities and the world through service.
Thanks, volunteers, for making a difference! NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK • APRIL 15-21, 2012
Mission Community Services Helping people
Changing Lives
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33179 2nd Avenue Mission, BC V2V 1J9 604.826.3634 info@missioncommunityservices.com
Building Communities
The Mission Record Thursday, April 12, 2012 21
BusinessTRACK
M
2010 general social survey indicates that younger people ages 15-24 spend the least time on volunteer work at 3.6 hours per month while those aged 55-64 and 65-74 spend the most with 11 and 12 hours per month respectively.
ission is undergoing some big changes and volunteering is a great way to get involved. You can volunteer in many fields, ranging from religious organizations and social service providers to sports clubs, and business and professional associations like the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce.
As Mission’s demographics shift to a younger bedroom community, it is important that we continue to build on the tradition of volunteerism in the community.
As volunteer coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce, my role is to develop a healthy pool of volunteers who can help be the face of Mission at the Visitor Centre and drive the many wonderful events offered by the Chamber. Why do I volunteer? For me, I’m acting on a personal belief that together we are stronger. I value business associations and social providers and feel they are fundamentally important for a healthy community. The benefit I enjoy the most from volunteering is being personally involved in a number of interesting issues and topics that occur in my own community. There are many other rewards to consider, as well. Volunteering is a way to develop and practice skills, meet new people, integrate as a newcomer,
stay active after retirement, and enhance your self-esteem or personal satisfaction. Historically, the people here have a desire to contribute, however, we are beginning to see a shift in demographics that is affecting volunteerism. Statistics Canada suggests an average of seven hours each month is spent on civic and voluntary work. The Stats Can
At the Visitor Centre, volunteering is far from hard work. Meeting and helping visitors that number close to 10,000 each year is a great way to highlight your own knowledge of the area and its history. It’s a reminder of the many interesting pieces Mission has to offer as well as the great events held here. The time requirement is as flexible as your schedule and training and certification will be provided. If you are interested in volunteering with the Chamber and at the Visitor Centre, come to an information session at the Mission Library on April 17, 7 p.m., or e-mail me at volunteer@ missionchamber.bc.ca. By Heather Kardal Volunteer co-ordinator
Review insurance every two to three years L ast fall, home-based business member Slade Dyer & Associates contacted the Chamber regarding a change to their insurance.
The concern was generated around the exclusion of the home office under their home insurance. As a consultant who works from home, their business was covered under the “incidental office use” provision within their home insurance policy. They were advised that their underwriting guidelines now define an “incidental office use” in the home to mean that there is a main place of business that is separate from the home premises but a secondary office is maintained in the home. In order to better understand this issue, in February, the Government Affairs Committee hosted a roundtable of
member insurance service providers. In reviewing the concern, the five providers spoke to amalgamations and mergers of insurers, the risk aversion of some insurers due to global events and the changing face of the market. Consensus of the insurance providers: all business should review their insurance on a two to three year cycle. Many noted that their business clients rarely ask unless there is a significant increase in their bill. Overall, they recommend that you ask your provider if there have been any changes to your policy every renewal and if there are changes, is there a better product suited for your business needs. So, when is the last time you reviewed your insurance?
Business after Hours Members Only Fraser Valley Child Development Centre Place: 4 - 7337 Welton Street Time: 5 to 7pm
April 17
Volunteer Information Session Place: Mission Library Time: 7 to 8 pm
April 19
Chamber Luncheon World Host Customer Service Training Suzanne Carter Place: Best Western Time: 11:30am to 1pm
April 28
Building Community Leadership Series Session 4: Managing Change Speaker: Joe Roberts, Skidrow CEO Workshop: Transformation in Change Place: Best Western Hotel Time: 9am to 1pm
May 2
Big Bike Challenge Come join the Chamber team Place: Safeway parking lot Time: 4pm
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
Giving back by volunteering
April 12
22 The Mission Record Thursday, April 12, 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 Kardal Volunteer Co-ordinator
"Membership has its benefits!"
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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All of these outdoor activities provide year-round visitors to the region. Perhaps not visibly, they continue to drive the tourism economy in Mission.
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Fishing Whether salmon, sturgeon, cutties or steelhead, rivers and creeks around Mission offer year-round angler dreams. The lakes found in the back country offer trout, kokanee and dollies. Fishermen from as far away as Utah and Colorado have ventured to the Stave River in February to tug on a winter steelhead. Anglers spend an average of $400 on equipment, according to BC Fishing.
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as a great place to get out and stretch your legs. Trail usage around Hayward Lake is estimated to be over 10,000 visits annually. Trail information is found on hiking blogs (www.vancouvertrails.com ), in publications (Best 101 Hikes in BC) and on virtual bulletin boards as places to experience close to Vancouver.
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Bird watching November's Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival highlights what has become a growing activity with the aging population: bird watching. Beyond the days of the festival, visitors from Europe, Asia and the US come into the Visitor Centre from September to December looking for the majestic birds. According to twitcher.com, 37.6 per cent of outdoor recreational spending in the US was due to wildlife watching. The largest demographic has an average household income above $100,000.
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