By Elyssa Lockhart
2012 has proven to be a successful year at the Chamber, with initiatives designed to provide our members with the stepping stones you will need to continue building your business.
The Chamber has advocated for business in several key areas this year. For the first time ever, we successfully developed policies that were accepted for adoption both by the B.C. and Canadian Chambers of Commerce. Our two policies, related to the use of the Fraser River as a sustainable transportation route and to the flood management practices on the river, are vital to the trade and commerce of the Fraser Valley. These policies have caught the attention of the provincial Ministry of Transportation and some test work will be done at critical areas above Mission bridge in 2013, to improve flood management in a habitat-friendly manner.
Additionally, in concert with other Chambers in the Fraser Valley, we have successfully brought inter-municipal licensing from Hope through to Surrey on both sides of the Fraser. In fact, Mission’s mayor and council were the first to approve this initiative. While this is a pilot program for trades and contractors in 2013, we foresee the program broadening to all businesses, which will build our economic zone.
We also brought forward the issue of equal application of bylaws across commercial/industrial zones. All businesses should need to meet local requirements, notwithstanding federal or provincial licenses that may be in place.
I look forward to beginning our 120th anniversary celebration in the New Year, and I hope to see you at our Christmas luncheon Dec. 20.
Merry Christmas to you all and have a prosperous New Year!
