The South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) has a new manager.
Colene Hume has taken over the position recently vacated by Angela Cole who has moved on to Dawson Creek with her family.
Having lived in 100 Mile House for 30 years, Hume says she raised two children here, a daughter, 17, and a 26-year-old son who has a young family, including her first grandchild.
When her daughter was young, Hume says she volunteered with the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre and twice organized dinner-and-auction events for its parent participation pre-school. She also volunteered for the 100 Mile House & District Women’s Centre Society,
More recently, she has worked as a certified dental assistant for the past eight years.
Hume says she has “a vested interest” in the community as she wants to continue living here.
One of her goals in her new role with the SCCC is to see the community grow and thrive, she explains, so more young families and youth will stay, rather than leaving to find more opportunities.
Hume wants 100 Mile House to have “small-town appeal with big-town access” to amenities.
“We have to have diversity in our businesses. We can’t rely on one business [for each product or service].”
The SCCC works toward this objective through the programs it offers to help businesses find the tools they need to open and then develop and expand, she says.
“In my opinion, that’s what the chamber is all about. Let’s bring people in to the community.
“When the people come, then businesses will grow, and new businesses will start up.”
She adds the chamber also offers networking and a wealth of business information for companies and entrepreneurs to “dip into” for general business knowledge and government grants.
Meanwhile, Hume says there is still “a lot to learn” about her new job, but she is confident and enthusiastic about moving forward to do her best for the future of the community.
“I think 100 Mile is a great community; I love living here. We have lots to offer; I think we just need to expand on it.”
The SCCC office at 2-385 Birch Ave. is open Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon, but Hume says she often picks up messages left at the office outside of those hours at 250-395-6124.
