Chamber head set to retire
After nearly a decade serving as manager of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce, Mike Carter has announced his retirement. Carter will vacate his position as of March 15, 2013.
“Mike has been with the chamber for eight years and in that time has made significant contributions, which include: being the project manager for the construction of the new visitor centre, establishing the ambassador program, developing the Alberni Valley Tourism Group, re-writing the constitution, by-laws, procedures manual and job descriptions – just in time for the incumbent executive director,” chamber president Neil Malbon said.
A search for Carter’s replacement will begin shortly, Malbon said.
Treasure Hunt cancelled
The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce has been forced to cancel its fundraising Treasure Hunt due to low ticket sales.
Sixteen merchants had signed on to provide ‘treasure’, and a barbecue was offered at the end, but there were few takers for the $35 punch cards.
Tseshaht Market open
The Tseshaht Market on Pacific Rim Highway will celebrate its grand re-opening this Saturday, Sept. 29. Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. with a prayer and blessing, and a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m.
The market boasts a new, 50-seat hot and cold food service area, coffee and smoothie bar, hot sub sandwiches, expanded giftware section, produce and specialty candy counter. A pharmacy will open soon.
Tall Ships group revives
The Port Alberni Tall Ships Society is trying to resurrect the festival. Richard Pesik is hosting a meeting on Friday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. at Steamworks Café on Third Avenue.
Check out their Facebook page by searching Port Alberni Tall Ships Society.
Bosley’s opens in North Port
Bosley’s Pet Food Plus has opened in Pacific Rim Shopping Centre, on the opposite corner from A&W. The store’s grand opening will be Oct. 13–14.
BC Jobs Fair stops in Alberni
The BC Jobs Start Here job fair visits Port Alberni on Monday, Oct. 1, from 12–7 p.m. at the Best Western Barclay Hotel.
One of 24 job fairs to be held across B.C. between now and November, the fair will connect British Columbians seeking work with employers looking for qualified employees.
Post-secondary educational institutions, industry associations, training and health authorities will also be in attendance.
Transportation minister visits
BC Minister of Transportation Mary Polak will visit the Alberni Valley on Wednesday, Oct. 3 for the chamber of commerce’s networking luncheon at the Best Western Barclay Hotel.
“Port Alberni has been lobbying long and hard for improvements to our transportation infrastructure,” a chamber press release noted. “This will be a good opportunity to hear what the provincial government thinks of our wishes.”
Members of the public are welcome to attend the noon-hour presentation. Please call the chamber at 250-724-6535 to reserve a seat.
