The Chamber Mission: Member Driven Leadership
Delegates at a recent national conference of chamber executives were asked what they perceived as the real purpose of a chamber. Most agreed that while the first mission is to provide their members with support, advice and a positive business environment, the best way to achieve those goals is through leadership at the community level that impacts all citizens and businesses, whether chamber member or not.
That statement fits very well with the commitment of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce. Over the past two years, direct services to members have been enhanced with greater opportunities for learning, improved communications and by maintaining such things as member fees.
At the same time the chamber has worked hard on the larger issues of community advocacy and leadership. These initiatives include creation of a Newcomers Club so that new arrivals are aware of the wide range of business services available to them; launch of the Better Buy Sooke campaign to support shopping locally; working with the District and the tourism community toward a Hotel Guest Fee which would generate significant funds for tourism and conference promotion; and the creation of the Sooke Town Centre Design Guidelines to establish new design standards that will ultimately provide a much more attractive and walkable town centre.
In the coming weeks as Sooke focuses on the candidates for a new mayor and council, the chamber will also be hosting an “All Candidates Q&A Meeting” (November 4) which will be open to the public and free of charge. It is critical for everyone to be engaged, to come out and vote, and to help shape the future leadership at the municipal government level.
There are many more ongoing initiatives the chamber is involved with that benefit everyone in Sooke, and with the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting approaching in December it is important to continue having dedicated business leaders come forward to serve on the Board of Directors, and participate in the positive development of the community as a whole.
The coming challenges and opportunities are many, and they all ultimately impact the success of our business community, the liveability by Sooke’s residents, and the attraction of visitors to our town and surrounding areas.
The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce encourages any interested parties to contact the Chamber office at 250-642-6112 or info@sookeregionchamber.com for additional details on our initiatives as well as opportunities to serve on the Board of Directors.
Operated as a not-for-profit association, the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce needs your support and encourages you to consider the many benefits available as a member:
• Substantial health, dental, medical & insurance coverage;
• Valuable marketing exposure;
• Incredible merchant services discounts;
• Accessibility to important business coaching, education, information & counseling services;
• Unified voice.
