Membership will have its benefits, depending on what you pay, according to a new fee structure adopted by the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce.
The three-tier membership platform was passed at last Thursday’s annual general meeting and will take effect for the 2015 fiscal year.
Specific rates still have to be determined, but the draft plan lists the range of benefits under three headings and suggested fees: Builder, $275; Connected, $500; and Growth, $1,200.
Currently, membership fees are based on number of employees per business with annual fees ranging from approximately $250 to $800.
According to chair Michael Boulet, the board forwarded the idea after looking at similar models at other B.C. chambers, including Kelowna.
The plan, he said, gives members flexibility on how much they want to participate in chamber activities or the number of benefits they receive.
One of the hopes is to draw more members to board functions with the higher level tiers offering more tickets to the chamber’s luncheons, business events and awards night.
The chamber now has approximately 470 members and 67 new businesses signed on in 2013. And those solid numbers are driving up chamber revenues.
Membership fee revenue increased from $97,440 in 2012 to $113,316 in 2013. As well, revenue from meetings, events and seminars also rose from $56,549 to $77,297 in those respective years.
Overall, revenues rose to $324,808 in 2013 over $245,760 the previous year. Part of that increase was due to $37,000 in one-time funding from the Vancouver Foundation for the chamber to co-ordinate a project that examines the successful integration of immigrants into a “rural transitioning economy.”
Notable Notes from 2013:
- 600 suppliers and job seekers registered on the chamber’s Major Project Portal seeking opportunities on the John Hart Generating Station reconstruction and new Campbell River Hospital construction projects.
- Launch of the “Think Local” campaign promoting Campbell River as a great place to live, work and do business.
- The chamber held over 30 events and welcomed more than 1,000 people to mixers, workshops, special events and meetings.
- 64 people took part in the chamber’s first international trip to China.
- The chamber executive for 2014-’15 consists of chair Mike Boulet, CR Lawyers; vice-chair Corby Lamb, Capacity Forest Management; 2nd vice-chair Kim Jarvis, Shadoe Intimates; secretary/treasurer Charlene Brown, Chan Nowosad Boates; and past chair Gary Thulin.
- Directors include Robert Behrendt, Nyrstar Myra Falls; Debra Cunningham, Quay West; Keith Davidson, ScotiaBank; Andy Leitch, Mackie Research Capital Corporation; Pierre Pelletier, Courier-Islander; David Minato, BC Salmon Farmers Association; Cheryl O’Connell, North Island College; and Curtis Wilson, Nanwakolas Council.
