The Smithers District Chamber of Commerce honoured new businesses that came to the Bulkley Valley in 2018 with a reception at the Hudson Bay Lodge Jan. 25.
Scott Eldridge, who started a landscaping business last summer called Above Ground Lawn Care, said the reception was not only fun, but an important networking opportunity for him.
“This event is important because it not only allows me to gain contacts for my business, but it also helps other businesses to find services they may need,” he said. “Networking helps build strong relationships and a strong sense of community.”
The 11th annual event featured a theme of all-white attire; hot appetizers by the Lodge and sushi by Blue Water Sushi; music by the Colin Maskell jazz ensemble; and remarks by elected officials including Doug Donaldson, MLA for Stikine, and Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach.
“It’s been said often, and the more often it’s said doesn’t mean it’s not true, that small businesses are the backbone of rural communities and they create that diversity that makes economies on a local scale resilient,” Donaldson said.
Federal MP Nathan Cullen was also scheduled to attend, but sent his regrets that he was unable to make it.
The event also featured a fundraiser for the Smithers Secondary School Drama Club. Members of the club posed as statues rewarding tippers who put money in a basket with dramatic movements such as blowing a kiss or opening a parasol.
Heather Gallagher, Chamber executive director, said the girls raised well over $300 between the $200 the Chamber paid them and tips.
“They did well and it was kind of a unique offering and people really enjoyed them,” Gallagher said.
Gregory Wacholtz, Chamber president, noted that each new business not only provides direct employment benefits, but also has an economic multiplier effect.
“It shows the vibrancy of our community,” he said. “The more businesses that we have here in town, the less things that are going to be done either online or done at a distance or mail order, the more opportunity we have to do that shopping we might want to do in town, or get those services we need in town. When you have the investment in town, [the money] just continues to revolve and the multiplier effect of something like that is four to five times instead of one time.”
