Ken Alexander
Community Futures has been providing one-on-one support to small businesses and non-profit groups for the past eight months as part of the transition following the 2017 wildfire, says Community Futures Gold Country general manager Debra Arnott.
She notes staff and Business Ambassadors have been working with the stakeholders of the region compiling feedback and data as everyone moves forward.
One of the issues that was brought up on many occasions was the request for a Chamber of Commerce to support small businesses.
Arnott, who has worked for 26 years with Community Futures, says she can have one-on-ones with local businesses, but it’s hard to get things rolling.
“In Lillooet and Hope, I can go to the Chamber of Commerce and do a presentation and share some incredible programs for small businesses. But not having that having the opportunity in smaller communities can be very challenging.”
Arnott and the Business Ambassadors did a walkabout visiting businesses in Ashcroft with Village councillors this past summer.
“Once again, the business people brought up the need for a Chamber of Commerce. We re-grouped at the end and determined we needed to take some action here.”
Both the Village of Ashcroft and the Village of Cache Creek had Chambers of Commerce, but due to various circumstances, the societies cease to exist.
“Community Futures sees the need for an organization, like Chamber of Commerce, to provide support and benefits to the businesses in the region,” Arnott explains.
She says Community Futures is taking the lead and organizing community meetings in both the Village of Ashcroft and the Village of Cache Creek to discuss options for the region.
Noting she didn’t feel she had the expertise to lead a discussion on forming a Regional Chamber of Commerce,
Arnott adds she talked to Deb McClelland, who is the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce of Kamloops, and she has agreed to attend community meetings to share her expertise and many years of experience.
She adds they want to hold community meetings to go through the benefits of having a Regional Chamber of commerce.”
“We have to drum up support for our small businesses. Other than Community Futures, I don’t see a lot of support out there.”
Community meetings
The meeting in Ashcroft will be held at the Ashcroft Library (201 Brink Ave.) on Oct. 10 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The meeting Cache Creek will be held on Oct. 16 from 6:30-8 p.m. The location has yet to be determined.
“We look forward to having meaningful discussions as we discuss our options.”
For more information, call Arnott at 250-453-9165 , toll free at 1-800-567-9911, or check out the website at
