Vanderhoof Chamber of Commerce has a new location.
The non-profit organization recently moved from its former location at Four Rivers Co-op Mall to Stewart Street West beside Wallace Studios.
“Rio Tinto moved out of their main office space, and they offered that space to the chamber of commerce to use as our new office, and we took them up on it, and it’s a beautiful space,” said president Michelle Roberge.
“It’s bright, it’s professional looking and it has enough space for our manager and summer students.”
Chamber directors and volunteers helped with the move which was completed in less than a few hours Saturday, May 1.
The chamber will be calling their latest space home for the next two years after signing a lease.
Rio Tinto BC Works said it will still occupy the east side of the large office.
“This new arrangement will facilitate communications between our two organizations, further enhancing our capacity to understand the needs of the business community in Vanderhoof, and to identify partnership opportunities,” stated general manager Affonso Bizon.
We have MOVED!! Please come visit Lesley at the Chamber's new location on Stewart Street W, sandwiched between Wallace…
Posted by Vanderhoof Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Meanwhile, the chamber has been busy with virtual chamber luncheons continuing each month, featuring different guest speakers. A campaign to support local restaurants for a chance to win one of three prizes wrapped up Friday, April 30.
Roberge said some businesses have done a great job adapting to the changes and challenges brought on by COVID-19.
Some have adapted their business model to utilize online sales and social media. Others have also changed their delivery service model to continue staying in business and serving their client base.
“It’s been really inspiring to see that and to learn from that,” Roberge said, adding the community has been supportive of local business during the pandemic.
“One of our chamber members is expanding his retail store to a bigger space because he’s had such great support with people deciding to shop local instead of traveling out of the community, and it’s been a great opportunity for some of our businesses to expand knowing full well that other businesses have had to reduce greatly which is unfortunate.”
Read More: “Building partnership and community”: Vanderhoof Chamber sets priorities for 2021
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