This week, from Feb. 18-22, is Chamber of Commerce week across the province. Chambers of Commerce are incredibly important for the businesses in our communities, and provide many useful services. This week, I’d like to take a bit of time to recognize the importance of our Chambers of Commerce and thank them for their contributions to our communities.
Running a business is difficult work, especially when it comes to small businesses and new start-ups. A little bit of support can go a long way, and it is exactly this type of support that Chambers of Commerce provide. With activities like educational seminars, networking events, economic development initiatives, and shop local programs, our Chambers of Commerce give our local businesses some useful tools to get ahead.
These services not only play a supportive role for businesses but in turn positively affect all members of the community by contributing to a strong local economy. I encourage everyone to take the time to learn about the work being done by their local commerce during Chamber of Commerce week. It is an opportunity to support and appreciate the important work that chambers do, supporting businesses across B.C.
In a few weeks, on March 9, some important events are taking place at both the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce as well as the Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce here in the Cariboo-Chilicotin. The South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its 19th Annual Business Excellence Awards, as presenting its Citizen of the Year Award. On the same evening, the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards.
These excellence awards are a great way to recognize the achievements of local businesses and citizens and demonstrate our appreciation for all the hard work they do to make our communities a better place to live. Let’s make sure we also remember to give thanks to the Chambers of Commerce that support those businesses.
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.
