Two Chambers of Commerce in the Kootenay Boundary region have invested in the BC Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Tier, “Business Influencers.”

Both the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC) and Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce (RCC) have subscribed to the highest tier of provincial-level benefits to strengthen their advocacy efforts and increase direct access to elected officials at sessions facilitated by the BC Chamber of Commerce.

“Here in the Columbia Valley, we see the value in making sure that our members’ voices are heard as loud as possible by decision- makers in B.C. and Canada,” shared Pete Bourke, Executive Director for the CVCC.

“We know that issues like workforce shortages, resident-focused immigration, and all levels of housing support need multiple levels of government to move the dial. Our investment to this tier with the BC Chamber is a tool to bring these conversations to a wide spectrum of parties that need to work together.”

“Rural B.C. plays a critical role in contributing to our provincial coffers,” said RCC Executive Director, Caroline Lachapelle. “Over the last few years, our chamber has made its mark at the regional and provincial level, bringing solution-focused input to the table. We must continue this work to ensure that we are channeling attention and resources to programs that help our members and broader community.”

Both chambers are thrilled to be part of this tier and wholeheartedly believe that, given the shared opportunities and challenges across the region, they can be stronger together. This was recently demonstrated as they worked together on a unified approach to engage with the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, a meeting set up and facilitated by the BC Chamber of Commerce.

Together they brought forward questions on expanding the Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot, how the tourism sector could be better supported in skills attraction to Canada, and how the credentialing process for internationally educated medical professionals could be improved.

Stay tuned for more updates as the year unfolds.

e-KNOW file photo

Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce

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