connect • influence • prosper

FEBRUARY 2017

Mission Chamber of Commerce

Mission Chamber makes big changes to key EVENTS for 2017 The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce reached out to our members in many ways in 2016 to help us better understand their needs and experiences with the Chamber, and as a result we have made some BIG changes to our regular Chamber events. Business Excellence Awards The Business Excellence Awards have taken on the biggest changes in 2016/2017 with a new venue, new layout, new theme, and new added event to honour all the nominees. All but 3 nominees were in attendance at our October 2016 nominees luncheon event and the upcoming Awards Gala on Feb 24th, showcasing the top 3 finalists in each category is shaping up to be the event of the year!

Feb 24th BEA Awards Gala at the Clarke Theatre Oct 19th BEA Nominees Luncheon (Best Western)

monthly with a stronger focus on networking and bringing in dynamic speakers that cover topics

All but 3 of our 2016 Business Excellence Awards nominees were in attendance at the October 2016 Nominees Luncheon

Chamber Luncheons To help us to “mix it up a bit,” we have changed our location, layout, menu and times of our regular Chamber luncheons and reduced the number of luncheons from 10 per year to 6 per year(including 2 new Dinner events). Our luncheons will now be bi-

of greater interest to our local members. Our events will run an extra 30mins to allow for more time with the speaker and more networking time. With only 6 events a year, this gives our members more flexibility and allows for the Chamber to bring in more attendees for more focussed topics.

Mar 16th Chamber Luncheon: AGM & WorkBC/ITA at Mission Golf & Country Club May 18th Chamber DINNER meeting at Mission Golf & Country Club July 20th Chamber Luncheon: PICNIC IN THE PARK Sept 21st Chamber DINNER with MLA at Mission Golf & Country Club Dec 21st Chamber Luncheon: Christmas with the Mayor at Best Western Golf Tournament In 2016, the Mission Chamber held two golf events, our regular tournament in May and a new event in September called “Night Golf.” This was a year of trying new things and the extra work paid off as our first ever Night Golf event (while

Night golf participants got into the spirit at the 1st Annual Mission Chamber Night Golf event in Sept 2016

a bit wet) was a huge success. As a result of this success, we will be moving away from our traditional tournament in 2017 to offer our Night Golf event again on September 15th at Cedar Ridge Golf

Course. This event is truly a great experience for all levels of golfers, you wont want to miss it! SAVE THE DATE: Friday, Sept 15th 2017 – Cedarridge Golf Course

CHAMBER WEEK: FEBRUARY 20-24th Chamber Week is fast approaching, and the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) is excited to celebrate by highlighting the many ways “we get business done” on behalf of businesses in Mission. Whether we are acting as a cheerleader or loyal advocate on behalf of our members, bringing

forward benefits and resources that fit the members unique needs, or providing opportunities for members to build their network at our many social events, the MRCC has been supporting business in Mission for over 120years and the week of February 20-24th we get to celebrate our efforts along with our many

Chambers around the province. The District of Mission has proclaimed this week as “Chamber Week” in Mission and the Provincial Government has recently announced the week of February 20-24th, 2017 as Chamber Week in British Columbia. Join your local chamber and become

#WeGetBizDone

part of Canada’s largest business network and help build opportunities for your community. We will be using the hashtag #WeGetBizDone for the week so make sure to follow up on social media to learn more!

2016 Business Excellence AWARDS CELEBRATION CANAPES ~ COCKTAILS ~ ENTERTAINMENT

Tickets $75.00/each ~ Champagne included

See you at the biggest event of the year! 01.24.17 | 6:30 PM | CLARKE THEATRE 33700 PRENTIS AVENUE, MISSION, B.C. w w w. m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a

2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BusinessTRACK FEBRUARY 2017 Greetings! Tony Luck

Sean Melia

VICE PRESIDENT

TREASURER

Ann Harper

Brian Rock

PAST PRESIDENT

Andrea Walker

DIRECTOR

Alana Martens DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

Allan Main

Ilona Klimczak

LIAISON, C.F.N.F.

DIRECTOR

When I think of February, my thoughts automatically turn to the anticipation of spring; trees budding, crocus blooms pushing colour up through the rich earth, and possibly St. Valentine’s Day with all the romance that comes with it. Today as I sit typing this month’s message I find myself looking out upon twenty inches of blowing snow and drifts half way up the windows of my office. Seeing this, my first instinct is to cry foul and immediately start loathing the prognostications of groundhogs! So, I calm myself down a bit and I collect my thoughts. I sip my coffee and take stock realizing that these rare snow events, as inconvenient as they may be, are also very beautiful. I also think back to when I was a child and the excitement, enjoyment and opportunity that these incredible snow days brought with them. As a young, possibly 10-year-old entrepreneur, I would seize these snowy opportunities to make a few dollars shovelling the neighbours’ driveways - if I wasn’t already engaged in an epic

President's Report snowball fight with the other kids in Hatzic… Oh what a gift this snow was to us kids! It makes me think that as adults we would be well served to look at every challenge with a child’s eye of possible new opportunity and the excitement that any challenge might bring. We need only seize the moment and embrace the opportunity. It may be foolish to think that every challenge will yield an incredible success story upon its conclusion but as Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” Beyond the grit and bliss of this snowy winter wonderland, we have some great challenges and opportunities ahead of us in the coming weeks and months. Our MRCC Annual General Meeting, and election of our Board of Directors will be here before we know it… I couldn’t think of a better chance for a Mission-minded business person to seize an opportunity to contribute to the collective success of our community, and shine in the process! Speaking of those who shine, we have just announced the short list for

David Sawatzky PRESIDENT

our 2016 Business Excellence Awards. Congratulations to all of those who were nominated and a special shout-out to the finalists! The red-carpet awards night at the Clarke Theatre will be on February 24th. Please don’t miss this exciting night celebrating the business success stories in our community.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017 Randy Hawes DOM LIAISON

Jason Hughes DIRECTOR

Carlo Billinger MDBA LIAISON

Asvind Mani DIRECTOR

JJ Whitley DIRECTOR

March 16, 2017 the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) will be holding an Annual General Meeting to elect new Board of Directors. Director positions are a two (2) year commitment with an opportunity to move into the Executive after one year. The MRCC Board is governed by Robert’s Rules and sets the policy and direction of the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce. MRCC By-laws Require Nominees to be a Chamber Member in good standing, able to attend a morning meeting the first Thursday of every month from September to June, and able to commit about 5 hours per month to Chamber business. The MRCC maintains Directors

insurance and provides a full orientation, education and support for all new members along with many opportunities for growth and education as a Director. If you would like to nominate someone for any of the above positions (or volunteer yourself ), please complete the nomination form available online at missionchamber.bc.ca.

Deadline is Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Return the completed nomination form to: Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce 34033 Lougheed Highway Mission, BC V2V 5X8 Fax: 604.826.5916 If you require further information contact the Chamber Office at 604.826.6914.

Save the Date March 16th 2017 MRCC Annual General Meeting Mission Golf & Country Club 11:30am-1:30pm Cost: $20 members $25 non-members

Begin your Mission Real Estate experience!

Brian RockRock Solid Results

Contact me today and take advantage of my unique local knowledge - in todays market you need a professional on your side!

604-855-2472 103-32471 Lougheed Hwy, Mission w w w. m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a

A Move Ahead

www.brianrock.ca

BusinessTRACK

In addition to changes being made to the Mission Chambers key events in 2017, many programs from the past are coming back and new events are being added to serve our members needs. Education Seminars We have identified through our research with members the need to bring back our “Lunch & Learn” style events. Throughout 2017, the Mission Chamber will be arranging education seminars to address key topics such as online marketing, understanding financials, basics for bookkeeping in a small business, google workshops, and many more. If you have a topic you would like to know more about, give the Chamber a call or email. Each seminar will run during the lunch hour from 12noon-1pm and will include a light lunch. There is no-cost for members to attend these seminars, but space will be limited. Dates for Education Seminars TBA – check chamber website for updates Government & Advocacy Events Building and maintaining relationships with all levels of government is very important at the Mission Chamber to ensure our advocacy efforts are heard and communication remains open and clear between our members and

government. In keeping with our strategic plan, the Mission Chamber is currently working on 2 new policy recommendations to bring forward to the BC Chamber AGM in May and 1 new policy to bring forward to the Canadian Chamber AGM in September. In addition to the policy building efforts, the government affairs committee with the Mission Chamber continues to work on bringing members together with representatives of all levels of government to discuss important issues effecting business. The following events have been scheduled for 2017 so far (more may be added as needed)

2017 along with Canada’s 150th birthday and the Mission Chamber is joining in on the celebrations. We have moved our annual “Chilli Cook-off” event to be held during the Community picnic in June and we will be changing the theme of this year’s Annual Candlelight Parade to incorporate a 1890’s era theme. In addition, we will be highlighting the major business success stories that have helped to shape Mission over the past 125 years into the community it is today. June 4th Community picnic: CHILLI COOK-OFF

Mar 27th MP Roundtable with Jati Sidhu Apr 29th Board Governance workshop @ Chartwell Cedarbrooke

Oct 26th Member Policy Forum

Mission is celebrating their 125th Anniversary in

June/July Business Walk Travel with the Chamber In 2016, the Mission Chamber along with the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Chamber, sent 38 members on a 11day all-inclusive trip to China. This tour was a huge success and brought great value to our members. For these reasons we are organizing another Chamber trip, this year to beautiful INDIA!

March 10th MLA Post Budget Roundtable (light lunch included)

May 2nd All Candidates Meeting @ Clarke Theatre

know how they feel about our services/programs. How do we know if the support we are providing is working? Understanding our members is imperative to the success of the Chamber. The results of the 2016 Business walk provided us with many great insights, allowing us to strengthen relationships and build new ones. We are very happy to bring this important program back in 2017

Outreach with Members If we don’t ask, how will we know? That was the question asked by Chamber staff and volunteers when the concept of the Business Walk program was created in 2016. If we didn’t reach out and personally speak to our members or at the very least survey them through email/social media, how were we to

Info sessions have already begun and space is filling up. If you or someone you know has India on their bucket list, now is the time to go. The Mission Chamber was able to negotiate a very good rate for our members. Visit the Chamber website for details on the trip and how to apply. April 20th India Trip Info Session

CHAMBER COMING EVENTS

Old programs returning, new opportunities explored

UPCOMING EVENTS February 24th

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Join us for on the red carpet as we celebrate the best of the businesses in Mission. Our cocktail evening is a black & white formal with canapes, champagne and live entertainment. Glam up and join us in celebrating all the finalists! Place: The Clarke Theatre Time: 6:30pm Doors open Price: $75 available online at missionchamber.bc.ca or by calling 604-826-6914.

March 10th

POST-BUDGET DEBRIEF WITH MLA SIMON GIBSON & MLA MARC DALTON

Join MLA Simon Gibson & MLA Marc Dalton as they run through the budget and what it means for you. Place: Mission Chamber of Commerce Boardroom Time: 12pm-1pm Price: FREE to members Light lunch provided SPACE IS LIMITED – Register TODAY

March 16th

CHAMBER MONTHLY LUNCHEON – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Join us for the year’s round up, covering financials and election of new members to the Board of Directors. Place: Mission Golf & Country Club Time: 11:30am-1:30pm Price: $20 members $25 non members To REGISTER for these events visit our website at missionchamber.bc.ca or call 604-826-6914 or e: member_services@missionchamber.bc.ca

MISSION REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHERE YOU WANT TO BELONG!

Winter

GET READY FOR

FORESTRY

Chain Saws •Bar & Chain •Chain Saw Mills •Axes •Mauls •Safety Equipment •Accessories

LAWN & GARDEN

• Sales • Parts • Service • Work Clothing

Riding Mowers & Tractors •Lawnmowers •Blowers •Grass & Hedge Trimmers

33320 Glasgow Ave., Mission

•Tillers •Cultivators •Accessories

SAFETY & FOOTWEAR

“ We Service What We Sell ” w w w. m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a

604.826.8696

prospectequipment.com

BusinessTRACK WELCOME TO OUR NEW

MEMBERS

CHAMBER works with UFV to get to know members needs!

MEMBERS FraserWELCOME Valley Conservancy

PO Box 2026 Abbotsford, BC V2T 3T8 Phone: 604-625-0066 Email: joanne@fraservalleyconservancy.ca www.fraservalleyconservancy.ca

Bio-Fibre NEW Services Inc OUR Mission BC www.biofibreenergy.com

Arreter Health & Wellness A-7332 Grand Street Mission, BC V2V 3S1 Phone: 778-344-0447 Email: Beata@arreter.ca www.arreter.ca

Courtney Callahan 45167 Stevenson Road Chilliwack, BC V2R 1L9 Phone: 604-845-3205 Email: email@ccallahan.ca

Mr. Pets Limited

Mally Designs Ltd 8028 Wade Terrace Mission, BC V4S 1E5 Phone: 604-751-5962 Email: Nicole@mallydesigns.com

“Study the experiences and expectations of members of the Chamber to see if they align and find out what types of chamber experiences, services and products would help to increase engagement amongst members.”

info@missionchamber.bc.ca

Kristin Parsons Jo-Anne Chadwick Executive Director

Member_services@missionchamber.bc.ca

“Membership has its benefits!” execdir@missionchamber.bc.ca

20 16 CHAM B ER TEA M

33560 1st Avenue Mission, BC V2V 1H4 Phone: 604-814-2994 Email: store103@mrpets.ca

The Mission Chamber of Commerce is adding a new dimension to our outreach in 2017. As many know it can be hard for some people to express concerns about an organization directly to them, for this reason, the Mission Chamber wanted to dig deeper with our membership to ensure we were getting the full picture. The Mission Chamber is working with the UFV Research Program to have an independent research project completed to:

Office Administrator and Tourism Services Manager

In order to complete this research, focus groups will be needed and that is where the membership can help! If you are interested in helping to share your Chamber experience with the UFV research group (confidentially) please contact the Chamber for a list of focus group dates and times.

Feb-Mar: UFV Research Focus Groups

Janessa Syrenne Membership Engagement and Events

YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVOCACY, BENEFITS AND CONNECTIONS

Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce w w w . m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a 6 0 4 - 8 2 6 - 6 9 1 4 3 4 0 3 3 L o u g h e e d H w y, M i s s i o n B C V 2 V 5 X 8

To u r i s m M i s s i o n , B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a C a n a d a

Also, your centre for Mission & BC Tourist Information

Barbara Patrick

Borrow, grow, succeed

60 4 . 3 0 2 . 1 4 4 5 Little Oak Realty

Independently owned and operated.

Loans for startup & growth

To advertise here, contact Karen at the

It’s the Best move you’ll ever make!

DAVIES Sand & Gravel Ltd.

604.826.6736

Dave, Grab-a-Java

www.northfraser.org

All types of Sand, Gravel & Topsoil

•Excavators •Low-beds •Topsoil •Loading •Trucking •Cats 11496 DEWDNEY TRUNK RD., MISSION, BC • MAIL - BOX 3663 • V2V 4L2

w w w. m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a

604-820-5453 karen.murtagh@ missioncityrecord.com

Get the Mission Chamber to Market for you! Use all of the potential in your Chamber Membership by getting the Chamber to market on your businesses behalf. With Web Advertising packages starting at as low as $30.00! Rates for non-members are available

starting at $60.00.

• Lead Listing

Corporate Packages – Great marketing opportunity that takes little effort, and creates a BIG impact! Year round marketing and advertising support starting for as little as $250.

• Enhanced plus banner Ad in business category

Online opportunities available: MRCC Web Advertising Packages:

• Banner Ad in Main events directory page (3 Months)

• Enhanced Listing on Website social media links & google locator

• Banner Ad in Main Business Directory Page ( Months)

• YouTube posting + up to 15 photos • Enhanced listing on new Explore Mission APP

• Featured Member of the Month • Featured Member- Front Page Banner Ad on Website

• Sent to over 800 contacts in the local area • e-Newsletter Ad space • e-Newsletter member spotlight (125 word write up) Additional services • Graphic Creation/Alterations

E-Newsletter – sent bi-monthly to all MRCC Members

Let the experienced marketing experts with the Mission Chamber help you build a program that works for you and helps you reach your goals. Give us a call today at 604-826-6914 or email member_services@missionchamber.bc.ca

• Over 45% open rate!

Custom programs available!

• Banner Ads in additional business categories

Symons Tire

Premium Tires and Top-Rated Service Family Owned & Operated Since 1973

YOUR CHAMBER @ WORK

The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of online marketing and encourages all our members to build their business profile online through a strong interactive company website, social media and engagement programs.

Mission's full service law firm since 1978.

Michelin Premier A/S Introducing a new technology labeled as EverGrip to maintain wet braking grip as a tire wears. This is a grand all-season SAFE WHEN NEW touring SAFE WHEN WORN tire developed for the drivers of coupes, sedans & minivans. Gordon D. Taylor, Q.C. • Wills & Estate Planning and Litigation • Corporate & Business Law • General Civil Litigation

John G. Tait, Q.C. • Divorce & Family Law • Wills & Estate Planning and Litigation

Gordon W. Ruley

• Real Estate Transactions • Commercial Development • Corporate & Business Law • Wills & Estate Planning

• BRAKE SERVICE • TUNE-UPS • LUBE & OIL • CLUTCHES • ALTERNATORS • MUFFLERS & EXHAUST • TIRES: ROTATION & BALANCING • WHEEL ALIGNMENT • SHOCKS & STRUTS • DIAGNOSTICS Your Extended Warranty Plan is Welcome Here. Chris J. Stenerson

• Personal Injury/ICBC Claims • Estate Litigation • General Civil Litigation

Locally owned and operated since 1973

33245 GLASGOW AVENUE • 604.826.9119 (LOCATED NEXT TO COMMUTER RAIL)

www.symonstire.com

Troy A. Dickson

• Divorce & Family Law • General Civil Litigation • Wills & Estates

Jason A. Hughes

• Wills & Estate Planning • General Civil Litigation • Real Estate Transactions • Corporate & Business Law

Donna K. Maser

• Divorce and Family Law • Child Protection • Family Law Mediation • Family Law Arbitration • Aboriginal Law

33066 First Avenue, Mission p: 604-826-1266 f: 604-826-4288 e: info@taylortait.com

www.taylortait.com w w w. m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a