I’m not totally convinced, but I assume we should all be pleased that the groundhog is predicting an early spring in Canada. At the Visitor Centre we are already experiencing more visitor traffic. Some are heading out to storm and whale watch on the west coast and many are looking for directions to sporting events such as the Alberni Invitational Wrestling Tournament (29th annual). Next month we expect a real spike in numbers as the BC All-Native Junior Basketball Tournament hits town with 50 teams taking part, March 18th - 23rd. That computes to over a thousand participants, officials, friends and family in town - a real economic generator. We hope the local community throws its support behind this huge event.
It’s also the time of year when the new City Council looks at budgets and conducts strategic planning sessions to identify short and long term priorities. The Chamber is lobbying to see up-town revitalization and the much-needed industrial road move up the priority list along with water and sewage up-grades. We are also working to maintain the zero increase in the business tax which Port Alberni has maintained for some ten years now.
Coming to a mail slot near you will be our Chamber of Commerce invoice for your membership dues. No increase for 2012. We hope you and your colleagues continue to support the Chamber in its lobbying efforts, the Ambassador Program, Visitor Centre operation, Community Excellence Awards Dinner and the growing list of services offered through membership. A detailed list of membership benefits is available on our website, avcoc.com. Our effectiveness on behalf of the business community is directly proportional to our membership numbers. If you have any questions regarding Chamber membership, just give the office a call at 724 6535.
Nominations are now open for the April 12th Community Excellence Awards Dinner. Nomination guidelines and forms are available on our website or drop by the office to pick the forms up. Congrats to Sharie Marie Francoeur, Mortgage Broker, for her Vancouver Island Business award!
Thought for the Week:
“Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.” Nakita Khrushchev
FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK
SUBMITTED BY MIKE CARTER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ALBERNI VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE