Two Big Wins for the BC business community:

Two big wins for the BC business community:
 
At the recent BC Chamber of Commerce Premier & Cabinet Luncheon Premier Christy Clark announced that Basia Ruta has been appointed BC's first Auditor General for Local Government (AGLG). The concept for the AGLG in BC was developed by the BC Chamber of Commerce in a policy paper, and was originally announced by the Premier at the Liberal Leadership event recently. The AGLG will perform value for money audits of municipal spending to ensure that taxpayer interests are protected, and that municipal elected officials are held accountable. Through these audits, the Auditor General will provide recommendations about how to find efficiencies and improve the effectiveness of local government operations.
 
Premier Clark also announced that Destination BC will be a new industry-led crown corporation which will work directly with tourism sector professionals to market the province as a tourism destination. It will have ultimately have protected funding through a legislature-based formula. Developed in partnership with tourism stakeholders, Destination BC's structure will provide greater responsiveness to the tourism industry and increase accountability to taxpayers. The creation of Destination BC is the direct result of tireless advocacy from tourism sector professionals, tourism organizations such as the Tourism Industry Association of BC and the BC Hotels Association, and business organizations like the BC Chamber of Commerce. Several recommendations from a BC Chamber policy recommendation, such as protected funding and executive leadership from independent tourism professionals, are included in the new organization.
 
Thought for the Week
“Economics is extremely useful as a form of employment for economists.” John Kenneth Galbraith
 
 
 FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK
SUBMITTED BY MIKE CARTER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ALBERNI VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE