As part of its annual general meeting and conference held last weekend in Nanaimo, the BC Chamber of Commerce awarded local chambers from across the province with its Chamber of the Year Award.
Top honour this year went to the Prince Rupert & District Chamber of Commerce.
The Prince Rupert group was awarded the honour because of its support of the fishing industry through a downturn and a mill closure in 2001, according to the BC Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to their support for struggling business sectors, the chamber also helped brand the area as a tourism destination through its “Stay, Eat and Play” campaign and inspire potential new business leaders with its Rising Star program – an initiative that pairs college students with mentors from the business community.
“The Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce has been an outstanding leader in its community, boosting morale and helping the local business community pull together and reinvent itself in the face of significant economic shifts and challenges. We sincerely applaud this Chamber’s strong leadership, tireless efforts and true northern grit,” said John Winter, president and CEO of BC Chamber of Commerce.
Honourable mention went to the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce for its work bringing in speakers such as Green Party leader Elizabeth May and Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA Carole James. In order to host invited speakers, the chamber sought in-kind donations from its members. The chamber also worked closely with municipal council to plan a local economic development commission.
