Every day across our province, local chambers of commerce and boards of trade work hard to represent and support their member businesses and communities.
During Chamber of Commerce Week in B.C., from Feb. 20 to 24 this year, we have an opportunity to recognize and thank all our chambers for the great work they do.
Local chambers, and the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, play an important role as representatives of the business community to all levels of government. B.C.’s chambers have been invaluable partners for our provincial government as we work to become the most small business-friendly jurisdiction in North America. Chambers provide a place for entrepreneurs to share best practices; as such, they have the inside track when it comes to what works for business. By engaging in roundtable and community consultations, chambers offer government important insight into the needs and concerns of B.C.’s businesses.
But our chambers are not only a voice to government — they also help businesses grow and succeed, which stimulates local economies and creates family-supporting jobs. During my time as a director for the B.C. Chamber of Commerce and executive director for the Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce, it was my privilege to work with many of the exceptional individuals who volunteer their time to serve our chambers of commerce and boards of trade. I saw firsthand how hard these women and men work, and the results they produce for their communities.
I encourage each of you to show your appreciation for the Williams Lake and District Chamber next week, and check out their website (www.williamslakechamber.com) for Chamber Week events.
Also coming up next week is the release of Balanced Budget 2017, which follows the resumption of the legislative session this week. In the coming weeks, it will be my privilege to continue working hard on your behalf as I bring the concerns of Cariboo North to the Legislative Assembly.
Coralee Oakes is the MLA for Cariboo North and Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.