Williams Lake is a great community. From the people, the beautiful scenery and the tight-knit nature of our town, we are proud to live here and I am proud to represent this community in the legislature.
I am also proud to represent and support the small business community locally owned and operated by entrepreneurs. For a small business to be successful it takes a special skill-set and determination by the owners to keep the doors open and the lights on every day with only a handful of employees is admirable.
That is why the support and service of our Chamber of Commerce is so vital in helping our local economy grow and prosper.
From promoting member businesses to the public, advocating for specific member interests and hosting seminars, the chamber does great work to help local businesses collectively.
Last month at the B.C. Chamber annual general meeting the Williams Lake Chamber of Commerce won “Chamber of the Year” thanks to the hard work of president Jason Ryll, and the incredible staff and volunteers.
There is no doubt that the chamber has done an excellent job to further strengthen the business community through their advocacy with all levels of government, including meeting and discussing issues with me on a regular basis.
The chamber has also taken a lead in encouraging people to buy local and shop at small businesses whenever possible.
And because of their efforts, more and more people are choosing to buy local supporting jobs and economic growth in our region by keeping our dollars right in Williams Lake. Our government continues to listen to chambers across the province to hear how we can better grow and develop our local economies.
Congratulations and well-deserved on winning this year’s B.C. Chamber of the Year.
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.