This is a very busy time in Fort St. James. Just when we had an indication of the chill of winter and the veritable slowing of time that comes with the long cold season, initiatives which were started, up to about two years ago, are starting to have momentum.

That doesn’t mean that everything will go as planned, but at least we are moving in the right direction.

The direction that the community is taking is a reflection of the feedback that has come to the Mayor & Council and the municipality, from you as citizens. We as residents, all benefit from the improvements that are identified, planned for and implemented. Improvements aren’t improvements unless they are of benefit to the community.

There have been and will continue to be multiple means for you to express your thoughts and opinions.

Call me and I will come to visit with you or come into the office, we are always receptive to your thoughts, call a member of the Council, attend and participate in the many community fact finding seminars, to become involved and knowledgeable about local issues, even write to the paper.

The Northern Interior Mining Group (NIMG) has been formed with the goal of increasing the range of regional services / products to support mine development in north central BC and elsewhere. One of NIMG’s methods is through Business Procurement Sessions and inviting resource sector managers, supply and service businesses and others to share information about their business practices and identify service opportunities.

NIMG is working with the FSJ Chamber of Commerce and the District to provide a Business Procurement Information Session on November 4 at the Legion. Details are still being arranged at the time of this writing, and will be announced as soon as possible. Manufacturing firms, service and supplier businesses, interested entrepreneurs and the general public wanting to know what is happening and how they can be involved, can all participate.

NIMG is also coordinating the collection of up to date information on each and every company in northern B.C.

Dell Communications will be taking the information provided by our local businesses to compile a data base to be used as a resource by any company who may be working in this area.

It is important for all local businesses to take advantage of identifying not only what you do, but also what you may be able to do, to meet the potential needs in the industry.

Please call Mindy at the Chamber 250-996-7023 for more information.