The Summerland Chamber of Economic Development and Tourism is clarifying their goals for the upcoming season.

Chamber manager Lisa Jaager said the organization has received federal funding for 80 per cent of the cost of hiring students for part-time work this summer. She noted that finding funding opportunities for its membership is one of the organization’s many responsibilities.

“You are our customer, our client,” Jaager told a gathering of Chamber members and business owners during a luncheon talk at Summerland Waterfront Resort June 18.

Jaager said there are many benefits to membership in the Chamber, ranging from the group insurance plan to merchant services. She noted the Chamber has organized the business after business events, and the chamber luncheons which will be starting again Sept. 17 after a summer break.

“We at the Chamber want to make this your business hub.”

Jaager pointed out the services the chamber offers for promotion include an ‘e-blast’ where a message can be sent out to the entire Chamber membership, and a digital newsletter. The core of the Chamber’s presence, she noted, is the Visitor’s Centre.

“Bring your brochures up, bring your business cards up. We have tons of people coming through that centre.”

Jaager said the Visitor’s Centre deals with many potential people that could be living, working and spending money and time in the community. She pointed out the centre is there to enhance the reputation of the town, and to show tourists what is interesting about Summerland.

Jaager noted the Chamber is issuing a survey to the membership to find out what members want in the way of services and programs.

“We can’t create programs, we can’t create direction unless you tell us what you need, what you want.”

The Summerland Chamber of Economic Development and Tourism can be contacted at 250-494-2686.