Power of the network

As Vernon grows and develops, the activities of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce have been shifting to match the needs of our members and the business community as a whole.

While we continue to add value to membership benefit packages and host business-focused events, more and more time and effort is being spent on advocacy or support for our business community.

The Greater Vernon chamber is represented at an unprecedented number of committees, boards, review panels, advisory committees and agencies. To maximize our effectiveness and ensure that our business membership is represented “at the table,” the chamber utilizes an extensive network of volunteers to bolster staff to ensure we are adequately represented locally, regionally and provincially.

We have been very successful in positioning ourselves to be at the forefront when questions of the North Okanagan business community are being collected by agencies such as the City of Vernon, the North Okanagan Regional District, Vernon Tourism, economic development, community policing, the Downtown Vernon Association, the federal government, the provincial government, local MLAs and MPs, community organizations, the B.C. Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, your chamber is very active, or has representation, on the following committees: City of Vernon economic development, the tourism advisory committee, regional growth strategy, Vision North Okanagan, Spirit of B.C., the Kelowna Airport, the City of Vernon transportation demand strategy, the Downtown Vernon Association and the graffiti task force.

Our work does not stop at the local level though. Over the past few years, the Greater Vernon chamber has been producing a number of resolutions on a wide variety of issues pertinent to trade, commerce and the environment in Vernon. These resolutions have been presented and debated on the floor of the annual general meetings of the B.C. and Canadian chambers of commerce with great success.

Our resolutions are reaching the provincial and federal governments and we are enacting change that is good for local business and is driving our economy.

As a member of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, your business is part of a massive movement that is nationwide. The chamber network is the only business organization that represents business interests at a municipal, provincial and federal level. Your business will benefit from the power of this network of more than 300 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 175,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy, and in all regions.

Your business interests are at the heart of our organization.

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce wants to represent you in our efforts to build, develop and sustain a vibrant local economy now and in the future. Join us today and let the power of the network grow your business.

Val Trevis is general manager of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce.

+More Business Headlines
<Back to Mobile Edition