A huge thank you to San Group for sponsoring our first Chamber Breakfast of 2024! We loved reconnecting with the business community and hearing from the Chair of the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District, John Jack.  

The Cameron Bluff's wildfire brings many considerations for decision-makers for alternative transportation in and out of the Alberni Valley. It was an engaging discussion with our membership with many insights exchanged for improved process and communication.

We look forward to hosting Chamber Breakfast's and Luncheon's throughout 2024 to connect our community and learn more about important topics. Register for our next Chamber Breakfast on February 2nd here, sponsored by MNP.



A walk uptown Port Alberni with MLA Josie Osborne 

We appreciated connecting with Alberni Valley businesses with our MLA Josie Osborne! Thank you to the Uptown Port Alberni merchants for taking the time out of their days to share feedback, insights and stories of why you chose Port Alberni. As the Chamber, we look forward to visiting more businesses this year to keep our finger on the pulse of what matters most to the business community. ✨ 

Looking to be more involved in the business community? Join one of our committees:  

• Membership Committee 
• Governance Committee 
• Policy and Advocacy Committee 

We're thrilled to restart our committees that will guide and support implementation of our Strategic Plan.

Please send an expression of interest to office@albernichamber.ca with your name, and which committees you’re interested in.  

For more info and terms of reference available on our website.

Metrix Appraisals Ltd.

Kenji Kage

Commercial Real Estate

Appraisal Services

Limitless Automation Company

Mitch McLeod, CEO

We are so grateful to new AND renewing members for your ongoing support and loyalty.

A reminder that annual memberships renew from January 1st.

Check your e-mail for the PayPal link to pay by credit or debit. You can also e-transfer the balance to office@albernichamber.ca with your business name and reason for payment or write a cheque.

Need an invoice? Please e-mail office@albernichamber.ca. Please bear with us as we catch up on requests.

Not yet a member? Join us today to enjoy many Chamber benefits, monthly networking events and business support 😊

Chamber Breakfast - Friday Feb 2, 2024 from 8:00am to 10:00am

Join us for a "State of the Alberni Valley” economic outlook, a data-driven presentation from Susan Mowbray, Chief Economist at MNP. Susan will provide valuable insights and updates on our Valley's economic progress, citing data from the State of the Island Economic Dashboard published annually by the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance. This engaging talk is an essential opportunity for citizens, businesses, and community members to understand the factors and trends influencing our local economy. 

Early Bird tickets on sale until January 26th! Regular pricing after that.

We know that not everyone is a morning person. And we know that mornings are also dedicated to getting the children to school. We're planning an amazing lunch with Community Futures to connect our community and membership. Please save the date for Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 12:00pm. We'll be at RimRock Casino, 4890 Cherry Creek Road.

Morning person or not, our early-bird tickets are available now.

Official Community Plan Discussion with Alberni Valley Transition Town Society



In an effort to allow the public to gather information and be involved in a moderated discussion of these issues, Alberni Valley Transition Town Society is hosting Port Alberni 2024-2044, a panel presentation and discussion evening at 7:00 PM January 24 at Char's Landing, 4815 Argyle Street.

The panel, which will be moderated by Anna Lewis will include Alberni Nature Club president Sandy McCruer, Tseshaht elected Chief Councillor Ken Watts and Chamber of Commerce President, Terry Deakin.  

Government of British Columbia Engagement Opportunities

Engagement on Emergency Management:

What: Gather feedback to help inform development of emergency management regulations, including post-emergency financial assistance

When: Engagement is open until January 31, 2024

Engagement on Emergency Support Services: What: To improve evacuee supports (food, shelter, and others) available for British Columbians impacted by disasters

When: Engagement is open until Feb 9, 2024

B.C.’s draft Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health FrameworkWhat: The B.C. government is committed to protecting and conserving the province’s biodiversity and ecosystem health. Members of the public can access the draft Framework and provide comment.

When: Engagement is open until January 31, 2024

DEADLINE FOR 2023 APPLICATIONS – SMALL BUSINESS REBATE 

Download this Application Guide that outlines the fields that you will need to complete your application for expenses in the year 2023. Make sure to complete this by February 29, 2024.

There is on-going intake for 2024 expenses for either program area.



Build Your Own Future (BYOF)

In response to weakening markets and changes in the forestry sector, the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction has provided 3 years of funding for Hubspace to deliver a tailored business startup support program for tradespeople and technicians affected by BC mill closures and curtailments.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Eligible participants are:

• A tradesperson or technician (employees and contractors are both eligible) in any forestry sector.

• Affected by a BC mill closure or extended curtailment.

• Interested in operating a trades or technician service business.

More info here

Market your business directly to local business owners and their employees! 

The Chamber publishes its monthly newsletter to over 730 subscribers including 260 member businesses through the Alberni Valley. Our open rate in the past 12 months has been 49%.  

We are offering the following ads: 

-    Sponsored Content ($150 per issue) 

-    Banner Ads ($55 - $65 depending on placement) 

Book your ad with jolleen@albernichamber.ca