Report to Council October 28. 2019

Findings & Recommendation:

Impact on business and residents of homelessness and social disorder

Click here to download the full report.

Nanaimo’s economy arrived at a ‘sweet spot’ over the last 18 months allowing the business community to boast its lowest unemployment rate in decades and a healthy, growing GDP. Our population is noted to have passed the 100,000 mark evidenced by the release of 2016 census data. We’re seeing signs of that growth in burgeoning building and development statistics.

2019 will go on record as having the highest value of building permits issued in the city’s history. The work to keep pace with demand on real estate partially fuels the growing economy, as much as the people moving here create new business. Major projects by the Port of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island University and the growth of the health care community are some of the major moves.

It’s the perfect time for Nanaimo to take on new endeavours in managing this growth and targeting specific sectors and industries to harness future prosperity. Economic development generates wealth and provides opportunities across the socio-economic spectrum enhancing the quality of life for the whole population.

Targeting economic development efforts at the kind of businesses we want to see grow in Nanaimo is vital to managing a healthy future for ourselves, our kids and grandkids. Aiming our sights on clean, green businesses that employ numbers of people in family-sustaining careers is an obvious goal, and preparing our community to welcome, support, and retain these kinds of businesses is essential to economic development.

Nanaimo is embarking on new economic development initiatives. After a rocky experience with its municipal corporation – the NEDC—City Council is identifying new ways to manage the future. Actions are currently underway that will see a much more active role by Council, civil servants, community economic development stakeholders like the Chamber to take advantage of this ‘sweet spot’.

Now is the time to direct actions and investments towards attracting business outside of our community to consider Nanaimo for entrepreneurial startups, relocation of established businesses and expansion of those already in place. Nanaimo’s new economic development activities are destined to do just that.

A big win for our advocacy efforts providing insight to the government from the BC Chamber partnering with our fellow business organizations providing comment via the consultation process on the ESA  – the new legislation contains no changes to existing provisions for sick leave and statutory holidays! The government did add some new provisions for job-protected leave to support people fleeing domestic violence and those who need critical illness leave to care for a sick child or loved one. Overall, the ESA amendments are fairly limited in scope. The provincial government could have probably gone further, but they didn’t. Of course, business didn’t get everything we would have wanted to see (ie. averaging hours of work, etc.).

Click here for BC Chamber Summary

NANAIMO CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW HOTEL WITH MAJOR BOOKING REQUEST


The Nanaimo Chamber has welcomed the confirmation of the Gordon Street Marriott Conference Hotel with a challenge to help host the 2021 Canadian Chamber of Conference Executive & Policy Convention —  a first for Nanaimo.

The Conference is scheduled to visit the western provinces of Canada every three years. In a preliminary discussion between BC Chambers at their conference last fall, Nanaimo was the only BC Chamber to express interest. The Canadian Chamber invited a formal ”Bid 2021 Application”. That has been accepted in Ottawa and further discussions and considerations will continue to June 30, 2019.

The annual Canadian Chamber event attracts 500 plus delegates and their spouses. It would not be possible to submit a bid without the projected completion of the Marriott Courtyard hotel in time. Other accommodations will also be required throughout downtown. The event is estimated to have an economic impact on Nanaimo of just under $1 million.

For more information:

KIM SMYTHE: 250-756-1191

 

September 27, 2017

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau;

Minister of Small Business Bardish Chagger;

Minister of Finance Bill Morneau;

Member of Parliament Sheila Malcolmson, Nanaimo Ladysmith;

Member of Parliament Gord Johns, Courtenay-Alberni;

Re: Opposition to Proposed Upcoming Federal Tax Legislation Changes

The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce wishes to register its disappointment in the lack of meaningful consultation prior to committing to major changes outlined in tax legislation currently tabled in the House or awaiting legislative language and activity at the Committee level.

Belief in the philosophy and the very culture of entrepreneurship in Canada is at stake. At issue are the accepted, legitimate, and legal mechanics that have for decades defined the sacrosanct relationship between government and small business. If the federal government continues down this path, what we risk compromising is small business’s ability to “do what we do”: meaningfully fund the local soccer team, hockey team, rotary clubs, hospital, hospice, soup kitchen and food bank. Thus, these changes not only threaten the “golden goose” of Canada’s economy, but are also poised to undermine small business’s role as cornerstones of Canada’s communities.

 

We echo others with our respectful request that the Minister consider:

1) extending the unreasonably short consultation period beyond 75 days (noting that the last such changes of this magnitude, forty years ago, involved a two-year consultation period); and

2) referring the entire conversation on tax modernization and simplification to a non-partisan Royal Commission and give this issue the attention it deserves;

3) including stakeholder input involving the 70+ organizations like ours that belong to the Canadian Business Taxpayers Fairness Coalition in future recommendations.

 

We are writing confident in the support of 90{3236bfe566a0d68e2245ffbb9d220fc7554709fab7d664768e3da2edc73a1bc9} of our membership of 700 who qualify as ‘small businesses’ — the backbone of our community!

 

KIM SMYTHE, CEO & President per

GREG PHILLIPS, KELLY WHITTON,
Co-Chairs on behalf of the unanimous support of the Board of Directors for this action.

 

Aug 10_Press Release_She Started It Nanaimo

“She Started It” Screening – Tech Women Founders Journey

She Started It follows five young women over two years as they pitch VCs, build teams, bring products to market, fail and start again. The film takes viewers on a global roller coaster ride from San Francisco to Vietnam. Brought to you by island Women in Science and Technology | VIU | Innovation Island | Nanaimo Chamber Discussion & refreshments

 Chamber members use the code: CHMBR
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=o6corpsab&oeidk=a07eeg43m5z16128040

 Wednesday, September 6, 2017 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM PDT

Vancouver Island University, Building 356 Room 109 

Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5

NANAIMO – March 23, 2017

CHAMBER GIVES FEDERAL BUDGET PASSING GRADE

 

Chambers of Commerce across Canada gave the federal budget a C+ grading at best, as did the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, citing efforts of the Liberal government to limit deficit growth this year with less robust spending.

“Highlighted items include benefits to Ports from the National Trade Corridors Fund, a billion dollar commitment to high tech development, and the easing of inter-provincial trade restrictions on beer, wine and spirits. These all have a potential for positive impact on Nanaimo and the mid-Island,” according to Kim Smythe, President & CEO of the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

The 2017 Budget also included extension of additional funding for Destination Canada, promoting Canadian tourist destinations internationally, and a growing investment in clean technology. “Tourism support is vital to continued growth of that sector locally. Any growth in tech development support is considered a benefit to Nanaimo’s economy as the fourth fastest-growing tech economy in BC. Combining business assistance, support and funding programs into a single source under an “Innovation” banner could also bring benefits to local entrepreneurs, start-ups and business developers”.

According to Canadian Chamber CEO Perrin Beatty, “We need concrete steps to make it easier for companies and individuals to transform ideas into commodities and services. In turn, these new businesses will support more high-tech jobs and foster further innovation. Canada needs to become an innovation leader to make sure new technologies and new jobs are created here, not in Silicon Valley.”

 

Smythe continued, “The Provincial government has been balancing budgets and investing in a more diversified economy – and this means they can now roll out bolder investments and a competitive tax structure that gives businesses the choice to invest and hire more British Columbians. As the federal government begins to rein in spending, some of these benefits may accrue over time on the federal front.”

 

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For more information:

KIM SMYTHE: 250-756-1191

The Power of the Inbox
Tips and Tricks for Successful Email Marketing
What is the first impression you give when they see you in their email inbox? And when they see you there, what do they do? This powerful seminar takes you step-by-step through the keys to effective email marketing: · What it really is (and isn’t) · What it can do for your business · And the five easy steps you must take to harness the power of the inbox!
Grow a healthy list
Create great content
Customize a beautiful, mobile-friendly template that matches your brand
How to get your emails opened
Tracking your results
From revealing why regular email doesn’t work, to insider tips and techniques like automated list building tools and the design elements that work (and those that don’t!), this seminar will give you the keys.
Robyn Quinn, APR, MA, Fellow CPRS

Wednesday, March 1st

8 am to 10 am

Coffee and continental breakfast

  • only 22 guests allowed – register onlineRobyn Quinn is President of Big Bang Communications and a dynamic corporate communications professional. Her experience over 20 years includes military, technology, government, not-for-profit, higher education, infrastructure and transportation sectors.  As a Constant Contact Authorized Expert and instructor she currently teaches media relations, content strategy and writing and is a frequent speaker on digital communications for Chambers, associations, universities and business groups.
    A graduate of Royal Roads University (Masters Professional Communications) She is a long-time accredited member of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) As a passionate communicator and content strategist – Robyn works with clients to create powerful connections with target audiences.
    Robyn currently chairs Island Women in Science and Technology (iWIST) and serves on the Broadmead Care Society Board of Directors.
    @PR4Science
    www.bigbangcommunications.ca

NANAIMO MAGAZINE – JUDY STEPHAN

Written by Bonnie Chomica, www.MarketingDoneWrite.ca

Nanaimo and Voyager Magazines deliver positive, community-oriented content enjoyed by a loyal following of readers. Since 2009, owner and publisher, Judy Stephan, has grown the publication in size, distribution, and popularity.

Locally produced as Nanaimo Magazine, when it travels between Victoria and Campbell River, it is represented as Voyageur Magazine. Advertisers and readers love the extensive distribution on all BC Ferries, in airports, and many business and community outlets, and look forward to grabbing their copy at the first of every month.

Even in this technological age, there is a need for this type of magazine as a good reflection of what the community is all about. People crave positive news, and Nanaimo Magazine consistently delivers an optimistic lineup of stories. There are respectable community news items, small business profiles, interesting personalities, not-for profits support, and arts and entertainment happenings. Along with Judy and two staff writers, there are several content contributors writing about varying interests, and some regular columns, including sports, health, and movie reviews.

Because the magazine is privately owned, it allows for very affordable advertising rates. Small business owners value this less expensive avenue to promote their product or service, and appreciate the flexibility of special packages to suit their advertising needs. Advertising dollars go along way with the wide-spread print distribution, and their website traffic increases also, because their ad in the online version is hyperlinked to their site.

Small businesses that advertise in this feel-good publication, can show their values are aligned with the community-building messages of Nanaimo Magazine. Mention that they are a Chamber Member, and businesses can receive a 10{3236bfe566a0d68e2245ffbb9d220fc7554709fab7d664768e3da2edc73a1bc9} discount off the rack card prices.  Contact Judy Stephan to book your spot, or to get more information. 250-741-8801 or nanaimomagazine@shaw.ca.