,

New Website and Branding

We are so excited to announce that we have new branding.  Showcasing our new look we commissioned Box221 Digital Studios (a local marketing company) to handle all of our new look!

With the new changes we have had made to the website making it easier for our members to access information, we also offer a new member spotlight advertising option.

At Box 221, every person is different, every business too.  They don’t like cookie cutter approaches to business and neither should you – you deserve better!  They  work with you to create the best bang possible options for you.

PS: I invite you to send me an email and tell me about our new look and let me know if you have any ideas about doing it better or differently.
ceo@nanaimochamber.bc.ca

/0 Comments/by

Nanaimo Business Resource Handbook + Relocation Guide

Enhance your Directory Listing!

2019 will be the third year that the Nanaimo Chamber produces a ‘Nanaimo Business Resource Handbook + Relocation Guide’. Also known as the member directory, ads in the publication are sold exclusively to members, providing a unique channel to promote your business alongside high-demand content and the Membership listing.

This exposure provides you with an effective channel to connect with the local business community, newcomers to Nanaimo, and local consumers.

SUPPLEMENT your member directory listing with an engaging advertisement.

PROMOTE your business, product and/or services amongst high-demand content including Nanaimo business resources, community services, relocation information, and the Nanaimo Chamber member directory.

EXPOSE your brand via a unique and effective channel to connect with the local business community, newcomers to Nanaimo, and local consumers.

AFFORDABLE options including business card size and Double-UP discounts.

Publication Information:

  • All ads will be presented in full colour!
  • Initial volume of 2,000 copies
  • Delivered to: the entire Chamber Membership, community partners, newcomers to Nanaimo, local businesses

 

/0 Comments/by
,

TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN THE CHAMBER

 

1. INVESTING IN YOURSELF STRENGTHENS THE COMMUNITY

Help to nurture a strong business climate in Greater Nanaimo that supports attracting and retaining the best and brightest operators, employees, customers, and investors.

2. NETWORK FOR FUN AND PROFIT
Maximize your business prospects by connecting socially with customers and suppliers and creating new connections at our many effective, high-energy networking events.

3. HAVE A VOICE WITH GOVERNMENT
Your Chamber of Commerce has a vital role with government as an advocate and ‘thought’ and policy leader for business interests in the Nanaimo region. It is perhaps the most behind-the-scenes, and most important, role your Chamber plays – fighting for the success of our business community through reduced government interference while optimizing their support.

4. GAIN POWERFUL ONLINE SUPPORT
Your business is most likely to appear on the first pages of internet search engines by being part of the Chamber’s online business directory.

5. TARGET YOUR MARKETING TO MEMBERS
Promote your business cost-effectively to the Chamber membership, representing a large core of stable businesses already dedicated to the local economy.

6. GET YOUR INFORMATION CLOSER TO THE SOURCE
Position yourself to be proactive by learning about new developments, policy changes and trends from high-level sources through Chamber connections which are passed along through our communications tools.

7. ENJOY DISCOUNTED BUSINESS SERVICES
Our negotiated member-to-member and other cost saving deals will help reduce your day-to-day expenses – from insurance to payroll services, group health to gas and merchant card services.

8. YOU CAN INFLUENCE CHAMBER POLICY
As a member, your voice is important and what you say impacts Chamber policy. Chamber directors you elect will listen to the issues that most deeply impact your business, creating policies that guide the Chamber’s advocacy efforts and work plans.

9. GET SMART
Keep your skills sharp by attending our business seminars and professional development workshops.

10. PROMOTE YOURSELF
Share your company’s news through our weekly ‘Newsline’ newsletter, social media and email outs.

/0 Comments/by

Call for Nominations – Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors!

Qualifications Sought In Board Members:

The Board is strongest and most effective when the following core competencies are represented on the Board, with each director contributing their unique combination of knowledge, experience, and skills.

 

  1. Membership and Belief in the Chamber Vision, Values and Mission
  • When nominated, and during your term on the Board, Directors must be members in good standing of the GNCoC.
  • Directors must agree to support the vision, mission and values of the GNCoC.

 

  1. Integrity and Accountability
  • Directors must have demonstrated high ethical standards and integrity in their personal and professional dealings, and must be willing to act on – and remain accountable for – their boardroom decisions.
  • Directors should be respected and influential in the community, and/or possess special knowledge, skills, or experience which would assist the work of the Board.

 

  1. Mature Confidence and Informed Judgment
  • Directors shall provide wise, thoughtful counsel on a broad range of issues.
  • Directors must value the performance of the Board as a whole over individual performance and should demonstrate respect for others in executing their responsibilities.
  • A Director must put the overall interest of the Chamber ahead of their own business interests
  • Be self-motivated and demonstrate an ability to lead others in challenging work projects.

 

  1. Financial Literacy
  • Directors should be financially literate and able to evaluate organizational performance.

 

  1. Financial Contribution
  • Be aware of a modest financial commitment, including expenses for regular attendance at Chamber functions and special events demonstrating a personal commitment and establishing credibility when called upon to ask others to give.

 

  1. Time Availability
  • Directors must be willing and able to commit about 8 hours per month to Chamber work in order to devote the time and effort necessary to fully participate in the governance of the organization.
  • Directors are expected to attend one Board meeting per month, a Committee meeting and Chamber events. Directors are expected to come prepared, having reviewed all Board and Committee material, and to actively participate in the meetings.

 

Request To Let Your Name Stand As A

Nominee for the Position of Director

Please fill out the following form and return it to the Chamber office along with a digital photograph. Nominations close March 9, 2017.

 

(Applicants may attach additional pages if needed.)

 

NAME: _____________________________________________________________________________

POSITION IN COMPANY: ______________________________________________________

COMPANY: _________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________________

PHONE: _____________________ EMAIL: _________________________________________________

 

I am prepared to let my name stand for election and will be free to carry out my responsibilities as an active Director should I be elected.  I hereby certify that I have perused the Directors commitment and responsibilities and should I be elected to represent the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce I will fulfill those obligations.

 

Here is a brief summary background, and my community involvements and a picture.

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Signature of the Nominee ______________________________________________________

 

This nomination form must be signed by any three members in good standing, as well as the nominee.

 

Member: ____________________________________

 

Member: ____________________________________

 

Member: ____________________________________

 

/0 Comments/by
Origin at Longwood Logo

Member Profile – Origin at Longwood

Sharon Wood – Origin at Longwood
Written by Bonnie Chomica, www.MarketingDoneWrite.ca

Origin at Longwood is a unique, active lifestyle community dedicated to enriching the lives of the people who live with them, and the team members who provide their services.

When someone comes to Origin the first question they’re asked is, “What do you want to do today?” Origin recognizes that a life well lived is one with purpose, independence, and freedom of choice, and their entire service platform is geared to creating exceptional experiences for their community members.

Origin at Longwood is part of Origin Active Lifestyle Communities Inc., a 100{3236bfe566a0d68e2245ffbb9d220fc7554709fab7d664768e3da2edc73a1bc9} Canadian, family-owned and operated company with offices in Vancouver and Toronto. Origin owns or manages three communities in British Columbia. What sets Origin apart is their commitment to finding dedicated team members with a passion for caring. For community members, this is their home, and the staff make thoughtful effort to make it comfortable, interesting, and stimulating.

Residents are always on the go attending any one of the countless life enrichment programs offered. They enjoy gourmet meals in the Harvest Dining room, and have access to the many amenities, including fitness programs and spa treatments, crafts kitchen and greenhouse activities, even regularly scheduled outings to explore new places.

At a time in their life when their circle of friends has become smaller, at Origin at Longwood they meet new people, make new friends, and even run into folks they met years ago. Community members can be as social or involved in activities as they want.

Origin at Longwood rents 176 beautiful suites, from 1 bedroom to 2 bedroom and den. The majority of suites are for independent living however there is also assisted living and memory care available. To learn more about Origin at Longwood, or to schedule a tour, contact Melanie Johnson at 250-751-7755 or mjohnson@originlongwood.ca.

/0 Comments/by
Business Expo Logo

Business Expo Identifies Government Support Sources

For Immediate Release
September 15, 2016
Nanaimo, BC

The Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce’s 9th Annual Business Expo on Thursday, October 20 at Vancouver Island Conference Centre is excited to confirm more of its lineup of exhibitors, special guests, speakers and participants in this consumer AND business-to-business trade show.

This year, Business Expo celebrates BC Small Business Month and National Manufacturing Month. It’s no secret that small businesses are a mainstay of the Nanaimo economy, but it might come as a surprise that the manufacturing sector is also strong in the mid-Island. Exports are becoming a bigger focus of regional software developers, educators, agri-food producers and processors, craft distillers, wineries and others who are all seeking support from experts in the field.

That’s why Business Expo is adding up to twenty booths from agencies, ministries and non-profits offering government services and funding support for small businesses and entrepreneurs.. Expo organizers will present a series of free breakout sessions featuring panels of experts speaking on “How to Sell to Government”, “Pillars of Start Up” and “Access to Financing” with a focus on entrepreneurs. The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association will also present a luncheon with a keynote speaker on the subject of “Enhancing International Trade & Export from Vancouver Island”.

Business Expo began as a way for Nanaimo businesses to meet each other, and to network in an environment with their products and services on display. Consumers started to notice it was a great place to find new products and services so they began showing up in increasing numbers. As have the trade show exhibitors who will exceed 100 this year.

At the end of the Business Expo’s day, Community Futures hosts an Awards Reception honouring the best booths. The reception, hosted by the Coast Bastion, includes appetizers and refreshments. “This is going to be the apex of the Business Expo’s” according to Kim Smythe Chamber of Commerce CEO “given the number of experts, specialists, panel speakers, and the government support we’re having on hand.”

Access to the Trade Show and breakout sessions are free but there is a small fee for the luncheon, and for non-exhibitors to attend the Awards Reception.

Business Expo only happens once a year, call us today so your business doesn’t miss out. Contact Brett at the Chamber 250-756-1191, #5 or www.nanaimochamber.bc.ca for more information.

For more information contact:

Kim Smythe, CEO
Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce
250-756-1191

/0 Comments/by

Member Profile – June 2016

Sea Salt Logo

Sea Salt Food Company

It started with a recipe book for recreational boaters, and evolved into a company that takes pride in making events memorable, because of the food. That’s Sea Salt Food Company.

With a creative drive, Chef Hilary Malone strives to deliver seasonal menus with flair. She sources ingredients from local farmers and food producers, and like a restaurant fresh sheet, what she can offer in June differs from a menu she creates in August.

This focus on serving local food makes it more challenging, but that’s what makes them stand out. Constantly rewriting menus, Sea Salt Food Company takes approachable ingredients and plays with the flavours. Attention is also given to the visual art of presentation to enhance the experience of enjoying food, and not just for nutrition or energy. Clients feel that the food is special before they even eat it.

Sea Salt Food Company is involved in a variety of events. Private functions are particularly appealing for people with food allergies or sensitivities. Clients enjoy a first class meal, without the worry of contaminated food. And, their kitchen looks like nobody was ever there. Sea Salt also does local weddings, or in other destinations, like Tofino, or even on boats.

Corporate functions have been particularly successful for clients like BMW Mercedes, Vancouver Island University, and Meyers Norris Penny. Clients love the elevated presentation and attention to detail. It impresses their guests, and everybody feels like they’ve had a quality experience.

Sea Salt Food Company also produces gift crates that have some of their own menu items, but also include locally-sourced food and gift items. They make great client or staff appreciation gifts.

For Chamber members who are looking for fun food presented beautifully, for business or personal, contact Chef Hilary at Sea Salt Catering. info@seasaltfoodco.com

Written by Bonnie Chomica

www.MarketingDoneWrite.ca

/0 Comments/by

Message from our New Chair, Greg Phillips

Greg-Phillips-348x368-180x180

It is a pleasure to be your Chair for this upcoming Chamber year. I want to take a few moments to introduce myself for those of you who don’t know me. Aside from a short period in Victoria for law school, I’ve been in Nanaimo for most of the last 15 years. I’m a lawyer with Johnston Franklin Bishop, and I’ve been involved with the Chamber for several years now, first sitting on our Successful Cities Committee before becoming a Director, then Vice-Chair, and now Chair.

The reason I’ve been involved in the Chamber is that I firmly believe that a community is only as strong as the businesses that operate in it, and that is especially true in a community like ours, where the vast majority of business licences issued are to sole proprietors and small partnerships. In other words, our business community IS our arts community, and our social network, and our neighbours, and in many cases, our family.

From the mom-and-pop shops who return their hard-earned money into the local economy to the large-scale operations who donate year after year in support of social or arts and culture events, we need a strong and involved business community because that is the engine that keeps a city vibrant and successful.

By the same token, a Chamber of Commerce is only as strong as the members that make it up. Your board of directors is selected from and by you – to represent you.

At each Chamber Luncheon I will ask the Board of Directors to stand so you can put a face to their names – and that is because these people are here for you. The same goes for our hard-working staff, and our wonderful volunteer Chamber ambassadors. If you are out in the community and you see something in the course of your business that you think the Chamber can help with, I encourage you to reach out to any one of us and let us know.

We are only a small group and can’t be everywhere at once – you are the eyes and ears of our organization, so please never be shy about reaching out. It’s our job, and our commitment to you.

/0 Comments/by