The Chamber Network
Discover What the Chamber Network Can Do For You
- The Chamber Network is the largest business organization in the province of British Columbia.
- Members have access to employee benefit programs, partnerships and networking opportunities.
- Most importantly, the BC Chamber routinely advocates to Provincial and Federal governments on behalf of its members Chambers to ensure that their concerns are being heard.
- The BC Chamber of Commerce - the Voice of Business in BC - gives the business community a presence on the provincial level.
http://www.bcchamber.org/news/video/chamber_commercial.html
About Us
The Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce is the premier business organization on the island. Our Mission is to serve as your business and community advocate and work to keep Bowen Island a great place where business can prosper and families can live, work, play and shop.
Our Values:
� Leadership: Providing visionary leadership by looking at the big picture and the long term in formulating policies and positions.
� Diverse: Welcoming the involvement and participation of all peoples in our programs and activities and recognizing the benefits that such involvement brings to the organization.
� Proactive: Positioning the Chamber to positively and creatively respond to challenges and opportunities.
� Collaborative: Partnering with community stakeholders in addressing common issues and opportunities throughout our region.
� Responsive: Maintaining a flexible and responsive organizational structure so that we can quickly change activities or programs to serve the needs of our members in a rapidly changing environment.
� Inclusive: Serving and representing all our member businesses.
� Business Driven: Acting always in the best interests of our members.
� Excellence: Conducting all activities to bring credit to our community and our members.
What Does the Chamber of Commerce Do?
This is a legitimate question that you have probably heard before. Many people, including those to whom the Chamber is very important, are not aware of the mandate and operation process of a Chamber of Commerce.
There are many misconceptions about what a Chamber does. For example, there are those who believe the Chamber gathers statistics, prints brochures, visits new businesses, answers inquiries and advertises what a great place the local area is in which we work and live. They are right but the primary function of the Chamber goes far deeper.
The Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst - a common vehicle through which business and professional people work together for the common good of the community. A better community means better business conditions and the Chamber works for a better community for everyone.
This brings us back to the original question. What does the Chamber really do? The Chamber lobbies on behalf of its membership, educates the community about business issues, and exposes the public to our business environment.
In any community, it is from the profitable operation of business that all other benefits are derived. Only by succeeding in this fundamental goal can jobs be provided and produce the climate to finance all of the governmental, educational, cultural and charitable needs that communities are faced with every day.
That leaves one final question. Who does all of this? We all do - the Chamber members, the volunteers and the staff. You - our members - provide the ideas, the drive, the goals, the funds and the voluntary services necessary to keep the Chamber doing what it does.
You are the Chamber, and without you, there would not be a Chamber of Commerce!
TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN THE BOWEN ISLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
- Networking Opportunities
- Membership Service Benefits
- Community Resource for Businesses and Local Attractions
- Market where you can network, meet and develop customers and partnerships
- Opportunity to develop and grow
- Website Exposure with your business on-line profile located in our directory
- Education, Events, Seminars, Information Bulletins
- Lobbying
- Advertising & Promotional Programs
- Monthly E-Newsletter
... and the list continues to grow!
Chamber membership has many benefits, including an automatic association with both the BC Chamber and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has been the largest, most important and influential advocate for business in Canada and the only national business group with a membership that covers the broad spectrum of private enterprise.
As the voice of local business, the Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce is as strong and committed as its membership. Your membership in this organization is an integral part of building a strong and diverse commercial sector. Together we have the capability of persuading government to establish policies that encourage business growth, create a positive working environment and enhance the well-being of our community.
MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT FEES
Annual Membership Investment
Business Plus (11+ Employees) - $175.00 + GST
Basic Membership (0-10 Employees) - $125.00 + GST
Association/Organization - $75.00 + GST
Additional Business/Same Owner - $40.00+ GST
New Business (less than 1 year) - $65.00+ GST
Payment Options: Payable Annually by Cash, Cheque or Credit Card. Monthly or Quarterly through automatic bank debit.
PREMIER MEMBERSHIP
Any business or association which has an interest in the objectives of the Chamber and wishes to provide a greater measure of financial support to the Chamber shall be eligible to apply for a membership as a Premier Member. A Premier Member is a member who voluntarily doubles his/her annual dues. Premier Members are eligible for special recognition and benefits and shall also enjoy all the rights and privileges of all regular members.
