Chamber News, Articles, Advice & Opinion

Thursday, 08 July 2010 16:14

At the recent annual Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Strategic Planning Session the topic of Economic Development was front and centre. Of particular interest was an adjustment of the phrase Economic Development to Economic Excellence.

The new Entrance Sign at Exit 46 welcomes visitors and residents to Parksville with the slogan “Live, Work, Play”.  Fundamental to this slogan is a strong and diverse business community that is:  "Built for Business and Designed for Living." It is the quality of life that attracted so many to this area and it is the available quality of life that is our greatest resource to promote excellence in all we do. Quality of life not only includes the fabulous environment around us but also the availability of a job that will provide the means to raise a family.

It is that end result we seek in all Economic Excellence plans, where the average wage is increased. For the business owner the ability to pay an increased wage means that production and efficiencies are maximized. For the worker there is assurance that their family will be well fed and housed and they will have a stable economic future, for the local government there is a reliable supported tax base and for the community at large there is a competitive market place with choice.

Seems to me like this is a win for everyone. So how do we achieve Economic Excellence. The first step is the creation or harnessing of a reliable skilled/semi-skilled workforce. We have an excellent school district turning out grads and while they are seeing a reduction in their student population, this too will change with increased economic activity as young families will be able to move/stay here because there are decent jobs for them. We have a University campus which is capable of providing specialized programming to train a work force.

We have a downtown core that is ripe for revitalization, we have an industrial park with space and we have an existing vibrant business community. So what is missing? The missing link is the drive to achieve excellence; the co-operative spirit to work together to achieve excellence and the willingness to step out and look at new alternatives to achieve excellence.

I spoke last month of the triune approach to sustainability – Environmental, Social and Economic. I read an article in the Vancouver Sun last week by Elizabeth Nickson who was reporting on the Island Trusts stranglehold on the Gulf Islands and the impact that has had on development. She cites an example of stifled development gone bad in New York and shares the 30 year results stating “the population is aging, a school closes every 18 months, private business has fled, there is no internet or cell phone coverage, young people have left, property tax revenues crashed, welfare and social service requirements have spiked”. There is a lesson here. We cannot manage without some progression and growth.

I leave you with a disturbing trend in Parksville. Building permits in 2006 totalled $55,481,116; 2007 - $54,268,493; 2008 - $26,396,935; 2009 - $16,265,346 and 6 months into 2010 we are at a total of just over $10,000,000. Are we heading to an increase in social issues due to a decrease in economic sustainability?

Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 August 2010 15:31

2010 MEMBERS SERVING MEMBERS PARTICIPANTS

Members supporting Members!  The following Chamber members are generously offering discounts, on regular-priced items, to you and your business.  Be sure to present your Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce member card.

Look for this sign on the cash register of participating member businesses.

List of all participating Chamber Members...

Saturday, 28 March 2009 16:03

This is a reprint from the March Chamber Voice

I was delighted to hear from quite a few people in regards to my last month article: “Change the recipe, change the results...!” For some, it hit a nerve. “What about if my old recipe has always given me good results?” or “I have been in business for 12 years and if that economic mess would not have happened, my recipe would still be good. It’s not my fault if it’s not working anymore!” Well, guess what “Shift happens!” You cannot stay static in this world. If you are not ready to deal with shifts in financial markets, shifts in consumer behaviour, shifts in policies, shifts in technology, shifts in government, shifts in weather (how about this winter), you are not ready to be or remain in business.

Saturday, 28 March 2009 15:56

This is a reprint from the February 2009 - Business Vancouver Island

I said it before, “We are special!”. It could be because of the coffee from Pacific Brimm or the parties from Black&White. Who knows? There is this feeling of confidence and optimism which permeates into our businesses and our people in general.

The USA just elected a new leader and we can feel a wave of energy sweeping that country. If they keep the momentum, it could make a huge difference for everyone, including us in Canada. In Parksville, we would be happy to ride this wave when it reaches our great beaches.

Anton Checkhov said: “Man is what he believes”.I personally endorse this statement but I also realize that belief and passion can be overwhelming unless you have the energy to take the first step forward when others are retreating. As the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, I am proud to work side by side with entrepreneurs who are charging forward. Here are two more businesses who represent the Parksville spirit.…

Monday, 09 February 2009 15:56

The Board of Directors is elected annually by the membership at our April AGM. The Board of Directors determine policies and programs. The staff employed by the board is responsible for organizing and executing the Chamber of Commerce's programs and promoting policies. The Committees and Task Forces are volunteer committees consisting of members of the Chamber of Commerce committed to achieving what needs to be done. As the #1 business association in the community, we are the voice of business through our collective association.