General Inquiries
Address:
PO Box 99Parksville
British Columbia
V9P 2G3
Canada
Phone: 250.248.3613
Parksville
British Columbia
V9P 2G3
Canada
LEADING THE WAY...
The Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization comprised of over 380 businesses, professionals, residents and community groups working collectively to establish and promote businesses and services for economic and social prosperity in Parksville and surrounding areas. The Board of Directors is elected by the membership and determines policies and programs. The staff employed by the board is responsible for organizing and executing the Chamber of Commerce's programs and policies.
- The main priorities of the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce are :
- Be the active Voice of Local Businesses
- Be a catalyst for business owners/operators to network and cross promote
- Facilitate business training for the local workforce
- Operate the Parksville Visitor Centre
- To provide the business community with group benefits and networking opportunities
The Chamber of Commerce plays an active role in communicating the positions and views of the business community on policy to government at the municipal, regional, provincial and national level. The Chamber maintains a strong working relationship with local government, although it is not a support organization for any government body.
Although not officially incorporated until 1978, the Chamber has served the business community and residents of the region for over 80 years. The Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce works with the City of Parksville, the Parksville Downtown Business Association, Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association, and the Chambers of Commerce in Qualicum Beach and other Island communities in order to provide a first class community where residents can LIVE, WORK and PLAY in a safe and prosperous environment.
Click HERE to view the Bylaws of the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce, revised April 2018.
Located at the entrance to Parksville, the Parksville Visitor Centre is conveniently located just off Highway 19A (Exit #46), between the Parksville Museum and Rotary Peace Park. Operated by the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce, the Visitor Centre is part of Destination BC's Visitor Services Network.
Picnic tables and benches in the Rotary Peace Park make the site a lovely place to relax and have a picnic. Our parking facilities will accommodate your SUV, RV or even your bus, right next to a nice walking trail.
Our courteous and knowledgeable staff provide professional visitor counseling, itinerary planning tailored to your interests and needs, accommodation and activity reservations, helpful travel information including transportation and community information on all areas of British Columbia.
Our gift shop features the works of local artisans and authors and the Visitor Centre has accessible public washrooms and up-to-date road, weather and event information. We have the most complete selection of brochures and publications providing visitors with all the information needed to make informed decisions, whatever their vacation plans.
The Parksville Visitor Centre serves thousands of visitors each year. Many visitors plan their trips to the Parksville area to coincide with our many annual events and festivals and start their trip by visiting us. Local residents also use our resources to plan their vacations to other parts of Vancouver Island and B.C.
We're looking forward to seeing you.To keep up to date on travel in British Columbia, go to https://www.hellobc.com/plan-your-trip/need-to-know/
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Art Galleries
This area is home to potters and painters, weavers and sculptors, carvers, glass blowers and many other artisans who welcome visitors to their studios. Organizations such as Oceanside Community Arts Council and Arrowsmith Potters Guild promote arts and culture in the community, and there's almost always an exhibition to enjoy at one of our local galleries.
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Coombs Village and the Famous Goats on the Roof
Coombs Village is dotted with several heritage buildings, unique galleries as well as numerous gift shops and craft outlets, many of which are open year round. There is also, of course, the goats on the roof at The Coombs Old Country Market. (Yes, the goats are really are on the roof...well, where else would you put them?) Coombs Village is located approximately 15 minutes west of Parksville on the Alberni Highway, right on the way to Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park and McMillan Provincial Park (Cathedral Grove).
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Festivals and Events
Parksville Beach Festival: International sand sculptors work their magic, turning giant piles of sand into unbelievable works of art! Over 60,000 visitors are drawn to the Parksville beaches during the five week festival, to see these spectacular creations and vote for their favourites! Admission is by donation.
Brant Wildlife Festival: The festival started because of a small goose called the Black Brant which migrates from California and Mexico to Alaska and stops off in Parksville/Qualicum Beach to rest and feed. As many as 20,000 Brant may be found along the shore at peak times at the end of March. Each year the festival shares this story through a variety of events. Wildlife viewing, ecotours, marsh walks, speaker series, an art exhibition and children's concert are some of the many activities that run from early March to the end of April.
The Rotary Club of Parksville's Canada Day celebrations are renowned on Vancouver Island, with a full day of entertainment that delivers something for everyone. Make sure you mark it on your calendar and come and wave the flag with us! It'll be a day of fun for the whole family, from the morning's parade to the fireworks at dusk, and a full day of music in the Community Park.
These are just some of the many festivals that take place during the year.For up-to-date information, check out the Community Calendar of Events.
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Fishing & Boating
Beachcomber Marina - 1600 Byrnmarl Road. Nanoose Bay. Daily moorage is offered subject to availability. 1.250.468.7222.
French Creek Marina - a public boat launch located on Highway 19A at Lee Road. Facilities include charters, tackle shop, fresh seafood store, marine sales, nearby camping and condo rentals, a sports centre and Morningstar golf course. French Creek Marina is also host of the French Creek Salmon Derby, held each August. For details on the Marina Services, contact the French Creek Harbour Authority at 1.250.248.5051.
Schooner Cove Resort and Marina - 3521 Dolphin Drive, Nanoose Bay. Fairwinds Schooner Cove Marina is the place to moor your boat on an annual or seasonal basis or for those just visiting, on a daily basis. Amenities at the marina include: 30 & 50 amp power, tackle shop, convenience store, cafe, gas & diesel, beer & wine store, laundry, boat ramp, pub, pool, hot tub & showers. Docking is available for vessels up to 150 ft. Visitors should call on marine VHF channel 73 upon approach to the marina and you will be directed to a slip prior to registering. Advance Reservations are recommended, call 1.800.663.7060.
Deep Bay Marina - A private boat launch located on Burne Road in Deep Bay, Deep Bay Marina is a commercial harbour supplying berthage for both commercial and recreational vessels. Facilities include tackle shop, charters, licensed restaurant, tent & trailer camping. Contact the Harbour Authority at 1.250.757.9331.
You'll find contact information and links to all of these in the Marine Services section of our Business Directory.
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Hockey and Skating
Oceanside Place features two NHL regulation size ice sheets named after two local ice skating legends and heroes, Howie Meeker and Victor Kraatz, a Leisure Ice sheet, multipurpose rooms, a meeting room, a concession, skate shop and the main offices for the Regional District of Nanaimo Recreation and Parks Department. The facility is attached to Wembley Mall, and has won two provincial awards since opening.
For further information visit the Oceanside Place website.
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Local History
Craig Heritage Park is located about 3 km south of Parksville on the Island Highway, right next to our Visitor Centre. Take a trip into yesteryear and see how our early settlers lived. On location are several local heritage buildings that you can tour. The Museum is open daily in the summer.
St. Anne's Anglican Church was built in 1894 by 45 farmers with the aid of oxen to haul the logs, and is one of the oldest churches on Vancouver Island.
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Local Parks
Parksville Community Park - Located right on the beach, with an endless shoreline, the Parksville Community Park is a dandy! The waterfront boardwalk is ideal for convenient access to the vast sandy beaches of Parksville Bay or for a beautiful sunset stroll on a summer evening. 445 meters in length and 4.5 meters wide,the boardwalk accommodates pedestrians as well as wheelchairs and strollers. The multitude of dog-walkers, joggers, families, cyclists, skateboarders and people on rollerblades using the path each day illustrates the fact that the Community Park is truly a community meeting place for residents and visitors of all ages.Two ball fields and a lacrosse box are located at the entrance to the park, with public tennis courts, a curling rink, seasonal food trucks, an awesome BMX/Skateboard Park, 2 conditioned beach volleyball areas, and an incredible children's playground with Vancouver Island's greatest water spray park completing the entertainment spectrum.
Or, of course, you could just go to the beach.
Springwood Park is home to the Parksville Royals, a BC Premier League baseball team, Springwood Park is Parksville's primary sports field complex. The 8.57 ha (21 acres) park is located adjacent to Springwood Middle School. In addition to the park facilities there is a small children's playground and an outdoor basketball court located at the school.
Foster Park is an example of one of Parksville's neighbourhood parks. Neighbourhood parks are interspersed throughout the City and are equipped with varying facilities. Foster Park is 2.72 ha of park land tucked away just off Pym Street. There is a large gazebo that can be rented for special events, picnic tables and benches, and a small playground. Foster Park is the perfect spot for a quiet family afternoon or a child's outdoor birthday party.
Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park is the only park on Vancouver Island designated for mountain bikes. Its trails vary from intermediate to advanced and are maintained by a local mountain bike club, in conjunction with the City of Parksville.
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Provincial Parks
Our Provincial Parks are truly natural wonders. Whether for camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, hiking, from ocean to forest they're nature at its best.
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park's high tide offers the warmest ocean swimming opportunities in Canada.
Englishman River Falls & Little Qualicum River Falls have gorgeous waterfalls, which have been featured in various television commercials and the family movie "Alaska".
MacMillan Provincial Park (Cathedral Grove) is the home of the "really big trees"! This 132 hectare grove of giant trees is the most accessible stand of giant Douglas-fir on Vancouver Island. Some of these giants have seen over 800 summers pass.
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park will thrill you! Though there are two small caves you can explore on your own, a guided tour through part of the large chambers will be more enlightening and a great introductory tour is available, as well as more adventurous ones.
Spider Lake Provincial Park is adjacent to Horne Lake and is noted for its excellent canoeing, kayaking, swimming and fishing.
Rosewall Creek Provincial Park, located past Deep Bay, is a pocket-size park with an attractive wheelchair-accessible trail.
For more information go to BC Parks. To reserve camping, call 1.800.689.9025 (seasonal service) or go online at www.discovercamping.ca.
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Regional Parks
Horne Lake Regional Park, featuring spectacular views of area mountains and cliffs, is a great place to spend the day and explore the world-renowned Horne Lake Caves next door.
Moorecroft Regional Park was purchased by the RDN on March 2, 2011 from the BC Conference of the United Church of Canada. The property, formerly known as Camp Moorecroft, was first identified by the RDN in 1995 as a priority site for regional park acquisition due to its rare conservation and recreation values. The park is managed under a Conservation Covenant held by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, which requires ecological protection and enhancement as the highest priority and low impact recreation amenities within a natural setting.
Mount Arrowsmith Regional Park features the historic Arrowsmith Trail. The trail offers hikers the opportunity to climb through several forest zones and experience dramatic views of the Georgia Strait. The trail requires moderate level fitness as it climbs steadily to gain elevation to the 6,000 ft summit. Allow 6-7 hours for the round trip and take drinking water.
Top Bridge Regional Park is a fabulous day use park and is connected to Rathtrevor Provincial Park by the Top Bridge Trail, a 10km round trip which crosses both private and public land and is perfect for walking, riding or equestrian use.
For more information on these and other Regional Parks, go to RDN Nanaimo - Regional Parks
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Swimming
Rathtrevor Beach is a Parksville beach that is one of the province’s most popular family destinations, and home to the BC Provincial Park/campground of the same name. The park includes five kilometers of beachfront, and at low tide, the ocean recedes almost a kilometer from the shoreline.
Our beautiful expanse of beach in Parksville Bay was recently named one of Better Homes & Gardens' favourite family-friendly beach destinations. Summer water temperatures exceed 21 degrees celsius, as the tide washes in over the warm sand.
The beaches found at our rivers and lakes are perfect for cooling off on a hot day or for a quiet hike. The crystal clear waters of Cameron Lake (Hwy. #4 - about ten minutes past Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park and on the road to Cathedral Grove) shouldn’t be missed. Forested slopes surround the lake, and the pea-gravel beach is a lovely spot to warm up after an afternoon dip.
Top Bridge at Englishman River is a local favourite, just a couple of minutes from downtown Parksville. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park has great swimming just a short hike down to the lower falls. The waters of Horne Lake make for a great place to go swimming, paddling, or just sunbathing.
Indoor Swimming at the Ravensong Aquatic Centre
If the ocean water is a little cool for you, take a dip at the Ravensong Aquatic Centre. The facility features a 25-metre Olympic short course pool, a leisure pool and a whirlpool, as well as a Nordic dry sauna and a Finnish steam room. There are family change rooms, and a variety of programs including aqua-aerobics, senior swim, etc.
The Ravensong Aquatic Centre is located in Qualicum Beach, next to the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PARKSVILLE & DISTRICT CHAMBER
Browse through our most frequently asked questions. If you'd like to add a question, use the comments form at the bottom of this page.
Are there any committees that may be of interest to me?
Chances are that there will be a committee that will interest you. There are organizing committees for our sponsored events such as Canada Day Celebrations and Gala Auction fundraiser, as well as Communications Committee, Marketing, Membership and Policy Committees. Other committees or task forces are formed whenever the need arises.
Can I host a Business After Business event?
Hosting a “Business After Business’ social function is an excellent way to promote your business! A Business After Business is a fun networking opportunity for members and an ideal marketing opportunity for the host business. Held on the third Thursday of the month (excluding July, August & December), these are very popular events and typically are booked a year in advance.
Can the Chamber of Commerce donate or help my not-for-profit raise funds?
As a non-profit organization, we, too, look for fundraising and sponsorship to support member driven initiatives and events. We wish you all of the best in your endeavours, but unfortunately, cannot provide financial support.
How can I market my business through the Chamber?
PROMOTE YOURSELF! (Who can do it better?)
How?- Set up a display table at one of our Chamber dinners. Do you have a new product, service or staff person to introduce to the business community of the Parksville area? Or perhaps it has been a while since you formally reminded the business community of the consistent quality of service and products available at your business? As a showcase table host at a Chamber of Commerce membership dinner you have the opportunity to fulfill either of these marketing strategies! A table is provided with covering and skirting - so all you need to bring is your promotional material, which can be elaborate or very simple. Hosting a business card draw is a good way to attract attendees to your display. During the meeting, you will have the opportunity to tell the membership about your business - a mini commercial! Being a showcase table host at a membership meeting has many benefits - and the investment is very affordable at only $25 ( + tax).
- Send an e-blast to the Chamber news network - over 800 contacts - for $100
- Display your rack cards or business cards in our Chamber of Commerce office / Visitor Centre for hand-out to new residents, visitors and new business operators in our area – it’s included with your membership at no extra charge!
- Be a Table Sponsor at a meeting - Table Sponsorship allows you to display literature on the dinner tables (only one table sponsor per meeting), address the membership for 3-5 minutes and also includes a display table.
- Chamber Membership Meeting-- Investment: $100
- Joint Membership Meeting -- Investment: $250
- Enhance your website listing with up to four images (photos and/or company logo) at no extra charge.
- Submit newsworthy (not advertising) items for our weekly e-news.
- Attend Chamber of Commerce meetings and events and network, network, network!
How do I get involved with the Chamber activities?
There are many ways you can get involved with the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce. You may just wish to take advantage of the networking, promotion and education opportunities, but for those wish wish to move behind that, there are other options:
Become a Director and join our Board
The Board of Directors determine policies and programs. We meet the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 a.m. These meetings operate under a specific agenda and are normally over within 1.5 hrs. This is where you get the pulse of the organization and make the decisions that govern the Chamber. These decisions are then carried out by the Executive Director and staff.
Serve on Committees and Task Forces.
Whether you are a Board member or not, as a member, you can volunteer to serve on any of the committees and task forces that are necessary for the delivery of our services. This is where you can bring your experience to our team. You may choose to Chair a committee or simply join a group of dedicated volunteers to contribute to projects. Some of these committees are set in advance, like the Business Excellence Awards, the Gala Fantasy Auction, Canada Day and the Street Market. Other committees are established as needed for special projects.
Volunteer at the Visitor Centre.
Our Visitor Centre welcomes over 20,000 people each year. We supplement our regular staff with volunteers to assist these visitors. In this case, you receive Destination BC training and become an accredited "Visitor Counsellor". Our Visitor Centre Manager will establish a schedule that will meet your availability. This is an exciting job where you can promote the area and help our visitors.
Do you have special skills?
Some of our members are artists, writers, photographers, musicians or are professionals from other fields. We welcome your input and are always happy to give you an opportunity to either showcase your talent or to help by applying your skills to our many undertakings.
I have some free time, can I volunteer for the Chamber?
Volunteers are always needed, in many different areas.
Of course, you could become a Director and sit on our Board, but, in addition, most of our sponsored events are spearheaded by a committee of volunteers who bring their specific experiences to the team.
The Visitor Centre also needs people to assist the 20,000+ tourists visiting us every year. These volunteers receive Destination BC training, and, once they graduate, they can offer their time as Visitor Counsellors. Our Executive Director would be happy to provide more information.
What are benefits of Chamber membership?
We hear this question all the time from prospective Chamber members. Some of the top ways in which Parksville & District Chamber members tell us membership has benefited their business are the Group Insurance Plan, Advocacy, Networking and Promotional Activities and Exclusive Member Discounts.
What is a Chamber of Commerce?
Your Chamber of Commerce is a non‑profit organization comprised of businesses, professionals, residents and other community groups working together to ensure a healthy economic and socio‑economic base to benefit the entire community. Your Chamber of Commerce harnesses the tremendous potential of the private enterprise system and the community at large and enables its membership to accomplish collectively what no one person could do individually.
How does your Chamber work?
The policies and programs of the Chamber are determined by its Board of Directors, elected by the membership. They in turn, employ a paid Executive Director, whose basic responsibility is to organize and execute the chamber's programs and carry out its policies.
What does your Chamber do?
Your Chamber represents and promotes our City's economy, tourism initiatives, environmental, cultural and governmental concerns, and encourages business, residential and industrial investment, broadening the tax base and providing employment. To business prospects and newcomers, the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce represents a viable force in seeking solutions to today's social and economic problems, as we are in touch with municipal, provincial and federal issues affecting the Parksville and District area.
Who finances the Chamber?
Your Chamber is a "Business" and it incurs costs of operation and expenses similar to any other type of business. Those expenses are apportioned among its members, individuals and firms, representing all types of business, industry and professional sectors. We have been fortunate to have received financial assistance from the City of Parksville and Destination BC in an effort to help us continue to provide our many services for the community. Your Chamber also hosts its annual Gala Auction fundraiser.
Why should you join the Chamber?
Your Chamber of Commerce is the sales force for our community and businesses, unceasingly promoting their products and services, and at the same time is their watchdog ‑ protecting their interests, particularly in the political arena. The united voice of the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce has often proven effective and beneficial to businesses and the residents of our community. The benefit of belonging to the Chamber is full‑time representation and results.
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Barrie McWha, President
Barrie joined the Canadian PGA in 1967 and has been Head Professional at a variety of golf courses across Western Canada. He has served as a board member, then President of the PGA of Canada. He has also served on the board, then as President, of the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce. He has been Director of Golf at Fairwinds Golf Resort, Executive Professional at Glengarry Golf LInks (now Pheasant Glen) and was Executive Director of the BC Golf House Society from 2006-2012. In 2019, Wedgewood Golf Management, a company consisting of Barrie and partners Ray and Mike Riva undertook a contract to manage Morningstar Golf Club for the Court appointed Receiver. Wedgewood lead Morningstar through the pandemic, out of Receivership in less than two years, and now manages Morningstar for the new owner. Barrie knows the importance of the Chamber of Commerce to the local community and wants to serve the organization. -
Vicki Haller, President-Elect
Vicki has worked at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre for over 15 years in a variety of positions, including Revenue Manager for 5 years and is now Assistant Room Director at the resort. -
Omar Karim, Vice President
Dr. Omar Karim is a Professor in the Faculty of Management and Law at Vancouver Island University (VIU), where he leads the MBA Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program. In this role, he supports graduate students in leadership development, career readiness, and community-based learning. With a strong focus on student success and social impact, Dr. Karim brings over a decade of experience in post-secondary education, co-curricular engagement, and global leadership. He holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Science in International Business, and a Doctorate in Higher Education, with a research focus on Indigenous perspectives in co-curricular learning and engagement. His contributions have been nationally recognized through awards such as the TD Scholarship for Community Leadership and the Canada Millennium Award. In addition to his work at VIU, Dr. Karim contributes to national and international youth-focused initiatives. He serves as the National Director for Post-Secondary Engagement at a leading Canadian movement focused on reconciliation and ending gender-based violence. He is also the founder of the Global Emerging Leadership Programs (GELP), which creates cross-cultural learning and career development experiences for youth from over 25 countries. As a new board member, Dr. Karim is committed to strengthening ties between education and industry and supporting inclusive growth, economic development, and youth engagement across the region. -
Glorie Averbach, Director
Glorie is a seasoned tech entrepreneur with a passion for business, serving community and paying it forward. After selling the last of her three businesses in the home and building automation tech sector in 2016, Glorie co-founded myCEO.ca, a coaching and consulting firm, dedicated to empowering small to medium sized businesses, women-led start-ups and not for profit organizations. Through strategic planning, actionable insights, and hands-on support, Glorie and her partner help clients grow their impact, surpass their goals, and bring their visions to life. Glorie's career has taken her on an adventurous journey across ten cities in three countries on two continents, enriching her perspective on business and life and informing her entrepreneurial approach. -
Amy Hadikin, Director
Amy Hadikin is a local entrepreneur. With a background in sales and marketing, Amy brings creativity, connection, and a fresh perspective to the Chamber Board. She is passionate about supporting small business, building strong local partnerships, and contributing to the vibrancy of the Parksville-Qualicum region. -
Avrillee Kenny, Director
Avrillee Kenny moved to Parksville in 2017 from Vancouver. Avrillee holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology from SFU, Diploma in Accounting from UBC and completed her Mortgage Broker Course in 2021. Currently, Avrillee is a consulting and doing bookkeeping and has over 15 years experience in finance, accounting and law. She enjoys helping people with the financial aspect of real estate transactions whether it is with a purchase, refinance or reverse mortgages. In her down time she enjoys volunteering in the Oceanside Community, gardening, cooking and spending time with her daughter, husband and her fur baby. -
Russ McShane, Director
Born and raised in the area, Russell took over management of Parksville's Boston Pizza franchise and took it from struggling to thriving within 2 years, with top sales and ratings within their region. He looks forward to sharing ideas and best practices and his own expertise with other local businesses. -
Shawn Sales, Director
Shawn Sales is the owner and founder of Consider It Energy, a company dedicated to improving energy efficiency in both new and existing homes. After 15 years in retail sales management, he transitioned into the sustainable energy sector in 2021 to pursue his passion for clean energy. Shawn holds a diploma in Sustainable Energy Technology and is a Registered Energy Advisor (REA). He leads Consider It Energy in providing energy consulting services that help homeowners meet their efficiency goals and assist builders in complying with local energy code requirements. In addition, Shawn is certified by HRAI as a Residential Air System Design Technician, allowing him to design air delivery systems and perform heat load calculations for residential homes. Outside of work, Shawn enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids. He’s also passionate about building connections and actively growing Consider It Energy within the sustainable energy industry. -
Kirk Walper, Director
Kirk Walper is a licensed real estate Agent and Managing Broker with Royal LePage Parksville-Qualicum Beach Realty. Specializing in residential, acreage, farm, and commercial real estate, Kirk works with investors, business owners, and families to help them make smart real estate decisions across the region. With a deep understanding of the local market and a passion for community growth, Kirk brings a strategic, results-driven perspective to the Chamber. As a director, he is committed to supporting local entrepreneurs, enhancing business collaboration, and contributing to the continued prosperity of the Parksville area. -
Meghan Walker, Past President
Meghan Walker has been a REALTOR® since 2014. Real estate is one of Meghan’s passions, as is building relationships and it shines through every interaction with her clients. It was the opportunity to do something she loved while establishing long-lasting relationships that drew her from her previous career in hospitality and tourism management. Her commitment to clients and love for the area have made her one of the top producing agents in the business. During her term as a Chamber Director Meghan’s Real Estate knowledge and her Tourism experience were valuable resources for the Events and Policy Committee.
The Board of Directors is elected annually and 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 consisting of members of the Chamber of Commerce are committed to achieving the goals within the strategic plan. As the #1 business association in the community, we are the voice of business through our collective association.
From shipping discounts to discounted fuel and banking services, members of the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce gain exclusive access to these and other terrific incentives for becoming a member. Interested in preferred rates with Elavon Merchant Services? Group health benefits for your employees (it's a great retention tool)? The benefits of becoming a Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce member are simply incredible.
Contact the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce to learn how to access these benefits.
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Networking and Promotional Opportunities
If your goal is to grow your business by networking, then you have come to the right place!The Chamber hosts a variety of networking events during the year, including General Dinner Meetings, where members have the opportunity to share ideas and business information, to connect with others, listen to a guest speaker and showcase their business. Aside from those events, we also host an annual Golf Tournament, Business Expo, Business Excellence Awards, Canada Day festivities, Summer by the Sea Street Market, Lunch & Learns, New Member Breakfasts and, of course, monthly Business After Business events.
Our monthly Business after Business (BaB) events are also a great way to meet other members. As the host of a BaB, you have the opportunity to showcase your business to a captive audience or simply make a date with someone to play golf with on Saturday.
Referrals are a big part of what we do. On average, the Visitor Centre welcomes over 20,000 people each year and answers many telephone inquiries. Local residents, businesses and tourists are seeking information on: Accommodations, Shopping, Relocation, Attractions, Restaurants and Services. Members can display their business cards/brochures at the Centre to capture the attention of visitors.
Our Website and its Business Directory are the main source of information for the many daily inquiries by phone, email and in person about local businesses. Your membership includes a basic listing, a link to your site / email, a location map and the tools to load your own logos and pictures. Be sure to update your information regularly.
We have a Social Media presence through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (with over 3,000 followers), and like/follow our members and others so we can pass on relevant, member to member, information.
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Promoting Your Business - Exclusive Promotional Activites
Referrals.We work behind the scenes to promote your business 24/7. When potential clients stop by the Chamber office or come in to the Parksville Visitor Centre, we point new customers in your direction through word-of-mouth advertising. Put your promotional material on display and find potential clients when and where they're looking. Our Online Member Directory has the double impact of enabling people to find out about your business through the Official Chamber Site while simultaneously increasing the visibility of your own website on the search engines.
Sponsor an Event. Many of the Chamber's monthly events offer high value sponsorship opportunities. As a non-profit organization, our events couldn't and wouldn't occur without the ehlp of our generous and supportive sponsors. There are sponsorship opportunities available for any business, no matter how small or large. Our sponsors benefit from exposure at events through various marketing mediums, showcasing and speaking opportunities, networking, VIP treatment at the event, complimentary access to that Chamber dinner and thank you announcements made at the event.
Donate a Prize. We host annual events for which we ask businesses to donate a prize, such as the Gala, Golf Tournament and other Chamber dinner events. This offers great exposure of your services, products or branding to our Chamber members and their guests. You choose what value of gift to donate to gain maximum awareness.
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Advocacy
Advocacy Working on your BehalfThe Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with industry, business associations, and other Chambers of Commerce to work with municipal, provincial and federal government bodies to find solutions to issues that negatively affect business and/or our community.
A list of the Policy and Position papers in the works is right here.
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Exclusive Member Discounts
NEW! HR COVERED
HR Covered supports chambers of commerce and boards of trade across Canada. They provide complimentary tools and resources for HR, designed to support small businesses and not-for-profits. As a company, they support more than 2,000 Canadian businesses and not-for-profits, including over 60,000 employees. Get more details at https://www.hrcovered.com/
SME INSTITUTE
The SME Institute by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is designed as a one-stop shop to give SMEs of all sizes, maturity and sectors the resources they need to adapt, grow and thrive. Get more details at https://www.smeinstitute.ca/
Merchant Visa/MasterCard Preferred Rates
Chamber of Commerce members can see the following advantages when working with Elavon:
- Excellent payments hardware
- Industry leading reporting capabilities
- Increased support from our BC based team of experts
- Increased profits through lower processing fees
Call the Chamber office at 250-248-3613 to find out more.
Member 2 Member Discounts
This program is based on “Members Supporting Members”. Participating members offer 10%, 20%, or 30% off of their regular prices to other members. The use of your member card identifies those who participate. This program encourages our members to shop locally; it's a win-win.
Market Discounts
Member discounts are offered for the Summer by the Sea Street.
Fuel Discounts
With the cost of fuel today, ANY discount can make a difference. We are pleased to participate in special programs and be able to pass these discounts to you. Our current partner is: Esso Imperial Oil. Contact us to learn more.
Shipping Discounts
Sourcing your own rates from multiple carriers can be too slow, too difficult and too time-consuming, so streamline your process by using our Freightcom technology that can integrate, consolidate and improve the entire end-to-end shipping process. .
Other Affinity Programs
There are several other affinity programs you may access, including Constant Contact and Rogers for Business.
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Group Insurance Plan
Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, home-based business or part of a larger firm, benefits are a very important part of your financial security. The Chambers Plan lays a solid foundation for that security, based on a benefit program designed specifically for you and your company! Coverage
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Staying Informed
Stay informed about Chamber events and activities through the weekly "Business Matters" e-news. Members are encouraged to use this communication tool as a way to communicate with other members...a Value-Added benefit of your Chamber Membership! Send your e-news submissions to the publisher, and we will include member info that is directly relevant, member to member, as well as newsworthy, to give you the business edge. If we keep each other up-to-date about our businesses, then it will make cross-referrals more effective. The Chamber is also active on social media through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for immediate updates and information that we hope will be of interest to our followers.
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More Ways to Market Your Business
Chamber E-Blast. YOU choose your message and WE E-blast out to over 1100+ newsletter subscribers on a day of your choice (except Tuesdays and Thursdays) and share to our social media pages to thousands of followers. $125 + gst.
Social Media Posting - Business of the Week. Strategic posting to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Pinterest highlighting the highest priority talking points and image of your business. $50 + gst.
Chamber Website and Visitor Centre/Mobile Kiosk Video. Your desired promotion/business highlight will be professionally filmed and advertised at the Parksville Visitor Centre and on the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce website. $650 + gst (included in the Chamber Partner Package).
Chamber Partner & Website Highlight. Become a Chamber partner and display your logo on a banner at the bottom of our website for a whole year, with a link to your website included in the package AND display your banner on the Chamber website and Visitor Centre/Mobile Kiosk video plus sponsorships to all remaining Chamber events for the year of 2023. Only $3000 + gst.
MEMBER 2 MEMBER DISCOUNTS
One of the goals of the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce is to encourage our members to shop locally. Your member card is a reminder of the great value Chamber members offer to one another. These discounts will be offered year round, on REGULAR pricing, unless otherwise stated.
10% discount
- * North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (discount applies to gift shop sales)
- * Sexessories
Other
- * IRIS Advantage - It is so easy to use the program, go to https://iris.ca/en/advantage and use your Chamber Access Code PRKCC to sign in.
Complete the details in just a minute or two and your offers will be delivered to your inbox. - * PQB News offers exclusive discounts and right of refusal for advertising on the annual PQB Big Map, Chambers of Commerce directory and Parksville Qualicum Beach Discovery Guide.
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