Posts tagged Work

For anyone wondering – here’s the holiday version of my message to the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce…

Presidents Message – December 2009

Happy Holidays to all! 

On behalf of the board and staff at the office I want to wish a safe and happy holiday season to you and yours.  As we wind down a very exciting year, I thought it important to share a few thoughts about what lies ahead for the Chamber of Commerce.  First and foremost I wanted to share the optimism I have for Chilliwack, and especially our organization.  It is slowly becoming apparent that the worst of the economic crisis is now behind us, and although we have had to make difficult decisions as a result, we have emerged stronger, more agile, and more engaged. 

Although the Chamber is a non-profit organization, with the majority of our budget derived from membership dues, I am filled with a sense of pride as we continue to build on the foundations laid before us without a reliance on outside funding.  It is very important that the Chamber walks the talk – and I would like to thank our staff and board for their entrepreneurial creativity which has allowed us to continue developing the events and programs we deliver without compromising our quality or integrity.

I am looking forward to our Business Excellence Gala on January 23^rd 2010.  With over one hundred nominees, this event will be a great opportunity to celebrate excellence in our community, and to kick start 2010. If you have not already purchased a ticket – please visit www.chilliwackchamber.com where you can conveniently purchase online. 

I’m very pleased to report that the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce was invited to, and attended the annual mid-year large Chamber meeting held in Vancouver this year.  The meeting was an excellent opportunity for the Chamber to voice the concerns and opinions of our members in a closed door session with government officials.  We are looking forward to tracking the policies and recommendations we have contributed, and are in the process of soliciting feedback for additional policy submissions at our annual general meeting in 2010.

On a Provincial level, the Chamber is encouraged that the Province has announced the HST new housing rebate threshold will be increased from $400,000 to $525,000.  With this announced increase – British Columbia now has the highest maximum provincial rebate in Canada.  While many challenges still surround the implementation – this is indeed a step in the right direction.  We look forward to the Province continuing to work with the Chamber, and other industry groups on real mitigation factors surrounding HST.

I am excited to be continuing the role as Chamber President for the 2010-2011 year, and I want to remind all future Chamber members that the payoff and rewards of membership are well worth the effort.  As I said when I took over this role in July, there has never been a better time to be a Chamber member in Chilliwack.  We are the trusted ‘Voice of Business’.

Best Regards,

Jason Lum
President
Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce

What does a Chamber do anyways? Thoughts? Feedback? Ideas? Comment away!!!