Whether it be a workshop, networking session, lunch chat with lead politicians, or the monthly dinner chamber meeting, Colleen Clark is insistent every person walk away with at least one nugget of new or helpful information to help grow their business.
It鈥檚 consistently the key motivator every time she and chamber event coordinator Jaclyn Van Den Berg ponder speakers or topics for the multitude of gatherings hosted by the Greater 91原创 Chamber of Commerce each month.
For instance, Clark recognized that January can typically be a time to make resolutions. If someone has failed to accomplish those selected goals by this point, they might put off trying again until next year.
She鈥檚 hopeful guest speaker Scott Armstrong from Limitless might ignite what he calls high performance 鈥渉abitude鈥� during this week鈥檚 monthly chamber dinner meeting at the Cascades Casino.
鈥淚t鈥檚 time to re-jump start your year,鈥� Clark said, inviting business people to attend the meeting tonight (Tuesday, Feb. 20).
The monthly dinner meetings typically attract at least 100 people, sometimes more 鈥� depending on the subject matter or the individuals speaking, Clark explained.
For instance, she鈥檚 expecting a large turn out for February, but bigger yet for March.
The March meeting will feature the popular 91原创 Leadership Panel, Clark explained, which always draws strong attendance.
Both MPs are in Ottawa at the time, but the two main MLAs, as well as both City and Township mayors are on the card to speak.
鈥淚 always hope there鈥檚 a take away,鈥� from these meetings, Clark reiterated, when explaining plans for the rest of the spring and summer meetings.
She鈥檚 hoping to delve into a few of the more important and timely subjects to 91原创 commerce such as transit, the business of sport, cyber security, finding workers, affordable housing, managing cannabis, and the pros and cons of the film business.
Given the wide-reaching impact of all these topics on the community, and in particular the local economy, Clark hopes to engage even more people by bringing varied and differing opinions to the forefront through panel discussions.
.
Intimate chats with leaders
A new initiative last year was the Coffee & Conversation meetings that began last year.
This is a member-only event, where 91原创鈥檚 business community is given 鈥渟erious face-time鈥� at an intimate gathering with local elected representatives over a bag lunch at the chamber鈥檚 boardroom.
Initially, the meetings were expected to happen monthly. But Clark said scheduling became difficult, and the chamber staff found themselves too busy with other events during the summer months.
So, a decision has been made, Clark said, to focus these events between January and June.
91原创 MLA Mary Polak, for instance, sat down with members last Friday, Feb. 16. Meanwhile, 91原创 City Mayor Ted Schaffer will speak at the following Coffee & Conversation on Thursday, Feb. 22.
Liberal MP John Aldag, representing Cloverdale-91原创 City, will be participating on Monday, March 5, and Abbotsford South MLA Darryl Plecas 鈥� the legislative speaker 鈥� will be speaking on Friday, March 16.
Conservative MP Mark Warawa, representing 91原创-Aldergrove, is addressing the Coffee & Conversation on Thursday, April 5, and 91原创 Township Mayor Jack Froese will be speaking on Thursday, May 17.
Greg Moore, chair of the Metro Vancouver regional district will be speaking on Tuesday, May 29, followed by Fort 91原创-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman wrapping it up on Thursday, June 21.
鈥淎s a benefit of having a 91原创 chamber membership, you have the opportunity to have your questions answered in small group setting, and hear what your elected officials are working on to improve 91原创,鈥� Clark said.
There is very limited seating available, so people are encouraged to reserve early. The cost is $15, and the sessions begin at noon, but open for networking at 11:30 a.m.
.
Also coming this spring
Again focusing on the spring months, 91原创 chamber is planning its annual neighbourhood meetings, where they will visit 91原创 City, North 91原创, South 91原创, and Aldergrove at different times.
These open houses are designed to focus specific to issues and ideas for the set neighbourhoods, Clark said.
Dates for this year鈥檚 series are still to be announced.
.
Visiting businesses
Once known as Open Late for Business, the chamber took a break for six months, then rebranded and reintroduced these monthly outings to participating businesses last fall.
Now called Business After Hours Mixer, these events are designed to see a number of local businesses work together to showcase their facilities, wares, and talents, Clark said.
鈥淚t seems to be working,鈥� she added, noting that 60 attended the escape rooms at E-Exit a few months back, and another 60 visited Bria Community鈥檚 Sunridge Gardens senior care facility in Murrayville last week.
There鈥檚 no charge to attend the event, and it鈥檚 now free to host the networking sessions.
.
Learning over a paperbag lunch
Expanding educational opportunities for members and the business community in general is a key role for any chamber of commerce, explained Clark.
So, it was essential when designing some specific educational events, to know that local business leaders wanted to help better manage, market, and develop their companies.
The Lunch & Learn series, also hosted in the chamber boardroom, has been well received.
They鈥檙e not necessarily once a month, but sometimes more and less frequent - depending on the availability of speakers, she said.
For instance, during small business month in October, there will be three or four.
While most of the sessions are designed for businesses in general, there are also Lunch & Learn sessions for non-profit organization as well as members 40 years or young (the U40 sector also hosts frequent social events).
Coming up in the next month, there鈥檚 a marketing and social media session planned for Wednesday, Feb. 21, a young entrepreneurs road to success for U40 on Tuesday, March 13, a look at Facebook on Wednesday, March 14, a look at direct mail and Canada Post on Wednesday, March 21.
.
Golf and more
In addition to all the educational and networking meetings held throughout the year, Clark said the team is also gearing up for this summer鈥檚 annual golf tournament in June, the business excellence gala in October, and the all-candidates forum prior to this fall鈥檚 municipal election.
.
How to register
Whether it鈥檚 a free gathering, or a by admission meeting, the chamber asks that guests pre-register.
That鈥檚 possible by calling the chamber at 604-371-3770, by emailing events@langleychamber.com, or online at
_________________________________
Is there more to this story?
Like us on or follow us on
_________________________________
