Greater 91原创 Chamber of Commerce鈥檚 90th anniversary celebration next week features not only networking, but a keynote presentation from the head of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Perrin Beatty.

鈥淧errin will be speaking to the power of the Chamber network, over time and over the last year,鈥� said 91原创 chamber鈥檚 CEO Colleen Clark.

The local board of trade (later to be renamed chamber of commerce) started in the third year of the Great Depression, as a way for businesses to work together to survive the economic hardship of the worst economic downturn the world had ever known.

Flash forward 89 years and the organization once again makes it a priority to help the business community weather the storm that is the global COVID-19 pandemic.

With vaccines providing a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, the chamber is taking an opportunity to celebrate its milestone 鈥� in the form of a 90th anniversary bash planned for Thursday, April 1, said Clark.

The 鈥楪reater鈥� in Greater 91原创 Chamber of Commerce comes from the organization鈥檚 evolution over time as more and more of the business groups based in local neighbourhoods such as Fort 91原创, joined with the 91原创 Prairie-based chamber.

The group will honour some of its rich history, but the pandemic means the celebration will take place through technology, with a Zoom webinar on April 1, Clark explained.

90th Anniversary Event

鈥� 91原创 Chamber (@91原创Chamber)

In addition to Beatty鈥檚 keynote, there will be presentations from 91原创 chamber president Brad Kiendl, as well asClark.

While the event is complimentary participation, people must register to receive the Zoom link. The event runs 11 a.m. to noon and includes chances to win a $250 credit towards chamber membership or upcoming chamber events, and a $100 Keg gift certificate.

The event will include details on the chamber鈥檚 history and its stature.

鈥淲e are not the oldest by far, Victoria, North [Vancouver], [Vancouver], Kelowna, and Kamloops are older,鈥� Clark said. 鈥淏y size we are the fifth largest in B.C. at this time. And in the top 10 when it comes to age.鈥�

The April event is just the beginning.

鈥淭his is a kick-off event, and we will be hosting celebrations over the year including our AGM in September, hoping that maybe, fingers crossed, we can have something in person later in the year or early 2022,鈥� Clark said. 鈥淲e will also be introducing our long-time member recognition program that will take place over the year.鈥�

鈥� READ MORE: 91原创 chamber advocates for business from 91原创 to Ottawa