The local chamber is hosting 91原创鈥檚 newly elected MLAs during a virtual dinner meeting later this month to discuss issues critical to the business community, while also providing an online opportunity to network.
Greater 91原创 Chamber of Commerce鈥檚 virtual dinner meeting, on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 4:30 p.m., will begin with a virtual networking event and then lead to presentations from 91原创 East MLA Megan Dykeman and 91原创 MLA Andrew Mercier, who have one key message they hope to share.
Their door is always open.
鈥淪mall- and medium-sized businesses want to know that they鈥檙e supported and that the government is there,鈥� said Dykeman.
鈥淎s an MLA, I want to make sure that our small- and medium-sized businesses know that is something we鈥檙e committed to.鈥�
And 91原创鈥檚 new MLAs believe that support comes, in part, in the form of the NDP鈥檚 business recovery grants that offers up to $30,000 to businesses impacted by COVID-19.
READ MORE: B.C. offers $7,500 grants for small business online sales help
When the province first introduced its grant program, Dykeman said she delivered letters to local businesses within her riding to inform them of the support.
It鈥檚 a letter Mercier鈥檚 constituents can expect as well, in the days to come.
鈥淚鈥檓 sending out 2,000 letters to businesses in 91原创 City this week with information about how to subscribe to that,鈥� he said ahead of the virtual chamber meeting.
鈥淭imes are tough, things are constantly evolving. I think folks need to know that their elected representative is here, and if they have concerns鈥� my door is open, and raise them with me.鈥�
If you have a business in watch your mailbox over the next week for this letter on B.C.'s Small and Medium Size Recovery Grant Program!
鈥� Andrew Mercier (@AndrewMercierBC)
This program provides non-repayable grants to small and medium businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Dykeman says she also plans to share information about the B.C. Business COVID-19 support services, an online resource that provides answers to questions and information about support available to businesses from the federal and provincial governments, as well as community partners.
And, she intends to further discuss the province鈥檚 StrongerBC plan and the BC Restart Plan.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an opportunity to reintroduce myself to the chamber as an MLA,鈥� Dykeman said, 鈥淢ost people know me as a business owner and [school] trustee and board chair, but I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself and send a message that we鈥檙e accessible, and were supportive and committed.鈥�
鈥淚t鈥檚 no secret that COVID-19 this past year has been so difficult, it鈥檚 been challenging. And our small and medium sized businesses truly are the backbone of our community,鈥� she elaborated.
Similarly, Mercier says his key priorities for the meeting will be addressing public health and economic recovery.
He also hopes to discuss major transit infrastructure and childcare, as well.
To register for the meeting visit: .
The chamber has also partnered with the local Moxie鈥檚 (8828 201 St. S) restaurant to provide meals for the virtual meeting. Those attending the virtual meeting have the option to buy and pickup a meal from Moxies ahead of the event.
Participants can select from a menu of four dinner options available at the . Dinner orders close at 12 p.m. on Feb. 12. The dinners are optional, although Mercier and Dykeman said they will both be supporting the local business that evening.
In the meantime, Mercier can be reached by email at andrew.mercier.MLA@leg.bc.ca or by phone at 250-
To reach Dkyeman, she can be contacted via email megan.dykeman.MLA@leg.bc.ca or called at 250-
joti.grewal@blackpress.ca
Like us on and follow us on .
