NOTE: The province of B.C. has once again declared a week in February as Chamber of Commerce Week. This year, it runs Feb. 12 to 16, and the 91Ô­´´ Advance Times worked with the Greater 91Ô­´´ Chamber of Commerce to put together a series of stories to inform people in 91Ô­´´ about the local business organization and what it does to bolster and advocate for companies in this community.

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By Cory Redekop/Special to 91Ô­´´ Advance Times

At a time when people seem more divided than ever, where people are in their own silos, and the algorithms only let you see people you already agree with, organizations like the 91Ô­´´ chamber – that can bring together the broader community – have never been more important.

One of the key functions of the 91Ô­´´ chamber – 91Ô­´´â€™s largest business association – is to be a platform where the breadth and diversity of the business community can come together, meet, connect, and collaborate.

While there will always be groups that serve a specific sector or neighbourhood well, I think there is a need for places like the chamber, which can convene everyone – from across sectors and neighbourhoods and business sizes – to have a seat at the same table.

And in a community as fast growing as 91Ô­´´, with 300+ people moving here every month, the chamber is striving to ensure these new 91Ô­´´ residents – and the businesses they start or bring here – are welcomed and included in the broader business community.

The chamber works hard to get out into the community and meet businesses where they are.

In fact, one of the perks of working at the chamber is being able to find so many fascinating businesses that are doing incredible things and, then share these success stories with the broader community.

In a community that’s as diverse and growing as 91Ô­´´, around every corner you’ll find intrepid, hard-working businesses making, creating, and doing incredible things.

Uncovering these hidden gems, sharing their successes, and connecting them with others is key to stitching together a business community that’s growing as fast as ours is.

The chamber also works hard to invite the business community to connect with us, through our events.

The chamber’s events portfolio provides 50 opportunities throughout the year for local businesses to meet and connect.

Whether while touring a local brewery at one of our 91Ô­´´ business mixers, over dinner and discussion at one of our speaker events, or on the greens at the always-popular chamber golf tournament – no matter the event or program you can be guaranteed to find a welcoming, inclusive community waiting for you.

And that is because the culture at the chamber is always one of relationships-first.

We coach our members on the importance of building real connections with one another first, creating a foundation upon which to hopefully do business.

At the chamber, we understand the power of our more than 1,000 member businesses looking to one another first, supporting one another, and doing business with one another, and the positive impacts that kind of community can have.

So even with more than 1,000 members, it is through those individual relationships that we’re building community one business at a time.

– Cory Redekop is CEO of the Greater 91Ô­´´ Chamber of Commerce

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