Abbotsford News Friday, April 17, 2015
A47
myBusiness E N G AG I N G C O N S U M E R S • B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
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Emergency Preparedness Week When it comes to preparing for disaster, there is often emphasis on creating an escape plan for home, but what about an emergency plan at work – a place where most people spend the majority of their day? The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce wants to help businesses become more aware of potential catastrophes and how to handle them. The effectiveness of a Business Continuity Plan before a disaster can mean the difference between success and failure of an enterprise’s survival. Emergency Preparedness week is May 3 - 9. Join the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce for a variety of events to help prepare for an emergency, including evacuation planning for high-rise/office buildings and churches with a presentation by Martin Sunderland of the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service. The
Chamber
is
also
hosting a breakfast on May 5 with a presentation by Glen Magel, director of safety, security and emergency management at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. The presentation will increase awareness on the types of hazards a business could face, identify the steps to prepare for a disaster and outline how to remain operational during the business’s recovery process. “We never plan for bad things to happen, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take steps to reduce the financial loss and devastating emotional impact that can result from an emergency situation,” says Abbotsford Chamber President Josh Bach. “Small business is particularly at risk, and yet many business owners have never taken the time to consider ways to protect their investment and major source of income. That’s why we felt this seminar is of critical
importance to the business community.”
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The most common hazards to businesses are fire, flood and water damage. Assistant Fire Chief and Hazmat Specialist, Dave Rivett, says there is much work to be done to bring awareness to businesses on disaster preparedness. “We believe that the majority of businesses are not adequately prepared,” he says. “A good example of being prepared would be to properly back up files and documents in a safe location; and good housekeeping and maintenance practices can possibly prevent some events such as fires from occurring.” The importance of a good, well-organized emergency plan can provide the opportunity for a business to recover and remain in business following a disaster. For more information visit abbotsford.ca/evacuation or register for our event at abbotsfordchamber.com.
Chamber luncheon welcomes a special guest speaker The Abbotsford Chamber is excited to have Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO, as the guest speaker at their upcoming Chamber luncheon. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 28 at the Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre and is presented in partnership with the Abbotsford International Airport. GREGG SARETSKY
In a recent news release, WestJet applauded the leadership of the
Abbotsford International Airport for dropping its airport improvement fee (AIF) by fifty per cent, and eliminating fees for aircraft parking, bridge fees and bag-handling. A reduction in fees is welcome as WestJet Encore adds one daily flight between Edmonton and Abbotsford beginning June 15, 2015, increasing overall service to three daily flights.
“The leadership demonstrated by Abbotsford International Airport sets a standard we hope others will follow,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. “When airports and airlines are strategically aligned, that partnership benefits everyone involved. Airports that help us keep operational costs low also allow us to keep fares competitive and stimulate network and fleet growth. Our
business is built upon growing markets or creating new ones with low fares and a great guest experience. Airports like Abbotsford recognize they will grow if we grow, and its actions today demonstrate a willingness to walk the walk.” To register for the event, please visit the Chamber’s website www. abbotsfordchamber.com.
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A48 Abbotsford News Friday, April 17, 2015
myBusiness
Monthly publication brought to you courtesy of our Media Partner:
E N G AG I N G C O N S U M E R S • B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
2015
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS Joshua Bach PRESIDENT
Kenda Allen
VICE PRESIDENT
Brandon Kelley TREASURER
Mark Dana
Hilary Beard
Sara Lawson
Parm Sidhu
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
abbotsfordchamber.com
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The mission of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is to represent, serve and connect our 700+ members to build and sustain a thriving business community. To do this we focus our actions on three key strategic objectives: Advocate, Benefit, Connect. ADVOCATE - A vital function our Chamber fulfills is Advocacy. We work hard to understand the issues affecting your business and we lobby on your behalf to all levels of government. Our committees are made up of engaged members who fully explore issues and develop policy and position papers that make recommendations for change. Most recently, the Chamber was a driving force behind the creation of the mobile business license, which eliminates the need for business licenses in each municipality. Now, a business can purchase one license in their home municipality and then carry on business in participating
jurisdictions. Furthermore, our member-to-member (M2M) we have recently concluded savings allowing you to earn participation in the Mayor’s Task considerable discounts while Force on Economic Prosperity. supporting local business. The task force, which included CONNECT Lastly, but Chamber representatives, perhaps most importantly, our examined areas where we can networking events allow you grow our economy to connect with by attracting new other local business investment to and community Abbotsford while leaders. Come out to supporting the one of our monthly growth of our Business After existing business Business events base. As you where you can tour can see, your a local business, membership has sample great food JOSHUA BACH a great impact and beverages and on improving the network with approximately business climate in Abbotsford. 80-90 Chamber members and BENEFITS - Our knowledgeable guests. Our monthly luncheons and helpful staff can show you allow you to make a deeper with Chamber the growing list of member connection benefits that will provide a members and learn from firstcompetitive advantage for your rate speakers. In addition to our organization. Health and Dental monthly networking events, we plans, fuel discounts and a wide hold an annual golf tournament, variety of business services are trade show, agriculture bus available. Don’t forget about tour and Business Excellence
Awards. Your membership gives you many different ways to promote yourself and make critical connections to further grow and develop your business. If you are new to the Chamber, please remember, the greater your involvement, the bigger the return on your investment. It takes time to understand all that the Chamber can do for your operation and to make connections with local business and community leaders. I encourage you to remain engaged and seriously consider participation on a committee. I am pleased and honoured to be your President at this exciting time of growth for our City. We welcome your feedback and look forward to hearing from you during the year. Our members are the foundation of the Abbotsford Chamber and together we will continue to be “The Voice of Business” in Abbotsford.
NEW BUSINESSES:
The Abbotsford Chamber would like to welcome the following businesses: David Sheach DIRECTOR
Dave Miller DIRECTOR
Brad Friesen
Mark Warkentin
Stu McIntosh
Melinda Friesen
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
2015
CHAMBER
TEAM MEMBERS
Allan Asaph
La Vonne Bandsma
allan@abbotsfordchamber.com
Lavonne@ abbotsfordchamber.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OFFICE MANAGER
Becoming a member of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce provides substantial benefits to generate more business and reach the heart of your community. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
A-1 Pro Plumbing and Heating Ltd. Advantage Refinishing (Div. of Kolff Holding Ltd.) Aldo Garza Avon-Leah Ent. Ltd. Valley Mobile Powerwash Blueridge Taphouse & Grill C POS System Corp. Clayburn Berry Village Countdown Escape Rooms Fu Chun Ho HSBC Bank Canada Investors Group Financial Services Inc. JB Spotless Janitorial Services Kazuta Kawashima Kulwinder S. Dheria Lifestyle Transformations Little Hands Learning Centre Marshall Aerospace Canada Inc. Michael Auld Moroz Enterprises Ltd. NorthBridge Consultants Otter Co-op @ Blue Jay
UPCOMING LUNCHEON WITH GREGG S A R E T S K Y, P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O, W E S TJ E T
Carole Jorgensen
EVENT COORDINATOR
Carole@ abbotsfordchamber.com
Duncan D’Mello
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT REP.
Duncan@ abbotsfordchamber.com
DATE: Tuesday, April 28 LOCATION: Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre TIME: 11:30am – 1:30pm
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Otter Co-op @ Mt. Lehman Otter Co-op @ Ross Road Otter Co-op Pharmacy Otter Co-op Produce/Convenience Store Pacific Coast Articulated Truck Ltd. Pagliaro Projects Ltd. Paradise Building Maintenance Ltd. Primex LED Prism PC Inc. Stratum Systems Progressive Waste Solutions Canada Inc. Pumperguys.ca Rick Barkwell Rockweld Farm Ltd. Sean Davis - RBC Dominion Securities Sticky’s Candy Sumas Mtn. Chiropractic and Wellness The Business Nanny Valley Realty - Abbotsford Waterstone Law Group LLP Western Pacific Engineering Group Ltd.
CHAMBER EVENTS P R E PA R E YO U R BUSINESS TO SUCCEED IN TIMES OF DISASTER DATE: Tuesday, May 5 LOCATION: Cascade Community Church TIME:
8:00am – 9:30am
LUNCHEON – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE CITY OF ABBOTSFORD DATE:
Wednesday, May 13
LOCATION: Sandman Hotel & Suites TIME:
11:30am – 1:30pm
Abbotsford News Friday, April 17, 2015
myBusiness
A49
Monthly publication brought to you courtesy of our Media Partner:
E N G AG I N G C O N S U M E R S • B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
abbotsfordchamber.com
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