Abbotsford News
Friday, October 16, 2015
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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
w w w . a b b o t s f o r d c h a m b e r . c o m Monthly publication brought to you courtesy of our Media Partner:
Business Matters
Small business in B.C. makes up almost one third of the province’s economy. As a result, it is imperative that the needs and concerns of this important sector are represented to senior levels of government when creating legislation and policy affecting the business community. As the “Voice of Business” it is imperative that we communicate on a continuous basis with municipal, regional, provincial and federal levels of government and act as an advocate, not just for our members, but on behalf of all business in the community. As an example, the Chamber approached the City with a list of specific initiatives to boost local business. This resulted in our participation in the “Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Prosperity” which delivered an Economic Development Action Plan to Council. One of the initiatives acted on in this report was the creation of a more autonomous Economic Development Department in the City to direct
business expansion and retention. More recently, the Chamber vigorously opposed preliminary changes to local ridings recommended by the Provincial Electoral Boundaries Commission. Our detailed submission to the Commission, which was echoed by the City and other stakeholders in the community, resulted in changes in the Final Report that will preserve our strong local representation in Victoria. As a member of the BC Chamber of Commerce, the Abbotsford Chamber is part of active advocacy to support small businesses, including: • The creation of and implementation of B.C.’s Small Business Accord; • Cutting red tape by taking thousands of businesses out of the MMBC recycling regulation and working to implement mobile business licences in regions across the province;
• Continued advocacy for lower municipal business taxes. These are just a few examples of action taken by the Abbotsford Chamber in its role as an advocate for business. Moving forward, the Chamber is working on a number of initiatives to create more engagement with members to identifying priority concerns and effective solutions to enhance the success of business in Abbotsford. Starting in October, watch for a new monthly Chamber publication titled “BUSINESS MATTERS”, which will discuss issues and ideas affecting business and detail the current advocacy activities of the Abbotsford Chamber.
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Friday, October 16, 2015
Abbotsford News
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
abbotsfordchamber.com
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE:
Chamber Celebrates Small Business Month As B.C. marks Small Business Month this October, the Abbotsford Chamber is celebrating the vital role small businesses play in Abbotsford and in B.C. There were approximately 382,600 small businesses operating in B.C. in 2014, representing about 98% of all business in the province. Around 4 out of every 5 of these small businesses were micro-businesses with fewer than 5 employees. An estimated 1,010,800 people work in small business in B.C. - these jobs accounted for 54% of private sector employment in the province. B.C. small businesses generated approximately 33% of the province’s Gross Domestic Product in 2014, well above the national average of 30% and highest of the
provinces. More than three quarters of all businesses in the province are in service sector industries. In the small business service
sector, the largest concentration is in business and professional services, which in 2014 accounted for 22% of all B.C. small
businesses. “Small businesses make up a major part of Abbotsford’s business community and play a critical role in driving our local economy and creating jobs,” said Chamber President Josh Bach. “Small Business Month is a great opportunity for our community to celebrate these hard-working businesses that bring great ideas and entrepreneurial spirit to our city.” The Chamber encourages Abbotsford residents to demonstrate their support for small businesses by shopping, buying and eating local, and be sure to support your favourite small business by attending our Business Excellence Awards on November 26, 2015.
NEW BUSINESSES: Mark Dana DIRECTOR
Sara Lawson DIRECTOR
David Sheach DIRECTOR
Brad Friesen DIRECTOR
Hilary Beard DIRECTOR
Parm Sidhu DIRECTOR
Dave Miller DIRECTOR
Mark Warkentin DIRECTOR
The Abbotsford Chamber would like to welcome the following businesses: Becoming a member of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce provides substantial benefits to generate more business and reach the heart of your community. • Transform Compost Systems ................................. 604-856-2722 • Integra Law Group ................................................... 604-859-7187 • Carolyn Carson Sutton Group ............................... 778-878-4687 • Luminate Wellness .................................................. 604-807-4846 • Restore Homeopathic Clinic .................................. 604-302-8413 • Colour and Company .............................................. 604-556-3309 • Mt. Lehman Vegetable Farm ................................. 604-856-3360 • Griffin Contracting & Flooring ............................... 778-990-4128 • Grace Tabernacle ..................................................... 604-302-9113 • David Corrie Realtor ................................................ 604-897-1454 • Tsang Family Dentistry ........................................... 604-853-1388 • Cascade Aerospace Ltd. .......................................... 604-850-7372 • Backyard Vineyards ................................................. 604-539-9463 • Lal Chartered Professional Accountant Ltd. ........ 778-878-4276 • Jeff Graham ............................................................... 604-755-4991 • Intertek Testing Services ......................................... 604-528-8739
• Quadra Homes .......................................................... 604-855-4973 • Brodeur’s Bistro ........................................................ 604-746-5900 • I.G. Management Solutions .................................... 778-240-5002 • Hanna’s Lashes & Sugaring .................................... 604-897-4704 • Tri Link Systems Inc. ................................................ 604-864-9106 • CDW & Associates – RE/Max Little Oak Realty .... 778-549-8555
Glass is beautiful.
Anyway you look at it! • Unique Giftware • Custom Pieces • Studio Tours
Stu McIntosh DIRECTOR
Melinda Friesen DIRECTOR
2015
CHAMBER
TEAM MEMBERS
Allan Asaph
La Vonne Bandsma
allan@abbotsfordchamber.com
Lavonne@ abbotsfordchamber.com
Carole Jorgensen
Duncan D’Mello
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EVENT COORDINATOR
Carole@ abbotsfordchamber.com
OFFICE MANAGER
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT REP.
Duncan@ abbotsfordchamber.com
UPCOMING
CHAMBER EVENTS BUSINESS AFTER BUSINESS DATE: Tuesday, October 27 LOCATION: CIBC Sevenoaks Banking Centre TIME: 5:30pm – 7:00pm C H A M B E R LU N C H E O N – B U I L D I N G L O YA LT Y THROUGH CUSTOMER TRANSACTIONS DATE: Thursday, November 5 LOCATION: The Rancho TIME: 11:30am – 1:30pm GOOD MORNING ABBOTSFORD – S T O P L E C T U R I N G , START COMMUNICATING DATE: Thursday, November 19 LOCATION: Phoenix Ballroom TIME: 8:00am – 9:30am
• Supplies • Classes
30273 Canary Court • 604-615-6902 ellen@glasshive.ca • www.glasshive.ca
Abbotsford News
Friday, October 16, 2015
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
Plastic Works Adding Value to Plastics
abbotsfordchamber.com
Friendly Staff and Service for your plastic needs! Fabrication
Adhesives
Sheet Plastics Bottles/Caps
Business in Black dazzled with a fun performance at the 2014 Business Excellence Awards.
Join us for an evening of pure excellence en blanc! Presented by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and The Abbotsford News. The 20th Annual Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards will be held on Thursday, November 26th at Tradex (1190 Cornell Street). Welcome reception starts at 5:30pm, followed by dinner, entertainment and awards presentations. The Business Excellence Awards recognizes outstanding organizations and individuals in Abbotsford that strive for excellence in our community. This year, we will give twelve awards to exceptional Abbotsford-based
businesses and entrepreneurs. Battle of “Business In Black” kicks off the evening! Featured entertainment presented by Groove Force Productions “Flight”. A lucky guest will win a flight for two anywhere in Canada donated by WestJet. Purchase your tickets online at www. abbotsfordchamber.com or by calling the Chamber Office at 604-859-9651. Tickets are assigned to tables, so the sooner you register the better seats you will have. Tickets are available for $75 each or a table of 8 for $575 (plus GST).
HOME OF THE AJAC TRUCK OF THE YEAR!
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Monday - Friday 8:30am-5pm #102 30468 Great Northern Ave. • plasticworks.ca
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS! Selling, buying or leasing a vehicle? We know you are busy, so let the experts help find what you are looking for.
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604.856.9000 www.msaford.com 604.853.2293 MISSION
Highway 1 - Mt Lehman Exit - Fraser Valley Auto Mall MON - THURS • 8:30am - 8pm | FRI & SAT • 8:30am - 6pm | SUNDAY • CLOSED
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