2021 Annual Report
Our Mission
The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce is a proven partner that connects, supports, and advocates for the Kamloops Business Community.
Our Vision
The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce is indispensable to the success of the Kamloops Business Community.
Our Values
Inclusive | Leadership | Collaborative | Member Focused
2021 STRATEGIC PLAN
President's Message
2021 marked the 125th Anniversary of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. We had such great plans for 2021 and what a year it was. In many ways, 2021 proved even more turbulent and challenging than 2020 for our regional businesses and our community. Not only did Covid continue to crash over us wave upon wave, but Mother Nature visited upon us serious and devastating fires and floods which impacted us all. Throughout, I was so very proud of the work of our Chamber team. We took on every challenge with energy, determination, creativity and compassion – always striving to support our members and our community, providing the information, guidance, advocacy and support that was needed to help overcome each and every hurdle we faced.
Through the Kamloops Chamber’s proven and structured policy process, the Board brought forward 3 proposed policy resolutions that were successfully passed at the BC Chamber and Canadian Chamber policy conventions. The Board approved 6 letters of support for members and provided advocacy on behalf of our members in the fitness industry, those impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, and businesses impacted by social challenges. In addition to this advocacy work, our Board and Executive Director met with government officials at every level. In 2021 we engaged in meetings with, our local MLA’s Todd Stone and Peter Milobar, Provincial Ministers of Finance, Agriculture, and Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation and the Federal Housing Minister along with Canada’s Commissioner for Employers.
Our Chamber, as always, stood as the “Voice of Business” engaging in dozens of radio, TV, and print media interviews over the course of the year to ensure that our member’s feedback and concerns were being broadcast to a wider audience. And even though the pandemic again forced us to veer from some of our traditional programming, we were still able to pull off some in person social events, and we held our very successful 35th Business Excellence Awards with long awaited face to face connectivity.
With the Omicron wave subsiding, I am optimistic that 2022 will allow us to continue our march back to full in person programming and events and showcase the power and enjoyment of full Chamber membership. I am also confident that our region and our business community will continue to thrive as we speed toward more prosperous times ahead, and our Chamber will play a key role in getting us there.
As your President, I regret not being able to meet more of you in person over the past year as opportunities were so limited. Even so, it has been a great honour to serve as President with this Board of Directors and to work so closely with Acacia and her dynamic team. As many of you already know from personal experience, our Chamber is so very fortunate to have such a talented and passionate team supporting our members.
I look forward to continuing my involvement with the Chamber next year as Past President and as an active member for years to come.
Dan Carroll
Board President
2021 – 2022
About Us:
Kamloops is home to a thriving business collective fuelled by our Members. As the voice of the business community at home and abroad, we advocate for the economic development of our region, while being a champion for our ever-evolving community where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet.
Members of the Kamloops Chamber are mechanics, baristas, bankers, and friends. The Chamber is committed to building bridges and to strengthen our growing community. Our team is always on the hunt to seek out intentional partnerships and innovative ideas that will lead us into the future.
Building your business is our business. We are your business connection.
21 Events
627 Members
64 New Members
9 Activated Policies
5 Committees
2 Task Forces
11,262 Social Media Followers
15 Grand Openings
5 Corporate Partners
Highlights of 2021
We welcomed three new team members!
Karan Parmar, Communications Specialist
Kathryn Giroday, Administrative Assistant
Brian Jones, Development and Membership Manager
Hosted
28 Events
with
693
attendees
Hosted round tables with Government officials, including:
Conducted
Business Walks
in downtown Kamloops, the North Shore, Valleyview and Sahali
(See the results here)
Welcomed
64 New Members
Submitted re-certification and upheld status as an
Accredited Chamber of Commerce
Worked to provide
meaningful member connection,
like facilitating introductions for programs like - Master's students help local businesses understand carbon footprint (connections made)
2021 Board of Directors
Highly trained, sophisticated group of dedicated business leaders. Following the policy governance model, they ensure the organization has solid strategic goals that are achieved in an efficient and effective manner.
Executive
Kate Stebbings
1st Vice President
Regional Lead, Stakeholder Engagement & Communications
Abhinav Ashok
Treasurer
Independent
Senior Client Manager
Directors
Rick Welch
Director
Strategic Sales Director, Social & Affordable Housing Programs
Staff
Acacia Pangilinan
Executive Director
Brian Jones
Manager, Development and Membership
Nic Zdunich
Manager, External Relations & Strategic Communications
Kathryn Giroday
Administrative Assistant
Deanna Groess
Executive Assistant
Karan Parmar
Communications Specialist
Corporate Partners
Community Partnerships
Business Advocacy Committee 2021 Annual Report:
Mandate: To represent the interests of our membership to government through the development of official positions and/or policies
Co-Chairs: Alicia Glaicar, Colin O’Leary
Participants: Ab Ashok, Brant Hasanen (Past President), Cindy Piva, Daniel Carroll, Kate Stebbings, Mickael Maddison, Mike Henry, Nicholas Adams, Phillip Stagg-Tanner, Rick Welch, Sara Lawson, Tim Shoults, Tyson Andrykew (Past President), Acacia Pangilinan, Chamber Liaison Mayor Ken Christian
Goals for 2022:
Identify notification process for working group opportunities
Develop an orientation session for working groups
Develop training process for the committee
Begin building a municipal policy manual
Deliver a minimum of two policies per quarter to the board for consideration
Strengthen relationships with all levels of government to enhance the perception of the chamber as a valuable resource
Become more proactive and vocal on local prominent issues
Through the Kamloops Chamber’s proven and structured policy process, the Board brought forward 3 proposed policy resolutions that were successfully passed at the BC Chamber and Canadian Chamber policy conventions.
| Policy Resolutions | LEAD | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
| Unlocking the Potential of Nurses to Increase Access to Primary Healthcare | Director and Business Advocacy Committee Co-Chair Colin O'Leary | Successfully passed at the BC Chamber level |
| Made in Canada - Inclusive Tax Policy Process (ITPP) | Past President Brant Hasanen | Successfully passed at the Canadian Chamber level |
| Establishment of the First Nations Infrastructure Institue | Past President Brant Hasanen | On the books at Canadian Chamber |
In addition to creating policy resolutions to bring forward through the Chamber network, the Kamloops Chamber advocates to and engages with each level of government on behalf of it’s membership. For each topic of concern, the approaches vary by what is most effective and/or requested by the membership.
Municipal Government Engagement and Advocacy:
Served as a partner through YKAStrong and fulfilled recommendations as laid out in the Mayor’s Economic Recovery and Renewal Report.
Served as an industry stakeholder for the City of Kamloops EV Ready Policy and hosted member roundtable to facilitate dialogue on EV-Ready Policy
Served as an industry stakeholder for the City of Kamloops Community Climate Action Plan and hosted Facebook Live discussion regarding the Plan
Served as a stakeholder on the North Shore Plan Advisory Group
Released Statement from the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce regarding fitness and wellness businesses
Selected as Service Delivery Partner for the City of Kamloops’ Vandalism Grant Program
Provincial Government Engagement and Advocacy:
Crafted letter to Minister Kahlon regarding BC’s Restart Plan
Letter to Premier John Horgan and Mental Health and Addictions Minister to discuss our community challenges
Provided a positive statement on the introduction of the vaccination passport to keep our economy open
Participated in Provincial Budget Consultation and brought forward Unlocking the Potential of Nurses to Increase Access to Primary Healthcare policy recommendations
Brought forward Thompson Okanagan perspective in BC Chamber of Commerce Policy Consultation with Province of BC
Federal Government Engagement and Advocacy:
During the 2021 Federal Election, the Kamloops Chamber hosted a virtual election forum in partnership with Radio NL and Kamloops This Week.
In addition, the Chamber asked the candidates questions and released a video campaign on social media.
Frank Caputo
Jesse McCormick
Bill Sundhu
Bob O’Brien
Task Force(s)
Arts Community Task Force
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force
City of Kamloops recommendation(s)
See YKA Strong Report here
Roundtables
Roundtables hosted:
January – MLA
February – Hospitality
March – Arts & Culture
Roundtable with Minister Qualtrough
Kamloops MLA’s discuss Budget 2021
Roundtable with Minister Popham
In person roundtable with Minister Robinson
Corporate partner roundtable
Member roundtable
Roundtables participated in:
WestJet Restart Roundtable
Meeting with Minister Kahlon and Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation Industry
Federal Commissioner of Employers – Nancy Healy – regarding the EI opportunities and challenges
Labour Supply Discussion – Assistant Deputy Minister Rathbone, Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
Discussion with Mental Health and Addictions Assistant Deputy Minister
Sick Pay Legislation Question and Answer period with Provincial Government
Surveys
Pulse Check Survey in Q2
Culture Shift Survey 2.0: What do you want out of your local Chamber?
Proof Of Vaccine Mandate Survey
BC Vaccine Passport: How Has It Affected Your Business?
Federal Government Targeted Supports Survey: How will your business be affected?
Business Walks (See report here)
Letters of Support for Members
| The motion that “the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors provide a letter of support to A Way Home Kamloops for the housing project, “Katherine’s Place.” CARRIED. |
| The motion, “The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce provide a letter of support for the BC Urban Mayors’ Caucus 2020 Blueprint for British Columbia’s Urban Future” has CARRIED. |
| The motion “The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce provides a letter of support to the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association for their grant application to the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative for the Back Alley Activation project”. Has CARRIED. |
| Riverside Park Tourism Community Pilot Project. Has CARRIED. |
| To provide a letter of support to CN for the acquisition of Kansas City Southern (KCS)”. Has CARRIED. |
| The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce provide a letter of support to Tourism Kamloops for their Community Arts Grant Application. Has CARRIED. |
Awards Committee 2021 Annual Report:
Mandate: To annually review and enhance the Chamber’s awards programs.
Chair: Cindy Piva
Participants: Ab Ashok, Colin O’Leary, Mickael Maddison, Tim Shoults, Phillip Stagg-Tanner, Rick Welch, Acacia Pangilinan
Comments: The Awards Committee is tasked with reviewing and elevating the awards process for our Business Excellence gala and other events where we honour businesses, projects, and people with awards of excellence. The focus this year was to improve upon the hybrid event model at multiple locations.
Completed Goals:
Review the vetting process for the Selection Committee and make changes
Review the process for under-nominated awards
Review the process for over-nominated awards
Suggested & executed program modifications
Review the Business of the Year voting and formalize process
Develop a process for Business of the Year and how to create checks and balances
Continue to monitor the feasibility of the Awards Gala
Re-developed Criteria with stakeholders
Streamlined Nomination & Nominee Process
Executed RFP process to secure vendors to help bring vision to life in elevated hybrid model
Introduced new winners video campaign to benefit this years’ winners & businesses
Board development Committee 2021 Annual Report:
Mandate: To ensure the organizational effectiveness of the Board of Directors
Chair: Tim Shoults
Vice-Chair: Tyson Andrykew
Participants: Dan Carroll, Tyson Andrykew, Kate Stebbings Acacia Pangilinan
Completed Goals:
Arranged training for Board of Directors (liability insurance, governance, reading financial statements
Assigned Mentor Directors to ensure fulfillment and understanding of the Chamber organization
Reviewed and updated the Board evaluation questions and created form for Board to identify competencies and self assessment of skills to identify gaps and diversify expression of interest questions.
Completed the nominations process for proposed members for election to the Board.
Arranged Board tours via Kamloops Business Walks in all areas of the City
The following are nominated by the Board:
George Casimir, Community Futures Central Interior First Nations
Michael Martens, Rocky Mountaineer
The following Directors are presented for Re-Election:
Nicholas Adams, Riverdale Trailer Park
Ab Ashok, Independent
Alicia Glaicar, Gillespie & Company LLP
Sara Lawson, Schoening Funeral Services
Kate Stebbings, Trans Mountain Corporation
Organizational Sustainability Committee 2021 Annual Report:
Mandate: Provide proposals to the Board for addressing threats to the Chamber’s longer term sustainability in membership, financial and other aspects, including threats from changing demographics, business climate and competing interests.
Chair: Cindy Piva
Participants: Mickael Maddison, Alicia Glaicar, Brant Hasanen, Acacia Pangilinan
Completed Goals:
Explore future trends for sustainability and revenue streams
Ways to remain or improve relevance
Explore how we create a community of belonging and gathering
Redevelop committee participants.
Provide recommendation and insight to the Kamloops Chamber’s strategic plan renewal process
Governance Committee 2021 Annual Report:
Mandate: To annually monitor the Board’s duties in compliance with the Modified Policy Governance Model
Chair: Kate Stebbings
Vice-Chair: Tim Shoults
Participants: Ab Ashok, Daniel Carroll, Tyson Andrykew, Acacia Pangilinan
Completed Goals:
Provided ongoing review and recommended updates to bylaws and policies
Monitored impacts of the pandemic on the organization
Oversaw strategic planning process
Business Excellence Awards
The 35th Annual Business Excellence Awards launched on April 8th, 2021.
We recognized our finalists at an in-person reception at Match Eatery + Public House.
The awards program culminated with the 2nd year of a hybrid, decentralized gala with restaurant hosts, The Noble Pig, Barside Lounge, Cordo Resto + Bar, and Romeo’s Kitchen + Spirits.
City of Kamloops Community Service Award:
A Groess Underground
C&C Resources for Life
Lyons Landscaping
Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Employer of the Year Award:
Cutting Edge Consulting
Forward Law
JUL Construction Ltd.
Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Environmental Leadership Award:
Arrow Transportation
Fiddleheads Violin Studio
Lyons Landscaping
Open Door Group Inclusive Workplace of the Year Award:
Far + Wide
Kamloops Indian Band Corporation
New Gold Inc – New Afton Mine
Venture Kamloops Small Business of the Year Award:
Fiddleheads Violin Studio
Nu Leaf Produce Market
Thompson Cleaners and Tailors
Kubera Retailer of the Year Award:
Far + Wide
Nu Leaf Produce Market
Real Deals on Home Décor Kamloops
CN Service Provider 1-10 Staff Award:
CentreCore HVAC Services Ltd.
Nuance Dance Studio
Ocean Pacific Adventure Sports
Kamloops This Week Service Provider 11+ Staff Award:
Kamloops Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre
Middleton Energy Services
NextGen Electrical Services
BCLC Innovation Award:
Arrow Transportation Systems Inc.
Monte Creek Winery
New Gold Inc – New Afton Mine
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers Excellence in Trades Award:
Five Oak Contracting Ltd.
JUL Construction Ltd.
Middleton Energy Services
Community Futures Thompson Country Emerging Business of the Year Award:
Bright Eye Brewing
Friendly Composting
Pepper – Your Badass Business BFF Inc.
TRU School of Business & Economics Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award:
Calli-Jo Duncan, Far + Wide
Cassidy Watt, Cassidy Watt Artistry Collective
Jon Hudon, Ocean Pacific Adventure Sports
Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Not For Profit of the Year Award:
ASK Wellness Society
Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society
Mount Paul Community Food Centre
The Mustard Seed Kamloops
Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Development of the Year Award:
Arpa Investments Ltd.
Kelson Group
Nationwide Self Storage
Abbott Wealth Management Business Person of the Year Award:
Dawn MacKenzie, Seasons Health Therapies
Greg Klohn, GK Sound
Maeghan Summers, The Noble Pig
Margot Middleton, Middleton Energy Services
FIT Financial Business of the Year:
Thompson Cleaners and Tailors
Chamber 125
To celebrate our 125th anniversary, we took the opportunity to showcase our members and the work we do.
Launched the Kamloops Tomorrow profiles of innovators in the region
Kamloops Chamber 125 Publication in partnership with Kamloops This Week
Activated the parking space directly outside the Chamber office by creating Kamloops’ First Parklet
To provide real value for our members the Kamloops Chamber, we:
Served as a program partner in Kamloops Innovation’s DER3 program to help businesses navigate digital offerings
Showed businesses reach new markets by promoting the Export Navigator program via the World Trade Centre in Vancouver
Provided an opportunity local leaders develop their soft skills with the Building Resilience to Thrive educational program in partnership with the BC Chamber network
Helped our members understand how to acquire student Talent via post-secondary institutions in BC via the Talent Forward promotional program
Launched Research project, in partnership with Thompson Rivers University on the impact of COVID on our restaurants
Events
In 2021, we hosted a total of 28 events with 693 total attendees!
7 Roundtables
88 Total attendees
Let’s Talk About Economic Recovery in Kamloops with our local MLA’s
17 attendees
6 Virtual #Kambiz Socials
57 Total attendees
Business Data Catalogue Event
42 Attendees
Chamber Summit: AGM & Policy Session
48 Attendees
Building Resilience to Thrive
3 Cohorts with a total of 59 attendees
2 Board Governance Workshops
18 Total attendees
26th – Chamber Benefit Plan webinar
5 attendees
2nd – Procurement Workshop with the City of Kamloops
25 attendees
How to be a thought leader on Social Media
22 attendees
Intro to E-Commerce with Shopify
7 attendees
3 Business Excellence Awards Events
305 Total attendees
Grand Openings and Re-Openings
Far & Wide Grand Re-Opening
Brynn’s Bakery Grand Opening
Atlas Steak + Fish Grand Re-opening
Barside Lounge Re-Opening
Ice Cream Social Grand Opening
Gateway daycare
Eden’s Way Farm Sanctuary
White Spot
The Lot at the Ramada
LMB Designs
Cassidy Watt Artistry Collective
Frozen Paddle
Pharmasave Aberdeen
Kamloops Music Collective
The Cure Culinary Provisions
15 Grand Openings and Re-openings
14,453 People Reached
2,773 Engagements
