References > Activities/Promotions

Activities

Activities/Promotions

About Newsletters

Chamber News Newsletter

CHAMBER NEWS is a weekly newsletter via email, Gibsons Chamber Facebook Page and Instagram along with direct email are the primary communication tools used to keep our business membership and Sunshine Coast subscribers informed and up to date.

Chamber News — This focuses on business news and community events from our partners. It is available to anyone who is interested and subscribes. Subscribe here

Direct Member 2 Member — These special  communications go direct to our members only to share information about Gibsons Chamber activities, special promotions for fellow Chamber members, surveys on behalf of our government partners and special information that may affect local business owners.  Businesses can request direct to member communication through the Chamber office.

To submit requests please email the Chamber at exec@gibsonschamber.com.

Professional Development Workshops

Small Business Workshops

The Gibsons Chamber hosts Lunch ‘n Learn workshops on topics of interest to our members. These are announced in our e-newsletters (for Members and non Member businesses)  Workshops are also posted on the Events page. Hint: Connect to the Events Calendar to have our events automatically added to your personal Google Calendar!

If you would like to host a workshop or have a request for a workshop subject, please contact us at 604-886-2325.

About Business After Hours

What We Do “After Hours Networking”

The Gibsons Chamber hosts a regular gathering “After Hours” from 5:30 to 7pm.  Usually one per month, we gather at a local member’s business where we can engage and learn the unique specifics about the business, how they operate and opportunties to create business connections. Information is posted on our website, on our Facebook page, and in our Chamber News newsletter.

Each event is sponsored by one of our member businesses, who choose to host the event at their premises “After Hours” or — if they prefer — at a larger location that we arrange for them. The sponsoring business provides appies and presents their information about their operation, including a tour of their site, demonstration of equipment, outline their business model or offer samples for “take-away”.  It is a good opportunity for businesses to connect and discuss how they can offer a service or product to enhance mutual success.  Please contact Chris at the Chamber office 604-886-2325 if you are interested in hosting “After Hours.”

About Economic Development

The Gibsons Chamber, in partnership with the Town of Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Organization – SCREDO,  provides Economic Development services for the Sunshine Coast.

  • We connect directly to SCREDO.ca (Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Organization) website.
  • We are the first stop for economic development inquiries by phone, email or in person at our office.
  • We work with the business community and local government on projects and initiatives, such as Trail Society, Cycling Tourism, Sunshine Coast Tourism Association, Town of Gibsons, Sunshine Coast Regional District.

For more information on locating your business on the Sunshine Coast, please contact us.

Howe Sound Tourism Analysis — August 2014

The David Suzuki Foundation commissioned BCIT students to analyze the tourism economy in the region of Howe Sound. This report includes a SWOT analysis of tourism in this region, and is intended as a step in developing a management strategy to protect the Sound’s natural habitat, and a cohesive vision for making Howe Sound a unique, marketable destination for recreation and tourism.

SCRD Compared to Benchmark Regional Districts — July 2014

In material prepared for Economic Development workshops for elected officials held on the Sunshine Coast in 2014, Vannstruth Consulting Group prepared a series of slides comparing the SCRD to 14 comparable regional districts across the province.

Economic Snapshot of the Coast — February 2014

Thanks to Shelley McDade and the Sunshine Coast Credit Union for this power point presentation.

Quarterly Reports to Funders

The Chamber reports on a quarterly basis to the Town of Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast Regional District.

2013

Previous Economic Development Reports

Go here for economic development reports and studies carried out on the Sunshine Coast between 2004 and 2012.

About Advocacy

The Chamber sits on key committees and task forces of the Town of Gibsons, the Sunshine Coast Regional District and participate as a stakeholder in many Provincial and Federal government discussions that affect the Sunshine Coast. We monitor issues that affect the business community and advocate with all levels of government. Our focus is economic development.

Following are some of the issues and projects that the Chamber is taking leadership in.

Agricultural Planning

The SCRD is currently working on an Agricultural Area Plan. Because the Gibsons Chamber views the development of our agricultural sector as an important opportunity for local economic development and also for the continued health of our communities, we are participating in this process. In February 2014, we sent in our response to the draft Plan, urging the SCRD to address market realities for local agriculture, and opportunities to create sustainable businesses that support families..

Ferries

The Gibsons and District Chamber of Commerce has released a position paper on the BC Ferries ‘engagement’ process. Echoing comments from other ferry communities, we wish to see the full participation of all stakeholders, including the business community, in a meaningful consultation process.

The provincial government sets the terms of the contract under which BC Ferries operates, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that citizens receive a reliable service at a price that is sustainable and equitable with other transportation infrastructure provided to other residents of the province.

We’ve prepared a PDF Summary of traffic on the Langdale route from 2006 to 2014.

Coastwide Economic Development

The Gibsons Chamber is the first point of contact for economic development inquiries in the Gibsons region. We sit on the Town of Gibsons Select Committee on Economic Development, and maintain the website www.gibsonsanddistrict.ca. Gibsons Chamber directors volunteer many hours to support economic development initiatives, and we are always looking for innovative opportunities for this community. More about Economic Development.

MMBC

The Gibsons Chamber worked with the BC Chamber of Commerce to resolve serious concerns about new recycling regulations taking effect in May 2014, that would have imposed fees on ALL B.C. businesses (no matter how small) that produce packaging, flyers, or any other printed materials. We were very pleased to have exemptions put in place for small businesses. More information here.

Business Supporting Community

The Gibsons Chamber has provided a series of columns that the Coast Reporter used in highlighting the vital role that local business plays in our community.

Visitor Information Park

The Gibsons Chamber built the new VIP at the top of the Langdale bypass. The VIP opened in September 2011, thanks to hard work on the part of Chamber volunteers and financial support from the community.

Community Shuttle Bus

During the summer of 2013, the Gibsons Chamber, in partnership with the Town of Gibsons and community sponsors, ran a community shuttle bus between the harbour area and the upper town. A local shuttle service has been identified as a high priority by residents and planners for over a decade. In September 2013, we wrote a Final Report on the pilot shuttle project.

About Promotions

The following marketing, promotion and merchandising opportunities are available through the Gibsons and District Chamber of Commerce.

Web Member Directory ListingFREE with membership –  Contact info, description and tile ads

Website Ads – Tile Ad 210 w x 105 jpeg or gif file – FREE with membership

Brochure and Business Card Racking at the Chamber Office in Sunnycrest Mall – FREE with membership. Brochures must be standard racking size (9″ x 4″).

Sponsoring Business “After Hours” networking events – Business After Hours is usually held on the second or third Wednesday of the month from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Dates and times may be altered to suit the sponsoring business. Event hosts have an opportunity to present information about their operation to attendees, offer tours, demonstrations, hand out samples, etc. Sponsors may choose to host the event at their business premises, or at another convenient location (e.g. the Chamber offices, local event venues (restaurant, pub or hotel meeting room, etc.) Contact the Chamber office for more information.

Visitor Information Park Advertising Opportunities – Contact the Chamber office to promote and market your business at the Visitor Information Park.

Display window, Sunnycrest MallDisplay Window – Sunnycrest Mall

FREE for a month to Members
Large 12 foot wide 8 feet tall lighted display window in the Chamber office. Reserve Now with the Chamber Office, only 12 spots available (shared windows can be arranged).

35′ Wide Roadside Banner – FREE for Members
The Chamber manages a roadside display banner site directly outside the Langdale Ferry terminal (through the lights on Northwest corner). A large banner (up to 35 feet wide) can be hung here for a period of one (1) month at a time. There is also some room also for a smaller special events banner underneath. The Chamber does not charge Members and non-profit community groups for using this display. It must be booked in advance with the Chamber. The member must pay for fabrication of their own banner and is responsible for installing and removing banners. See criteria below: (click for full size)

Highway Banner Display Criteria

About Office Resources

Our office is staffed by friendly and informative staff Monday to Thursday 10 am to 2 pm.  Friday by appointment.

We provide photocopying and scanning services to members, and our board table can be booked for meetings with suppliers, staff, venders, special projects. Office staff can assist you with referrals and local information. Racking in the office for members’ business cards and brochures, and other pamphlets with information relevant to local business owners.

We invite you to drop in to see us at Sunnycrest Mall to browse our brochure rack and ask questions.

Certificates of Origin

Certificates of Origin are used in international trade. They certify that the goods in a particular export shipment have been wholly produced, manufactured or processed in this country. In Canada Chambers of Commerce may issue these certificates.

Due to low demand, the Gibsons Chamber is not presently issuing Certificates of Origin, but the certificates are available through the Sechelt Chamber, which is kindly extending their member rates to Gibsons Chamber members.

About Bursary

The Gibsons & District Chamber of Commerce offers an annual Bursary of $500 to a graduating student of Elphinstone Secondary School who is entering a program of business studies at a post-secondary institution. The bursary is awarded to a student with top scholastic achievement who is also an exceptional community citizen. Application forms are available through the school, and the annual deadline is May 10.