It was a year of challenge and change for the Delta Chamber of Commerce in 2021, but in spite of that, the Chamber is committed to being the champion and voice of business in the community.
On Thursday (April 21), the chamber held its 112th Annual General Meeting.
Its 2022/23 board of directors and executive was sworn-in and the membership and invited guests heard from Mayor George Harvie as he provided his state of Delta Mayor’s Address.
The new executive consists of Rosanne Horner, Director, BC and the North Region, Advisory Services, BDC as the new board chair; Rob Allan – Partner, Campbell Froh, May and Rice, LLP as vice chair and Sam Lang, CPA, CA – Partner, Stoilen, Alston & Lang as secretary-treasurer.
Directors include: Yvonne Anderson, Santevia Water Systems (past chair), Dr. Joan Hansen, College of Optometrists of BC, Pierre Pelletier, publisher of the Delta Optimist, Nathan Lauer, Seaspan Ferries, Tanya Corbet, Bella Concepts, Sheena Sidhu, Yard at a Time Concrete Ltd. and John Bourbonniere, Harbour Link Container Services.
Chamber executive director Jill McKnight said in her year in review, that 2021 was also a year of learning.
“We compiled resources for businesses to use to facilitate reflection about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We hosted a series of Rise and Shine webinars allowing our members to share their expertise, and we shared valuable resources and updates via our newsletters,” she said.
Anderson, as outgoing chair, thanked McKnight for her leadership and new ideas she has brought to the Chamber as executive director, a role she assumed in October.
“A lot has changed in the past few years, and yet many things remain the same. Delta has a thriving business community that is optimistic about continued growth and economic prosperity,” said Anderson. “The Delta Chamber’s team of professionals continues to grow and expand bringing new perspectives and talents into our mix. In the coming months, you’ll see our team showcasing their talents as they continue to create expanded opportunities for relationship building, more access to business resources, increased opportunity, discussion with political and key opinion leaders and growth towards ensuring each member is feeling valued.”
Horner said the Chamber is in an excellent position and a solid economic outlook for the year to come.
“In B.C. we have among the highest GDP growth at 4.1 per cent compared to the other provinces, our employment recovery has been stronger here in B.C. than elsewhere, our retail sales have completely rebounded and are far superior to pre-pandemic levels and our residential housing sales have been crazy,” she said. “On area we are behind is tourism, as our hotel stays are still at 50 per cent capacity. Even with these strong economic drivers we have challenges. We have labour shortages, inflation, affordable housing challenges, supply chain and transportation issues and need to do more to combat the drug crisis.”
What role does the Delta Chamber play in all of this? Advocacy said Horner.
“The Chamber will advocate on your behalf at all levels of government, as these problems will not solve themselves,” she said. “As we look now, in the future, we want to provide services for you, we want to celebrate and highlight the success of our businesses. We are fortunate to live and work in this beautiful community. This year will be a year where we work better together.”
