We respectfully acknowledge that we conduct our Business on the Unceded Territory of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations.

Chamber AGM - Announcement:
AGM Reminder - Wednesday, May 20th - Pre-registration required. Please click on the Zoom Invite in order to register.


Members to vote on Board recommendation to investigate a loan option for the Chamber of Commerce - potentially the CERB (Canadian Emergency Response Benefit).


Meeting planned for 11:30am on Wednesday, May 20th from the comfort of your home.





Staged Re-opening
BC Parks is taking a phased approach to safely lift the system closure, focusing initially on opening day use in most parks on May 14, followed by most campgrounds on June 1.

As we get back outside, it will be critical that we continue to abide by the guidelines of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), practicing two-metre physical distancing and giving people space when passing on trails and in parking lots.
 
While it won’t quite be business as usual, starting May 14 many of our parks will be open for day-use. This includes access to most beaches, trails, boat launches, docks, picnic tables, and pit toilets. However, some communal facilities that don’t easily allow for physical distancing may remain closed, including playgrounds and picnic shelters.
 
Camping will also remain closed until June 1, after which many campgrounds will be available for overnight stays in both the front country and backcountry, and marine.
Canadian Chamber/StatsCan survey shows impact of COVID-19 on diverse business owners
(OTTAWA) – May 6, 2020 The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Director of Workforce Strategies and Inclusive Growth Policy, Leah Nord, issued the following statement today regarding new data from the recent  Canadian Survey on Business Conditions :
“The CSBC is the only large-scale survey to capture the impacts of COVID-19 upon businesses owned by diverse segments of the population, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, immigrants and people with disabilities.
The topline numbers suggest that COVID-19 had a more severe impact on diversity-owned businesses: Find the Full report and Video link here:

Façade Improvement Program
This was the Manzini Animal Hospital prior to the Façade Improvement Program.
This picture shows the result of the Façade Improvement Program that was supported by ownership, Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot and the City of Port Alberni
The Façade Improvement Program is available once again! But, not a lot of time to get in the queue. So, best to click the link and get involved if you'd like to see something similar to your building.


Speaking of Community Futures.... There are still opportunities to secure loan options should you require some additional support post-Covid.
Advocacy at work
The Chamber network throughout British Columbia meets regularly (usually Tuesdays) to discuss important matters - COVID RELATED as they affect BC Businesses. We have been a strong voice at all levels of Government. Our most recent efforts have helped to improve the Employment Standards Act as it applies to the COVID - 19 Crisis. The title of the page reads:

Government creates COVID-19 temporary layoff period

BC Chamber releases statement - Wed, May 6
A planned re-opening
Today Premier Horgan laid out how BC’s economy will safely reopen, a move welcomed by BC’s business community.
While health and safety restrictions will mean a radically different operating environment, businesses from every sector are ready to do their part.



Tourism Business?
As part of our ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of the travel economy, the Tourism Industry Assocation of Canada (TIAC) is gathering information on how the new Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) is being applied by financial institutions and whether tourism stakeholders are able to access this new support measure. Through the Business Credit Availability Program, Export Development Canada (EDC) is working with financial institutions to guarantee 80% of new operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The article goes on to explain more about the program AND it looks to collect feedback via a survey to determine its effectiveness for the Tourism Sector. Please click the button below to do the survey.
Fond memories shared with us via Victoria from time spent near here 1997-98 Ski Season
Flyer shared with us by Mr. Mrs. D. Metcalfe of Victoria, BC. Their quote: "We live in Victoria and had a delightful time skiing at Mr. Arrowsmith with our boys (ages 8 and 10 at the time) during the 1997 -1998 season."
INDEPENDENT SEAFOODS CANADA CORPORATION TO BASE SECOND FREEZER TRAWLER IN PORT ALBERNI
The Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA) is proud to announce that Independent Seafoods Canada Corporation (ISCC) will be adding a second freezer trawler, the Sunderoey, to home port dockside to the Raw Spirit at Port Alberni Terminals.  

Raw Spirit has made its home port in Port Alberni since 2013 and has provided over 50 direct regular local jobs to crew as well as 20 more jobs for offload activities. The Raw Spirit’s operations have also contributed to job creation for local suppliers and marine trades.... Find the Press Release here:
Shopify continue to offer Webinar training opportunities for businesses who wish to develop online platforms.

  1. If you missed the one held today by SOCIAL ROOT CONSULTING. Find a link to the webinar Here
  2. If you'd like to find a whole series of webinars that are available to you at N/C please follow this Link
  3. AVCOC is currently working with Shopify to plan a Webinar for the business community. Watch this newsletter and/or our Website for information on that.