As we step into October, our Business Leader's Breakfast is just around the corner on Friday Oct 6. We are delighted to collaborate with the Port Alberni Port Authority for this event. We are being hosted by the Hospitality Inn, where we'll have the opportunity to savour their new breakfast buffet. Our keynote speaker Hon. MLA Josie Osborne will be sharing information about Business Supports and Highway 4. 

It's hard to believe that I've already had the privilege of serving as your CEO for the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce for six amazing months. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to every one of you who have reached out, joined our Chamber, and shared your invaluable insights with us. The unwavering support we received during the summer months, both for the Chamber and our dedicated teams at the Visitor Centre and McLean Mill, has been truly incredible. 

Looking back on September, what a busy month! Back to school, Salmon Derby, Alberni District Fall Fair, and the Port Alberni Toy Run. Our excellent Port Alberni Ambassadors and Visitor Centre Team were at a booth partnered with the Port Alberni Neighbourhood Welcome at the Fall Fair, which was a highlight for us. 

Left to Right: Chamber Ambassadors Terry, Ian, and Peter

The final event of September was to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This weekend we were honoured to witness and celebrate the resilience of the Nuu-chah-nulth culture, language and the Indigenous Commerce that not only continues to thrive but contributes to the development and economy of the Alberni Valley and beyond. We give gratitude and thanks to Tseshaht First Nation for bringing the community on the collective healing journey by sharing food, ceremony, songs and culture with the community and marking the anniversary of the Alberni Indian Residential School closure 50 years ago.  

We all have a role in the continuing journey of learning truth to begin reconciling. We encourage our membership to register for the Decolonize First Learning Circle hosted in partnership by Literacy Alberni Society and Alberni Clayoquot Health Network. Scroll down to learn more about it! 

In celebration of Small Business Week (Oct 16-20) in the Alberni Valley, we will be showcasing our local businesses and amplifying our presence on social channels to emphasize the pivotal role that small and medium-sized businesses play in driving our provincial economy. We strongly encourage all our members to register for the 2023 Small Business Week Summit, hosted by the BC Chamber of Commerce. Watch for the latest issue of the Valley Vibe, which features an Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce Spotlight.



Thank you for your continued dedication to our vibrant business community. Together, we look forward to a promising month ahead filled with collaboration, growth, and shared success. 

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Can you imagine gifting yourself the learning that offers an expanded view of Tseshaht and Hupačasath territory that more readily allows you to host yourself, host others, and consider your way of doing business that lifts up more well being socially and economically? Ready to expand your decolonial vocabulary and practices in a community cohort? Decolonize First is an intentional start towards that kind of change.

This unique Nuu-chah-nulth based offering is stewarded and hosted with the support of ta7taliya by ciiʔiłumqa (Kelly Foxcroft-Poirier), Amanda Fenton, and co-hosted by Alberni Clayoquot Health Network and Literacy Alberni Society.

What do colonized and decolonized processes look like in our lives, our work, and in our community? Your hosts are inviting our community into a learning circle series to unlearn what has caused harm, and learn how we might better create alternative approaches to our work based in wholeness, healing, and reducing harm in the ways we work alongside equity-denied communities. Your hosts invite you and your colleagues in the hopes that this start to learning and unlearning together will help to build common collaborative language, frameworks, and community.

There are two cohorts being offered in 2023:

Save the date! October 16-20, 2023 – the BC Chamber of Commerce Small Business Week Summit is back! Join us as we celebrate small businesses like yours, which are the backbone of the provincial economy. The Summit is a unique opportunity for you to engage directly with subject matter experts and thought leaders, gain valuable insights and access to useful resources.

Join us over Zoom for a week of insightful virtual sessions that will equip you to conquer today's business 

challenges and harness opportunities. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance Summit is two days of learning, information sharing and networking. It has become the must attend event in the region for business leaders, decision makers, and island community stakeholders to connect. Anyone is welcome to register and participate in the broad range of sessions which revolve around VIEA’s core principles of collaboration to add vitality to the Vancouver Island economy. The summit takes place October 25 & 26.

On October 25 from 1:30 - 3:00pm, join Pat Deakin, Economic Development Manager at the City of Port Alberni, and Patrick Schmidt, CEO of the Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses for the "Swipe Right for Success: Building Strategic Business Partnerships" breakout session.

In today's dynamic business landscape, forming meaningful partnerships is essential for success. During this session, we will address critical questions that often arise in the realm of partnerships: How do you find the right partner for your organization? What does it take to be an exceptional partner and cultivate strong relationships? When is the optimal time to consider engaging in a partnership? We will delve into effective strategies that can guide you in identifying, nurturing, and evaluating partnerships that align with your organizational goals. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the world of partnerships, this session promises valuable insights and actionable takeaways to build strategic partnerships and explore best practices for partnership development.

Are you thinking about where to host your Christmas Parties this year? Consider choosing McLean Mill National Historic Site, where the magic of Christmas comes to life!

The Export Navigator program offers free expert guidance to B.C. businesses.

Did you know that many businesses successfully export from British Columbia? New markets can make your business more successful in the long run. Export Navigator is a free government-funded program that helps your B.C.-based business by matching you with a dedicated Export Advisor for one-on-one guidance and support.

Connect with an advisor today! Your advisor will provide the following:

• An assessment of your export readiness.
• Hours of free export advice.
• Step-by-step guidance at your pace.
• Business growth strategy and planning assistance.
• Connections and information specific to your market and industry.
• Access to the most up-to-date resources for interprovincial and international exporting.