BC Chamber of Commerce is Focusing Forward

The BC Chamber of Commerce hosted its 70th AGM and Conference in Prince George, June 7-9, 2022, the first in-person BC Chamber of Commerce event since 2019. With a full program of keynote speakers and panel discussions that included Indigenous leaders, and government and industry representatives, delegates discussed a range of topics including leadership, competitiveness, reconciliation, mental health, and other important issues facing British Columbians.

“The theme of this year’s conference was Focusing Forward, recognizing that as we emerge from the pandemic we have reasons for optimism, and that with governments and businesses working together, we can seize the opportunities before us and overcome the challenges that we face,” said Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “Our network was excited to reconnect in person and to have meaningful discussions about how to address B.C.’s competitiveness, the resiliency of our supply chain, and the critical role that housing, daycare and inter-community transportation plays as we navigate an acute skilled labour shortage.”

Members also participated in the provincial association’s annual policy sessions where 59 policy resolutions, submitted by 35 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, were tabled, debated and voted upon. In all, 53 resolutions were approved and will be included in the BC Chamber of Commerce’s 2022-23 Policy & Positions Manual. The policies cover a broad spectrum of provincial and federal issues critical to the success of B.C.’s business community, such as taxation, indigenous reconciliation, forestry, infrastructure and workforce issues. The BC Chamber of Commerce’s 2022-23 Policy & Positions Manual will support the association’s advocacy priorities of building an economy that is competitive, one that promotes innovation and is more inclusive for all British Columbians.

The BC Chamber of Commerce thanks Joelle Westlund for her leadership as Chair of the 2021-22 Board of Directors and is pleased to welcome Dr. Greg Thomas as Chair of the 2022-23 Board of Directors.

“It’s a privilege and honour to become Chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce and I’m excited for the year ahead,” said Dr. Greg Thomas. “As a small business owner for over 30 years and a long-time member of the BC Chamber of Commerce network, I’ve experienced first-hand the needs of our business community and the challenges they face. As Chair, my goal is to reaffirm the BC Chamber of Commerce as the bold voice for B.C.’s business community – from Port Renfrew to Fort Nelson and Kimberley to Kitimat and all communities in between.”

“Our goal for this year’s conference was to inspire, to challenge delegates to think outside-the-box, and to find ways to leverage B.C.’s strong foundation as a springboard to a future where businesses are successful, families thrive and communities flourish,” added Famulak. “We are very grateful to our sponsors who helped make our conference successful and extend our sincere appreciation to all the speakers, dignitaries, delegates and partners who joined us both in-person and virtually.”