On May 26th the Greater Kamloops Chamber of Commerce was presented with the prestigious “Chamber of the Year” award, the big prize at the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting.

“This has really been a result of several years’ hard work and dedication from so many people,” stated Jaimie Drew, current Past President and President during the 2006 year for which the Chamber is being recognized. “Our Board started bolstering our infrastructure in 2004 and laid out a strategic plan that endeavors to include more input from our members and to partner with more organizations in order to help strengthen our entire business community.”

“We are proud of our accomplishments and commend our staff for their great efforts in fulfilling the directions set out by our Board,” says Brant Hasanen, current President of the Chamber. “Most of all, we want to commend our members for becoming actively involved in our programs and for being interested in what the Chamber is doing for our city. Our members are essentially our owners and everything we do is for the benefit of their businesses and to help their city grow.”

The award was judged by the Board of Governors of the BC Chamber who stressed that there were excellent submissions made on behalf of Chambers of Commerce across the province. After much discussion it was decided that the role the Kamloops Chamber has played in building and nurturing partnership and cooperation within the community along with the strong advocacy role at every level of government undertaken by the Chamber made them a worthy winner. “The key to this year’s award was relationships and the role the chamber has played in bringing everyone in the community who wishes to build a vibrant economy together” says Gerry Martin, Chair of the Board of Governors of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “This clear focus from the Kamloops Chamber has positioned them as a leader in the community by building and fostering partnerships that have galvanized the entire community.”

Over the past year the Kamloops Chamber developed a unique connection with key stakeholders on the community through their Business Sector and Large Company’s Roundtables. Through these forums the Kamloops Chamber has ensured that they have become the catalyst in building a network of support for their members and the entire business community. The Chamber has also continued with its unique local chamber policy process. At their Annual General Meeting chamber members are invited to debate and vote on which issues will be the priority for the Chamber. Where appropriate these issues are then taken to the BC and Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

“The Kamloops Chamber has a goal to be the #1 chamber of commerce in Canada, this is an award which shows they are well on their way to achieving the ambitious goal” stated John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “Through a focus on members as well as on the wider community Kamloops are setting a new standard for Chambers across BC and across Canada by taking a true leadership role on behalf of their community”.

For further information, please contact:
John Winter, President, BC Chamber of Commerce
(604) 376-3577

Deb McClelland, Executive Director
Kamloops Chamber of Commerce
(250) 372-7722