commerce newsletter houston & district chamber of & district chamber of commerce newsletter...
TRANSCRIPT
Houston & District Chamber ofCommerce Newsletter
April 2017
In This IssueSmall Town Love
Upcoming Events
Members Business Anniversaies
2016/2017...Board of Directors
Supply Chain Connector
The...Official Visitor'sGuide...Houston B.C
Constant Contacts
BC Chamber of CommerceTravel Discount Program
Applications being accepted toRural Dividend Fund...April 3-
May 31
BC Chamber on Trade
The importance of embracingdiversity within construction
Houston & District ChamberNews
Chamber Members' News...
Shop Local Initiative
Featured Houston & DistrictChamber of Commerce Members
Community Events
Northwest British ColumbiaResource Benefits Alliance
District of Houston-Parks andRecreation Master Plan
CRA-...Are you self-employed?
Houston Merchant GiftCertificates
The Launch of BC Bid Resources:How to do business with the B.C.
government.
BC Chamber-What's on BC'sMind - BC Provincial Election.
Canadian Chamber Top 10Barriers to Competitiveness
for 2016
Quick Links
Houston ChamberDistrict of Houston
Supply Chain Connector
Small Town Love HoustonBC
Small Town Love
Greetings!Due to programming issues we are having some issues withformatting of the Newsletter
Houston & District Chamber NewsHouston & District Chamber of Commerce AnnualGeneral MeetingThe Houston and District Chamber of Commerce will be hosting ourAnnual General Meeting on Wednesday,May 17, 2017 at 6:30pm at the Idylwild InnDinning Room.
All members are welcome to attend.Please, contact our office to confirm yourattendance for the AGM: Phone: 250-845-7640Email [email protected]
Annual Community Pitch-In Week The Houston & District Chamber of Commerce has once againcoordinating the Pitch InWeek initiative.Pitch In Week is aprovince-wide littercontrol and wastereduction program thathas helped to keep our province clean and beautiful. This year's Pitch InWeek takes place Friday, April 22nd to Friday, April 29th 2017. The Houston & District Chamber of Commerce would like to say a BIGTHANK YOU to the community groups and organizations thatvolunteered this year and for cleaning upour beautiful community:A Rocha Canada -Stream Keepers Bulkley Valley Credit UnionCommunity Futures NadinaDistrict of HoustonHouston Christian SchoolHouston Fire Attack BaseHouston friendship CentreHouston Museum SocietyHouston Public LibraryHouston Secondary SchoolHouston Seniors Association #97Northwest Community CollegeRoyal Canadian Army Cadets Corp. 3020Silverthorne Elementary SchoolThe BCTS & Service BCTwain Sullivan Elementary School
2017 Provincial Election & All Candidates MeetingThe Houston & District Chamber of Commerce hosted an All Candidatesmeeting for the 2017 Provincial Election at the Pleasant Valley Plaza onApril 24. All 5 candidates were inattendance as well as a great turn out fromthe community. Ted Beck, our moderatorfor the evening reminded everyone in hisclosing speech the importance of gettingout and casting your vote.
This year's voting General Voting Day willtake place at the Houston Public Libraryandadvance voting will be held at the Pleasant Valley Plaza. General Voting Day: Tuesday, May 9 2017 - 8:00am to 8:00pmAdvance Voting Days: Saturday & Sunday, April 29 & 30 andWednesday - Saturday ,May 3 - 6 8:00am to 8:00pm
2017 Chamber Member Benefit - Racking Your BusinessCardOne of the benefits of being a member of the Houston & District
This is a great opportunity for allsmall locally owned and non-
franchise businesses, includingartisans, crafters, and musicians. If you have found it overwhelmingto try to produce professional andpolished advertising campaigns
and having a personalizedprofessional website for your
products is something you havewanted but don't have the
resources to maintain read on...
Northern Development InitiativeTrust has heavily invested in this
project to help build smallbusinesses in the North. All sign-
up costs go directly back tosupporting the local advertisingcampaign, and are only used to
support the Love Houston BCproject. Interested? Follow the
link below for more info:Check out Love Houston BC!
Upcoming Events April 27
Book Club 7:00pm
Houston Public Library
April 22 - April 29Pitch-In Week
April 28Deadline to order Good Food BoxHouston Link to learning Office
April 29 - 30
2017 Provincial ElectionAdvance Voting
8:00am - 8:00pmPleasant Valley Plaza
May 3 - May 6
2017 Provincial ElectionAdvance Voting
8:00am - 8:00pmPleasant Valley Plaza
May 3Teddy Bear Picnic
10:00am - 2:00pmHouston Public Library
May 4
Passport Photos12:00pm - 4:30pm
Houston Public Library
May 8Ready, Set, Learn Program
9:15am - 12:00pmSilverthorne Elementary School
May 8Parks & Recreation Master Plan
Open House & Workshops4:00pm - 8:00pm
Houston Public Library
Chamber of Commerce is to be able to rack yourbusiness cards for free at the Houston VisitorCentre. We are running low on business cardsfrom many of our local businesses. Please takethe time to drop off a new supply for 2017,ormail to our office at:P.O. Box 396Houston B.C. V0J 1Z0We welcome over 12,000 visitors a year, and ourstaff regularly refer tourists and locals toHoustonBusinesses.As we prepare for the 2017 tourist season, make sure your business iswell represented by having your business cards fully stocked.
Traffic Control Person Re-CertificationThe BC Chamber of Commerce has continued our agreement with theBCConstruction Safety Alliance; therefore, the Houston & District ChamberofCommerce provides the service for the Traffic Control Re-certification.
TCPs and TCP Instructors whose three year record of completion isabout to expire, must successfully complete the requalification process.Traffic Control Persons who have anexpired ticket can schedule a challengeexam which can be taken during officehours between 11:30am and 3:30pm,Monday to Friday at the Houston Chamberoffice. Appointments must be booked inadvance.The exam is open book and you areencouraged to bring your resourcematerial. The exam is the same level ofdifficulty as the original TCP qualificationexam. You must achieve 80% or higher onthe exam to become re-certified.
The cost of the exams are $25.00 per exam for the Computer BasedTest or $40.00 per exam for the Paper Based Test. Both tests aretax exempt.
A passprt size photo, your most recent TCP photo ID, and exam fee willbe required before the re-certification exam will be administered. Tobook an appointment, please call our office at 250-845-7640
Chamber Members' NewsDungate Community Forest Board Members Wanted:The District of Houston is now accepting applications from interestedpersons to fill their vacancies on theDungate Community Forest Board ofDirectors.In order to apply, submit your application,including a cover letter, resume, and a listof references by May 10, 2017 at 5:00pmto:District of HoustonMichael Glavin,Chief Administrative OfficerPO Box 370, 3367 12 StreetHouston BC V0J 1Z0Email: [email protected] more information, please check out the Ad in the Houston Today orphone 250-845-2238
This summer, Bulkley Valley Credit Union will be sending four youthaged 14-18 to the YES Program for a week long camping retreat thatbrings youth together from all over theProvince. The program offers Youth a chance toexpand their leadership and team buildingskills, encouraging mentorship, and skill-strengthening programs while canoeing,hiking, swimming, and connecting with other youth from all over theprovince. If you know a youth, who may be interested please pick up anapplication at the Bulkley Valley Credit Union.Completion date and drop off no later than May 31 2017.Find out more at www.theyes.caQuestions? Please call the branch at 250-845-7117 Bond to LiteracyHouston Link to Learning is excited about their new program Bond to
May 92017 Provincial Election
General Voting Day8:00am - 8:00pm
Houston Public Library
May 10Ready, Set, Learn9:15am -12:00pm
Twain Sullivan Elementary School
May 14Mother's Day
May 14Houston Legion Mother's Day
Breakfast8:00am - 11:00am
Upstairs Houston Branch
May 17Houston & District Chamber of
Commerce AGM6:30pm
Idylwild Inn Dinning Room
May 19 - May 22Pleasant Valley DaysFour Seasons Park
May 22
Victoria Day
May 26NWCC Golf Scramble
1:00pm startSmithers Golf & Country Club
April Members'Business
Anniversaries
Houston & District Chamber ofCommerce would like to wish
our members a HappyAnniversary!
BV Foods
Brewstir's Cafe
J Hols Enterprises Ltd.
New Nadina ExplorartionsLimited
Subway
2016/2017 Board of Directors
President:
Troy Reitsma
Vice President:Darrin Super
Secretary / Treasurer:
Bill Sullivan
Directors:Kevin GrootJean Marr
Shannon ScottJohn SullivanBill Woelders
Literacy. If you have children under the age of 5,this program is for you!This program is designed to helpparents in their role as their child's first teacher, through story time,playtime and learning new skills for school readiness.Meetings are once a week for 12 weeks, starting at 10:00am everyWednesdayFree programFree materials and books includedContact Mia at Houston Link to Learning Phone: 250-845-2727 or Email: [email protected] program is in partnership with HIPPY Canada.
The Houston Farmer's Market is recruitingVendors for the 2017 Market season.
All vendors must make, bake, or grow all itemssold at the market.All food vendors must comply with NorthernHealth regulations.
If interested in becoming a vendor, please call250-845-2727 or email [email protected] for moreinformation.
NWCC is holding their 3rd annual Golf Scramble and Student BursaryFundraiserFriday May 26, 2017 at the Smithers Golf andCountry Club$65/ dinner & 9 holes$35 / dinner only1:00pm shotgun start5:00pm dinnerFor more information contact [email protected] orcall 250-635-6511 ext 5389To reserve a cart please call 250-847-3591
Houston & District Chamber of Commerce
Events Calendar & FacebookIf your business, group, or organization is hosting an event and youwish to promote it throughout the community, our Facebook page andCalendar of Events on our website are great opportunities to do soeffectively and efficiently.
Our face book page is becoming popular with the community as aresource for current events. Weare seeing many of our postsreaching over 950 readers and ourpage has accumulated over 470likes. Your event will surely makeits way throughout the community.
Our Events Calendar is located on our web site atwww.houstonchamber.ca under the category events. It is an easy, userfriendly calendar to receive highlights for events happening in ourcommunity for every month of the year.
To advertise with us please email your information to:[email protected] note: Posters need to be in a Jpeg format for Facebook. Weusually schedule the post a few weeks in advance, prior to the event togive the community ample time to view. If you have any questionsplease give us a call at 250-845-7640
Shop Local Initiative - List of Winners
The Houston & District Chamber ofCommerce Shop Local InitiativePromotion started MondayNovember 14, 2016 and ran for 20consecutive weeks to March 29,2017.We gave away a total of$14,000.00 in Houston MerchantGift Certificates to 42 lucky prizewinners.
List of Winners: Danielle Shepherd Donna DavidsonCamielle Trottier Tom Schneider
District of Houston Rep:Councillor
Jonathan Van Barneveld
Supply ChainConnector
Making it easy for business tobusiness connections in
northern B.C. The Supply Chain Connector is theprimary search tool for industrialservice and supply business incentral and northern B.C. In orderto connect local businesses withmajor project procurementopportunities, the Supply ChainConnector offers easy access toa fully searchable database ofbusinesses throughout the region.Whether you are looking forqualified businesses to send atender package or seeking toprocure supplies or services or alocal business looking for a jointventure partner, the Supply ChainConnector will make it easy foryou to connect with the rightbusiness. For more information onthe Supply Chain Connector go to:http://supplychainconnector.ca/
To gain more exposure for yourbusiness or if your BC business isoutside their service region, you
may also register at: LNG Buy BC
The Official Visitor'sGuide
Houston B.C.
The Official Visitor Guide for
Houston B.C. is now available atour visitor centre. Please drop by
and pick one up.
The guide includes new andupdated information on Houston`s
Local attractions, maps of thesurrounding area, Camping, Lakes& Paddling Opportunities, Highway118 to Granisle, the Morice River
and Fishing Opportunities,Mountain Biking, Winter Activities,
Facilities, Municipal Parks, andvisitor`s amenities, as well as
Charles Van Hoffen Kyle BellCandis Stumpf Shay DaigneaultDavid Fast Al ElliottDoug Stumpf Rena LaforgeKathy Daigneault Naomi HimechJackie Maurer Helen HallStephen Chartier Adrienne MorryJames MacInnes Nicole KaszasKris Chelsberg Henk ButerLila Stewart Margaret McConnellYvonne Marcotte D'arcyYoung Marlee Johnson Airiyel SjodenMelinda Neufeld Lisa NewgardAlice Verbeek Judith HamblinDeb Bergstresser Shirley MartinLynne Sketchley Frank McDonaldJonathan Ly Michelle DykstraApril Nagtegaal Eric GronningPatti DeTeves Michelle Haftner
The Houston & District Chamber of Commerce would like to say Thankyou to the Houston Merchant Association for participating in our ShopLocal Initiative Program: B & M Ventures (Pleasant Valley Restaurant)Blooming ArrangementsBrewstir's CafeBulkley Valley Home Centre Ltd.BV FoodsCity FurnitureCountrywide Printing & StationeryLtd.Countrywide SportsD & M Industrial Supplies Ltd.District of HoustonHouston Co OpHouston Food MarketHouston Pizza FactoryIdylwild Motor InnLee's Garden RestaurantMike's Audio Video UnlimitedNAPA Auto PartsNorthStar PerformancePacific Truck & Equipment Inc. dba Peterbilt of Houston BCPharmasavePleasant Valley PlazaReitsma's Home HardwareShear DelightSubway ( Marval Properties)Sullivan Motor Products Ltd.Traction Tire and Carwash Ltd.
Featured Houston & District Chamber ofCommerce Members:
New Nadina ExplorationsLimitedNew Nadina Explorations Limited hasbeen a member of the Houston &
District Chamber of Commerce since May 30 2012. New Nadina Explorations Limited ("the Company") was incorporated onApril 7, 1964 under the Company Act of British Columbia. OnDecember 20, 1977 the name changed from Nadina ExplorationsLimited NPL to New Nadina Explorations Limited NPL. On April 9, 1985the company converted from a specially limited company to a limitedcompany under the name of New Nadina Explorations Limited. The Company is principally engaged in the acquisition, exploration anddevelopment of mineral properties in British Columbia, Saskatchewan,Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The Company trades on the TSXVenture Exchange under the trading symbol "NNA" and is extra-provincially registered in the Province of Saskatchewan and extra-territorial registered in the Northwest Territories. The Company is currently exploring for diamonds on the MonumentProperty at Lac de Gras in the Northwest Territories and for gold/silverat the Silver Queen Mine Property near Houston in central BritishColumbia Silver Queen Project (near Houston)The Silver Queen property is located on the all season maintained roadto Huckleberry mine at Owen Lake - 43 km south of Houston BC. Late December 2011 the Company acquired 19 new tenure claims
other information in a very userfriendly format.
Grand & Toy
Access a program which offerssavings of up to 80% on over
7500 quality office products - instock and ready to ship. The officesupply program offers exclusive
savings opportunities for Chamberof Commerce members.
For more information or to apply,please drop in to the Houston &
District Chamber of Commerce oremail us at
Chamber LearningNetwork
The Chamber Learning Network™offers online training to membersbusinesses at discounted rates.
There are currently 4,000different courses and over 1,000
instructional videos online.
Shell
BC Chamber members receivediscounts off the posted pump
price for gasoline, dieseland retail purchases with the
Shell Triton Card.For more information or to apply.please drop in to the Houston &
District Chamber of Commerce oremail us at
First Data
First Data Canada has beenselected by The Canadian
Chamber of Commerce as theirnew payment processing partner.
First Data, a leader in theelectronic payment processing
industry, offers merchant servicesdiscounts to Chamber members.
For more information visit:
www.chambermerchantservices.ca
covering 7,051.369 hectares adjoining their current claim holdings inthe Omineca Mining Division. The Company now has a 100% interest in17 crown-granted and 42 tenure claims covering 17,089.19 hectares inthe Omineca Mining Division, south of Houston, British Columbia.In 2011, New Nadina Explorations Limited set out to discover the elusivesource of the property's numerous veins. New Nadina Explorations Limited Contact Information:Box 130, 298 Greenwood StreetGreenwood, BC V0H 1J0Phone: 250-445-2260Fax: 250-445-2259Email: [email protected] Site: www.nadina.com
Idylwild Motor InnIdylwild Motor Inn became a memberof the Houston & District Chamber ofCommerce on Feb 3 2017. The new owners of the Idylwild MotorInn took over ownership on June 12016. Previously they ran the Chinese
restaurant at the Tyee in Smithers until it unfortunately was destroyedby fire, The Idylwild Motor Inn is a family run business that providesand serves fresh food without MSG to the community. The Idylwild Motor Inn is also a member of the Houston MerchantAssociation and participates in the Houston Merchant Dollar programand accepts the Houston merchant Gift Certificates in both therestaurant and the Cold Beer and Wine Store. The Idylwild Motor Inn is community orientated, sponsoring localgroups and organization within Houston; such as The Houston & DistrictCurling Club and the Houston secondary School. They try to help wherethey can with community events.
The Idylwild Motor Inn Chinese Restaurant business hours are:Open seven days a weekMonday - Saturday 11:00am - 8:00pmSunday 4:00pm - 8:00pmThe Idylwild Motor Inn Cold Beer and Wine Store business hours:Open seven days a week, 365 days a year!Monday - Sunday 11:00am - 11:00pm The Idylwild Motor Inn is just opening a Sports Bar. Hours to bedetermined in the near future. Their location:2800 Hamblin frontage RoadPhone: 250-845-2296
The Arts Education CentreThe Arts Education Centre has been amember of the Houston & DistrictChamber of Commerce sinceNovember 5, 2008. Margaret returned to Houston in 2008and set up a music studio for pianoand theory lessons, as the The ArtsEducation centre, in September of
that year. It was an opportunity to connect with other musicians andartists already established in Houston and to build communityinvolvement and awareness towards the performing and visual arts. Personally, Margaret has been involved in providing emcee services andlive music at various events including Relay for Life in 2010 and 2013and Spirit of BC event in 2010. She has also been involved in thedevelopment of the Concert Band Program at the Houston SecondarySchool. The Arts Education Centre also holds a year end recital for allthe students to perform for the community. Piano and Music lessons are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursdaymornings and every day after school and in the evenings. The Centre isclosed on weekends.The Centre is also available to provide live piano music for your specialevents; such as weddings and funerals. Margaret has a teacher's diploma with the Royal Conservatory of Music(ARCT) and is a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers'Association.
LegalShield
For a small monthly fee,LegalShield drops high hourly
rates to offer legal plans that getyou 24/7 access to advice and
counsel on an unlimited numberof personal legal issues
from lawyers with an average of19 years of experience. From wills
and estate planning to smallbusiness protection and identifytheft, LegalShield is a one-stop
shop for legal counsel andservices.
BC Chamber members get anexclusive discount on the monthly
fee, making legal solutions foryour personal and business needs
that much more affordable.For more information or to apply,please drop in to the Houston &
District Chamber of Commerce oremail us at
Constant Contact
Sign up for Constant Contactthrough your Chamber of
Commerce and get a discount ofup to 25% - even if you're already
a Constant Contact customerwww.constantcontact.com
VersaPay
VersaPay offers preferred ratesfor Chamber members: 1.659%on Visa® and MasterCard®, 10
cents per Transaction Fee (waivedfor $100 or more) and 5 cents per
transaction for Interac DirectDebit.
For more information onVersaPay, please contact Houston
& District Chamber ofCommerce.
Esso Business CardProgram
The BC Chamber of Commerceand Imperial Oil are please tooffer the Esso Business Card
Program to all members.Delivered through Esso, thisprogram saves a member
business 3.5 cents per liter off theposted pump price at any ESSO-
branded service station inCanada. You can also collect
valuable Aeroplan miles on your
The Arts Education Centre Location:Unit D 2430 Butler Ave.Phone: 250-845-4785Email: [email protected]
Community News & Events
The 10th annual Teddy Bear Picnic will be happening on Wednesday
May 3rd from 10:00am to 2:00pm at theHouston Public Library.Come out and join in the fun with yourfavourite Teddy Bear.For all children 0 to 6 yearsThere will be story time, fun kids activitiesand a picnicFor more information about the picnicplease call Marian at 250-845-2727.For Kindergarten Round Up please makeyour appointment with the Houston HealthUnit at 250-845-2294
The Houston Legion Annual Mother's day Breakfast
will be happening on Sunday, May 14th 2017from 8:00am to 11:00am upstairs in the HoustonLegion Loft.
$10.00 for Adults$8.00 for Seniors$5.00 for 12 years and under
The District of Houston has initiated a process toprepare their first Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This Master Planwill guide planning and decision making related to parks, trails, and therecreation facilities and programs that are available in our community.Opportunities to participate:Complete a Community Survey found atwww.Houston.ca or pick one up at the HoustonLeisure FacilityCommunity Open House - May 8 5:00pm -6:00pm at the Houston Public LibraryCommunity Workshops May 8 at 4:00pm-5:00pm or 7:00pm - 8:00pm
For more information please contact Tasha Kelly
at Houston Leisure Facility email
The Breakfast Program at Houston Secondary School is up andrunning! They serve approximately 50 - 70 students each day. Breakfastis commonly known as the most important meal of the day and at HSSthey want to provide each student theopportunity to have a great start to everyday by providing healthy, nutritiousbreakfasts. They look forward once again tothe volunteers from the various localbusinesses and community organizationscoming to serve breakfast each day.Although HSS receives funding from theBreakfast Club of Canada and Breakfast forLearning, donations are welcomed and appreciated. This might beitems such as jam, peanut butter, bread, eggs, to name a few.Donations can be dropped off at the school office. Thank you for yoursupport!
Northwest British Columbia Resource BenefitsAllianceThe Resource Benefits Alliance was formed to seek a share of revenuesthat will flow to government from future development. This revenuewould enable communities to address current impacts arising frommajor resource development, service and infrastructure deficits incommunities and to leave a legacy in Northwest British Columbia.
The RBA was formed in 2014 by the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine,the City of Terrace, the Districts of Kitimat, Stewart and New Hazelton,the Village of Hazelton, and all RDKS Electoral Area Directors.In July 2015, the RBA was expanded with the addition of the RegionalDistrict of Bulkley-Nechako and the North Coast Regional District, aswell as all of their member municipalities and Electoral Areas.
purchases. Stop by our office andpick up an application form.
Chambers ofCommerce GroupInsurance Plan
Made For Small Business:Accessibility & Flexibility
Over 25,000 businesses purchasegroup benefits from the
Chambers Plan. Comprehensivebenefit packages apply to home-
based businesses and smallbusiness firms - with no industryrestrictions. For-profit businesses
with three people and up areeligible for guaranteed coverage.
Flexible group plans are alsoavailable for larger firms with upto 35 employees. All plans start
with employee life insurance. YourChambers Plan advisor can helpyou select the right options for
building as comprehensive a planas you wish to meet your exact
needs and fit your budget.
Benefit options include life,health, dental and travel care
insurance, vision care, short andlong-term disability, businessoverhead benefits and many
others. Guaranteed renewablecontract.
For more information, pleasecontact the Houston & DistrictChamber of commerce at 250-
845-7640 or email us [email protected]
Spark Insurance
Spark Insurance* is offeringmembers significant discounts on
non-profit insurance packagesand has created an efficient
online application process thattakes less than 5 minutes; saving
your non-profit andcharity organizations time and
money
Spark Insurance offer nine typesof nonprofit insurance in one
package.
For more information on SparkInsurance, please contact
Houston & District Chamber ofCommerce at 250-845-7640
Petro Canada
That brought the RBA membership to all 21 local governments acrossthe Northwest from Masset toVanderhoof.
The Northwest shouldn't be a'Have-Not' RegionOver the past five years more than$13 billion has been spent onmajor capital projects in theregion, including pipelines,transmission lines, mines, cleanenergy projects, port expansions,LNG plant site preparation and analuminum smelter replacementjust to name a few. At the sametime, the provincial governmenthas earned at least $500 million inincremental revenue associatedwith these projects. None of this revenue generated from our regions has flowed back toour communities. There are currently Northwest projects with capital costs of $213 billionthat are at various stages in the approval process. The RBAconservatively estimates that there will be at least $30 billion spent onnon-LNG capital projects over the next ten years. If the LNG industrydoes proceed, that activity would more than double to over $60 billion. Our Northwest communities need and deserve a share of the revenuegenerated from our own region.
The RBA believes that a regional approach is needed in the Northwestbecause of our region's unique situation:
The nature of past and future development is incrediblyindustrially diverse Most of the development projects affect several communities atonce, but fiscally benefit none, and The whole region deserves a share of the wealth generated inthe region.
RBA is committed to a regional revenue sharing arrangement thatwould:
Ensure negotiations begin no later than September 9, 2017: Provide a share of the provincial revenue generated over thepast five years to give local governments the capacity to preparefor future development and deal with the most urgentinfrastructure needs; Provide a proportionate share of ongoing revenues to offsetongoing service and infrastructure costs associated with futureprojects; Leave the region better off through significant legacy resources;andEnable local governments to determine how contributions underthe agreement will be distributed.
Show your support by making sure your friends and family understandhow important this issue is to our future and ask your electoralcandidates if they support the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance.On May 9, vote for a candidate who supports sharing Northwest BCprovincial resource revenues with your community.For more information on the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliancefot to their website at www.nwresourcebenefits.caor follow them on Facebook at Northwest BC Resource BenefitsAlliance or on Twitter @nwbs_rba.
District of Houston-Parks and RecreationMaster Plan The Business Façade The District of Houston is preparing their firstParks and Recreation Master Plan and are looking for the community'sinput.
Petro Canada offers Chambermembers 2.0 cents per litre off allgrades of gasoline & diesel. 5%
discount on all parts and labour atCentigard Car Care Centres. 5%
discount on vehicle propane.Individually numbered credit card
for each vehicle.For more information, pleasecontact the Houston & District
Chamber of Commerce.
Hotline to HR
Hotline to HR offers chambers,and their members, the
opportunity to deliver up-to-datecurrent information in human
resources by providing unlimitedand convenient access to HR
assistance 24/7. This programextends to Chamber membersand is offered on a subscription
basis.
For more information, pleasecontact the Houston & District
Chamber of Commerce [email protected] or call
250-845-7640
Payworks
Payworks Chamber ofCommerce Affinity ProgramNot just a service provider -
your business partner.
Canadian-owned Payworksprovides comprehensive,
innovative and integrated web-based Payroll, HR and EmployeeTime Management solutions to
businesses across Canada.Their integrated online solutionsincrease payroll accuracy andreduce costly errors. They are
easy to use, and like all Payworkssolutions, they are backed byunparalleled client support.
Payworks goal is to help you runyour payroll as quickly and easilyas possibly, while maintaining the
highest levels of accuracy,reliability, and service. This is how
we workFor more information or to apply.please drop in to the Houston &
District Chamber of Commerce oremail us at
Staples Advantage
CRA-Are you self-employed? Know your taxobligationsAs a self-employed person, you and your spouse or common-lawpartner have until midnight on Thursday, June 15, 2017, to file your2016 income tax and benefit returns.The legislated date for paying an income tax balance owing is April 30.Since that date is a Sunday in 2017, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)will consider your full payment as made on time if the CRA receivesyour payment by midnight on May 1 or if your submission with thepayment is postmarked no later than that date.If you have amounts owing and the CRA receives your return after theJune 15 deadline, the CRA may charge you a late-filing penalty.
Important facts
You have to report your income from any business you runyourself or with a partner. For more information, go tocra.gc.ca/selfemployed.If you own a business or are engaged in a commercial activity,keep complete and detailed records. Your records should bedetailed enough to calculate the tax you owe and to support anydeduction or credit you are claiming. They also must besupported by original documents.Keep your supporting documents for six years after the end ofthe tax year to which they relate. Even if you don't have to attachcertain supporting documents to your return or you are filingyour return online, keep them in case we review your return. Wemay ask you to prove your claims for deductions or credits withdocuments other than official receipts, like cancelled cheques orbank statements.If you get income that has not enough or no income tax withheldduring the year, you may have to pay tax by instalments. Someof the situations where this may happen are if you have rental,investment, or self-employment income, certain pensionpayments, or income from more than one job. For moreinformation, go to cra.gc.ca/instalments.
For more details on preparing your 2016 income tax and benefit return,visit cra.gc.ca/getready.
Houston Merchant Gift CertificatesDo you sometime find it difficult to find that perfect gift for someonespecial? Finding that great gift for someone who has everything can bea challenge.
Staples Advantage is the world'slargest business-to-business
supplier of office essentials, printsolutions, promotional productsand office furniture solutions.
Businesses know the challengesthey face; Staples Advantage
works with companies to build aspecialty program that meets
their demands.
BC Chamber members can accessthe Staples Advantage discount
program, which provides savingson office essentials, print
solutions and more.
For more information or to apply.please drop in to the Houston &
District Chamber of Commerce oremail us at
BC Chamber ofCommerce TravelDiscount Program
Chamber members can nowreceive hotel and car rental
discounts in Canada and aroundthe world for unlimited businessand leisure travel. Hotel savingsmay be as much as 50%, and
average 10 to 20% below marketrates. Savings on car rentals mayexceed 35%, with over 1200 carrental suppliers at over 30,000locations across 175 countries
around the world.
For more information or to apply.please drop in to the Houston &
District Chamber of Commerce oremail us at
Applications being
accepted to Rural
Dividend Fund
April 3-May 31
Applications for funding under therecently extended BC Rural
Dividend will be accepted
We have the solution! How about a Houston Merchant Certificate! There are many businesses in Houston that participate in the programgiving a wide variety of selection. You can purchase the gift certificatesat the Houston & District Chamber of Commerce, CountrywideSports, and Reitsma's Home Hardware. For a list of participating merchants please [email protected] or call our office at 250-845-7640
The Launch of BC Bid Resources: How to dobusiness with the B.C. government The B.C. government recently launched an online resource on howto do business with the Province of B.C. After months of collaboration and development, the B.C. governmentprocurement transformation team is pleased to announce the launch ofwww.gov.bc.ca/BCBidResources, an online resource for vendors on howto do business with government. The first phase of the website includesapproximately 50 pages of step-by-step information and guidanceabout B.C. government's procurement processes, and it will continue tobe built out over the coming months. The new BC Bid Resources website is designed to help you:
Decide whether or not to respond to an opportunity;Write submissions;Understand what can and cannot be done when you areawarded a contract;Get feedback on your submissions;Learn what to expect when it is your first time responding to opportunities; andRegister for learning and development sessions.
The development of this user-centric site required research into otherjurisdictional procurement sites, a rigorous editing and approvalprocesses, user experience testing, and ongoing engagement withministry and vendor working groups.
We are committed to continuous improvement and interested in anyfeedback you may have on this new resource. BC Bid Resources is a keydeliverable of the Procurement Transformation Initiative, as identified inthe #BCTECH Strategy and the Small Business - Doing Business withGovernment report.
BC Chamber-What's on BC's Mind - BCProvincial ElectionThe BC Chamber of Commerce network is unique. Chambers andBoards of Trade represent communities in every nook and cranny ofour great province. As B.C.'s largest, member driven businessorganization - representing 36,000 businesses ranging from single-shingles to multinationals - our network plays a crucial role in ourcherished democratic process. In the lead up to the BC Provincial Election on May 9th, the BC Chambernetwork will continue to guide the public conversation surroundingissues of concern to the business community, and ensure these issuesare front and centre for every political party and candidate seekingelection to provincial office.
The Issues:
April 3 - May 31, 2017.
Funding is available in fourcategories:Community capacitybuilding
Workforce development
Community and economicdevelopment and
Business sector development.
Downloadable application forms,a revised program guide, as wellas detailed instructions on how to apply will be available as of March 31, 2017, at the BC RuralDividend website: www.gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend
Find more information about theRural Dividend Fund here.
BC Chamber on Trade
Dan Baxter, Director of PolicyDevelopment, Government &
Stakeholder Relations, and formerAdvisor to a Minister of
International Trade and the Asia-Pacific Gateway, discusses
international trade to Asia inBusiness in Vancouver.
"The Americans are going to lookto have another lumber war withour softwood products, so havingthat access to other markets likeAsia helps," Baxter said. "It stilldoesn't mean it's not going to
have an impact on the economyand the forest industry. But having
those other markets abroaddefinitely helps mitigate that
impact."
Read the full article in Business inVancouver
The Importance ofEmbracing Diversitywithin Construction
We live in a world of accessibility,yet women and under-
represented groups still facebarriers to entry into trade
careers.
Beyond our BordersCall to Action: Improve movement in, out and throughout B.C.'scommunitiesB.C.'s economic prosperity is intrinsically linked to transportation andinfrastructure. B.C. needs long-term vision and coordinated efforts toensure that the province's transportation system drives economicgrowth.Remedy:Government must continue to invest in B.C.'s transportationinfrastructure and network as a critical component of our role as theGateway to the Pacific.Prioritization and coordination of trade-enabling infrastructure will helpmove goods and people, which contributes to economic growth andprovides incentives for the private sector to make investments, whilealso contributing to local economies through sustainable job growth andsupport to local businesses. BC's Natural AdvantageCall to Action: Improve resource & energy literacy With B.C.'s global competitive advantage strongly linked to resources,the province's economic future hinges on British Columbians' supportfor B.C.'s resource industries and projects.From timber to minerals to natural gas, the ability to extract and exportB.C.'s abundant natural resources will be a defining characteristic ofcommunities' economic prosperity. B.C.'s ability to realize the economicrewards from our resource sector is challenged on a number of fronts,including regulatory and approval delays and opposition from someIndigenous communities and environmental groups.Remedy:We must work towards building a culture where the public is informedabout the importance of B.C.'s resource sector to the entire province'seconomic and community well-being. Growing the People that Power BCCall to Action: Commit to real solutions As B.C. continues to tackle a skills crunch, the province's economicfuture hinges on both attracting and training a workforce that can meetour growing labour needs.Remedy:We are calling on the provincial government work with the privatesector to support job creation by developing real solutions to thechallenges facing the B.C. economy. Those challenges include:Jobs & Employment: B.C.'s economic growth is dependent on theavailability of a skilled workforce. B.C. business and industry canbecome, and remain, competitive only by the continued investment in,and maintenance of, the highest standard of human capital.Skills & Training: Almost half of all new jobs will require some form oftrades and technical training, and while we're seeing success with theIndustry Training Authority in issuing more and more certifications - westill have some way to go to meet the demand.Cost of Labour: The BC Chamber's province-wide membership calls forminimum wage increases to be linked to the Consumer Price Index toensure stability and predictability to these increases and thus to protectB.C. businesses from the fallout of sudden, unexpected hikes.
Healthy CommunitiesCall to Action: Continue making B.C. the best place to live, work &invest.Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade are integral parts of theircommunities. As both business and community leaders, Chambers arecommitted to building a healthy, vibrant province with a top-tierstandard of living. As part of this, BC Chamber policies tackle topicssuch as healthcare and housing affordability.Remedy:The Chamber calls on the next provincial government to work with localgovernments and the federal government to tackle affordability issuesthat would help businesses ensure a quality of life that attracts andretains the workers they'll need to power the economy. These issuesinclude:
Housing Affordability: The Chamber believes that reduction andeventual elimination of the property transfer tax creates a positiveimpact on the business community and the Province.
Health Care: While our government has made expanding availability ofprimary care a key priority, we must embrace the physician extendermodel so that our economy may reap the benefits of more primarycare and create new efficiencies in our healthcare system.
Transit: The establishment of long-term integrated transportationstrategies will be a determinant of B.C.'s economic success. Thechamber has been on record for some time calling for comprehensivereform of the financing and governance of Translink. Fiscal ResponsibilityCall to Action: Spend JudiciouslyB.C. is highly competitive globally when it comes to corporate, personal
Tara Fong, Manager of theCanada BC Job Fund Programs,Industry Training Authority, talks about the importance ofembracing diversity within thetrades industry.
See how ITA is lifting barriers forall British Columbians.
and small business tax rates. Despite this record, B.C. has room tofurther improve its competitive position, particularly as it relates to ourexport industries, by having a dialogue on a made-in-B.C. value-addedtax.Remedy:The Chamber has been a consistent voice calling on government tobalance their books and to keep B.C.'s debt burden low for futuregenerations. As one of only three Canadian jurisdictions with a balancedbudget, B.C. has developed a reputation for fiscal prudence. How wekeep the books in check:Tax Competitiveness: As a small, open trading jurisdiction, B.C.'sexporting industries compete with producers from across the globe, themajority of who do not have a sales tax structure that embeds costs atevery stage of production as does the PST. The BC Chamber stronglyadvocates for a dialogue towards a made-in-BC value-added tax.Balanced Budget: B.C. currently has legislation requiring the budget tobe balanced. If government fails to balance the budget, an amendmentmust be tabled in the legislature and every Minister in Cabinet forfeits aportion of their salary until balance is achieved.Control spending: Governments can quickly become burdened byunsustainable program spending, as seen in several jurisdictionsaround the world. Our elected leaders must commit to keeping growthin public spending to the rate of growth in population and economicgrowth. Small Business is a Big Deal in BCCall to Action: Support Small BusinessGiven the importance of SME's we call on all parties to affirm theimportance of small business to the ongoing success and sustainabilityof communities across the province and the provincial economy as awhole.Remedy:While many involved in Chambers of Commerce instinctively understandand recognize the value small businesses play to our economic vitalityof our communities, the role of small business is often overlooked byothers.The Chamber believes that the cornerstone of our efforts during theprovincial election must be to raise the importance and profile of smallbusiness and the specific issues they face.
The BC Chamber is the largest and most broadly-based businessorganization in the province. Representing more than 125 Chambers ofCommerce and 36,000 businesses of every size, sector and region of theprovince, the BC Chamber of Commerce is "The Voice of Business in B.C."
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