The District of Mission has proclaimed February 20-24 as Chamber of Commerce Week to recognize the unwavering commitment of the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce in supporting local businesses, boosting economic development opportunities and providing vital resources for businesses in our community.
“For well over a century, chambers have diligently kept their ears tight on the ground to identify the issues impacting businesses the most, and have worked with government to drive these insights into tangible action,” said David Sawatzky, president of the Mission Chamber.
“Whether acting as loyal advocates on hot-button topics, or providing tailored resources to help our members reach that next level, chambers are experts in getting business done.”
Right now, for example, the Mission Chamber is leading the effort to advocate for a review and reduction of the current drywall tariff implemented in September 2016 at over 243 per cent. This initiative will help make doing business easier in Mission and all over the province by bringing stability into a marketplace that has been rocked by the enormous increase in costs both to the homeowners and builders alike.
In addition, members of the Government Affairs Committee with the Mission Chamber are busy putting together the finishing touches on new policies to be presented at the BC Chamber AGM in May.
An example of one such policy focuses on the removal of PST on donations. This policy affects any business that donates a product or service, as many business owners don’t know that the business is required to pay PST on the value of those donations at the end of each year.
The chamber is also contributing on a provincial level. As a member of the BC Chamber network, the local group helped to create recommendations that were included in a new report by the Independent Commission on Tax Competitiveness.
This report, which compiled suggestions on how to further enhance tax competitiveness for businesses in B.C., was presented to the Minister of Finance. Recommendations included a call for a made-in-B.C. value-added tax, a policy passed by the BC Chamber’s province-wide membership.
So as B.C. celebrates Chamber Week, don’t miss the opportunity to swing by the Mission Chamber offices to learn more about their programs, services and events.
The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce creates connections for business and community through representation, effective communication, and innovative business education.
Representing more than 500 business members of every size and sector, the chamber leverages its connections to be a resource for its members and the business community in the region. With members that range from micro businesses to federal agencies, the Mission Chamber is helping to grow the region’s economy one business at a time.