Farmers, fishermen and other business owners started the Delta Board of Trade on March 4, 1910. One hundred years later, the Delta Chamber of Commerce, as it is now known, is celebrating the role business has played in building our community ever since.
Former chamber presidents, board directors and members, and other community leaders, recalling memories of decades past, launched the centennial with a 100th birthday party dinner on March 4, 2010. Please view clips of their comments below to appreciate just a few examples of how the Delta Chamber of Commerce has contributed to the progress of business in Delta. We also look forward to another 100 years of economic development as businesses work together to benefit not only themselves but all of us in our community.
Other plans for our centennial year include: • a Delta Chamber centennial booklet in March; • Annual General Meeting March 25; • wooden boat show, and paddle wheeler cruise for members and community from Ladner Harbour, Saturday, July 24; • tailgate party for members on the Delta Chamber grounds, Thursday, August 26; • special centennial focus of the annual Hats Off gala in November; • time capsule: contributions welcomed about the Chamber or business in Delta; • a series of newspaper articles during the year on businesses in Delta; • speakers will address groups on the important role of business in Delta, past, present and future. If you wish to register for any of the events please contact the Delta Chamber of Commerce office or watch for notices on our website.
All video clips courtesy of DeltaTV, with many thanks.
Past President Leslie Abramson, leader of the Delta Chamber of Commerce centennial kick off describes – for those attending the “homecoming” event – other plans for the 100th Anniversary year
Blair Ledingham, Past President and board director, in the mid-1970s to mid-1980s period, describes the contribution of the Delta Chamber of Commerce to the development of the Tilbury industrial park.
Past President Blair Ledingham recalls the active role the Delta Chamber of Commerce played in the Boundary Bay Airport about 30 years ago.
Past President Leslie Abramson describes how the funding began for the Delta Chamber of Commerce building in the 1980s and all the work parties that followed to make it happen.
The red light at the Delta Chamber of Commerce office was suggested as a non-dues revenue source, according to Past President Leslie Abramson, despite its real purpose.
Past President Mike Owen describes one of several tasks that came his way in support of business as soon as he became president, such as going to bat for businesses on Annacis Island to develop a baseball diamond on the island.
Past President John Thomas recalls tough times for the Delta Chamber of Commerce during a recession and presents an item for the centennial time capsule
Past President Kimberly Arthur-Leung recalls the Delta Chamber of Commerce as not only an effective business organization, but a strong, supportive community.
Past President John Appleby, and current Vice Chair, gives the example of the Delta Chamber of Commerce as the voice of business in stressing the need for the South Fraser Perimeter Road, to then Finance Minister and later Prime Minister, Paul Martin
Past President John Appleby, and current Vice Chair, gives the example of the Delta Chamber of Commerce as the voice of business in helping the 500+ businesses in the Tilbury Industrial Park when they were experiencing frequent “brown outs”
Current Delta Chamber of Commerce Chair, Greg Muirhead (2008-2010), speaks about the serious business of speaking up for business, but having fun in the process.
As MC of the Delta Chamber of Commerce 100th kickoff dinner, actor, comedian, writer, director and Delta resident, Jackson Davies, speaks about the importance of the business and arts relationship.