DELTA, BC (March 25, 2010) Business networking has increased and the voice of business has grown stronger over the past year as the Delta Chamber of Commerce has achieved members’ top priority goals. Those were some of the key results reported at the annual general meeting of the Delta Chamber of Commerce held at noon today at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn.
Not only was the Delta Chamber’s role in speaking up on challenges to business a top priority, according to last Spring’s member survey, members indicated that they thought the Chamber was in fact playing a more active role as a “credible representative on business challenges” related to the economy, social factors and government.
Chair of the Delta Chamber, Greg Muirhead, says: “In some cases we support economic development initiatives as they arise during the year. In other cases the challenges in speaking up are larger and require longer term commitment. For instance, members of our Transportation Committee have joined the Corporation of Delta and the Gateway Program in an active collaborative on the South Fraser Perimeter Road. We have also been collaborating with other chambers of commerce and boards of trade in the Lower Mainland on our policy resolution calling for more rapid processing and clearing of traffic accident scenes which can tie up traffic for several hours at major expense to businesses. In fact the resolution is being submitted to the BC Chamber of Commerce tomorrow for this May’s AGM.”
Another top priority for members in the most recent survey was to attract new members.
“Membership growth is important to members because of the high value given to networking and the strength it gives our voice of business,” according to Mr. Muirhead. “Well, I am pleased to report that we did attract 114 more new members in 2009, compared to 61 in 2008. We now have a total of about 450 members, up from the 380 in the previous two years.”
As the Delta Chamber celebrates its 100th Anniversary this year it not only looks back to learn and reflect, it looks forward and plans new or improved service to its business members. That is now reflected in its new visual identity or logo unveiled at the meeting. (See attachment)
“This new logo more is more suited to our business organization. It makes a bolder statement about the Delta Chamber of Commerce and our distinct role in this dynamic, issues-challenged community which, at the same time, is a model of sustainability,” says Executive Director Peter Roaf.
Delta Mayor Lois Jackson expressed the sadness shared by Council and staff, and the community, on the sudden death this week of Councillor George Hawksworth. She reported that Delta had received up to $40 million in federal and provincial funding for 10 economic stimulus projects, the most among BC communities. These projects will be supported locally through a one percent increase in property tax. Among the highlights of her comments was a progress report in reducing the municipal debt over most of this past decade by $35 million with the aim of eliminating the $23.7 million balance by 2018.
Elected to the Delta Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2010-11 were: Chair, John Appleby, of the Portside Group, Vice Chair, Tudor Williams, of Twisurveys Inc., 2nd Vice Chair, Chris Scurr, of Ladner Travel, Treasurer, Lorraine Bissett, of Westham Island Winery, Immediate Past Chair, Greg Muirhead, of North American Telecommunications Group, Directors, Michael Anderson, of Northern Vision Realty Advisors Inc., Dave Hamilton, Delta Optimist, Sujay Nazareth, Rapidtech, Phil Posehn, Century Group, Les Voros, Freedom 55 Financial.
Chair, Greg Muirhead, recognized and thanked outgoing Directors for the years of service on the Board: Immediate Past Chair Maria DeVries, of Marlor Investments, who steps down after almost 10 years on the board, Patricia Fleming, of DRS Earthwise, Clint Morgan, of Delta Container, and, earlier this year, Orv Nickel, of O.N.E. Corporation.
The Delta Chamber of Commerce is a 450-member non-profit corporation of member companies and organizations in Delta acting as the voice of business locally, provincially and nationally, and providing business networking, discounted services, learning opportunities to its members.
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CONTACTS:
Greg Muirhead, Chair or Peter Roaf, Executive Director
T: 604-526-2129 T: 604-946-4232
C: 604-351-2920 C: 604-839-1465
ATTACHMENT: Delta Chamber of Commerce News Release, March 25, 2010: “Chamber developing stronger voice of business, larger membership and new look as it celebrates 100 years
Logo: land and water, from many parts, converge at the point, Delta, BC, and flow back out again
Features: blue water, and green land, apart but converging in synergy of trade, commerce, business; together reflect sustainability; also reflects openness and movement near and far (not closed loops or systems) and Delta as a hub that is asymmetrical not concentric, in constant transition yet maintains a balance of preservation as a sustainable community
Tagline: “Voice of Business” is a universal slogan of chambers of commerce; it explains and reinforces the sometimes confusing “chamber of commerce” name
Font Description: very legible, contemporary typeface that fits with corporate identity design
Credits: national leader in graphic design and corporate identity, David Watson, for his advice, and to Angela McGregor, of Indalma Creative, and Theresa Bamford, of Make It Fly designs, both of Ladner in Delta, BC, for their consulting and design