The BC Chamber’s Provincial Datebook
Mark these in your calendar!
January 22nd & 23rd, 2009
Opportunities North: The Northern Economic Summit
Important Consultation Opportunity for Northern Chambers of Commerce
Prince George, Prince George Civic Centre
On January 22-23, 2009, Chambers of Commerce in Northern BC will have a unique opportunity to join Premier Gordon Campbell as he brings together business, community and government leaders to highlight the choices, challenges and potential opportunities of the North, reinforcing its critical importance to all of British Columbia.
This interactive Summit, featuring prominent national and international speakers and BC cabinet ministers, will explore the options and opportunities related to a wide range of issues, including the state of the global economy, job-creating green technologies, transportation, productivity and labour mobility, international trade and economic diversification.
This is an unprecedented event and an important chance for Chambers to provide input to the Provincial Government on the critical and singular role the North will play in BC’s long-term economic development. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have your Voice heard.
Be sure to save the date and plan to be a part of this exceptional event that will help shape the economic future of our province. More information
February 3rd & 4th, 2009
The British Columbia Economic Summit
Important Consultation Opportunity for Chambers of Commerce & Boards of Trade:
Vancouver, Sheraton Wall Centre
While British Columbia and Canada are better positioned to weather the difficulties of today's changing economy than other parts of the world, we are not immune from the international impact of these demanding times.
Chambers of Commerce in BC must be at the forefront of the efforts to safeguard the provincial economy. Positioned as the Chambers are to directly represent the concerns of the business community, the input they can provide will be vital to our continued financial security.
On February 3-4, 2009, join Premier Gordon Campbell at the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel as he brings together business, community and government leaders to highlight the choices, challenges and potential of our provincial economy.
This interactive two-day Summit, featuring prominent national and international speakers and B.C. cabinet ministers, is an important opportunity for Chambers to provide their input to the province on the options and opportunities related to a wide range of issues, including:
- the state of the global economy,
- job-creating green technologies,
- transportation and the Pacific Gateway,
- productivity and labour mobility,
- international trade and competition,
- and the case for economic diversification around the province.
Be sure to save the date and plan to be a part of this unique opportunity that will help shape the economic future of our province. More information
February 12th, 2009
Speech from the Throne
The 4th session of the 38th Parliament will resume on the 12th of February with the Speech from the Throne.
February 19th, 2009
Budget 2009
The provincial budget will be introduced on the 19th of February. In keeping with previous years, the BC Chamber will host a conference call on the 19th, where we will provide detailed analysis of Budget 2009.
Chamber Congratulates Province on Appointment of Economic Advisory Council
The BC Chamber of Commerce was pleased by the announcement that the Provincial Government has established a new Economic Advisory Council to provide guidance on maintaining BC’s economic stability.
The Chamber further congratulates Premier Gordon Campbell for appointing David Emerson as Chair of the Council. Under his leadership, the council is set to begin work immediately to aid the government in the management of our economy. The Chamber is encouraged to see that the government is acting on its promise to devote serious action to the safeguarding of BC’s continued stability.
BC Economic Forecast Council Predicts Slower Growth
The BC Economic Forecast Council has lowered growth projections for the Province in response to the possibility of a prolonged US recession, continued turmoil in world financial markets and slowing demand for BC products.
The average of the collected forecasts from the Economic Forecast Council now projects BC’s real gross domestic product at 1.3 per cent this year, down from the previous forecast of 1.4 per cent. For 2009, the forecast economic growth is expected to average 0.6 per cent, down from 1.3 per cent. Forecasts indicate growth is expected to average 2.7 per cent in 2010 and 2.6 per cent from 2011 to 2013.
Despite this deceleration, it is important to note that growth is still expected to be positive. BC is one of the only regions in North America expected to escape recession entirely, indicating a comparatively strong economic position.
For more information:
http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008FIN0024-001846.htm
Record Number of Construction Projects in BC
The latest Major Projects Inventory shows that construction projects across B.C. have increased for the 21st consecutive quarter, with 863 major capital projects, worth an estimated $174.7 billion planned or underway.
This is further demonstration of BC’s persistent growth during this difficult economic time. BC will continue to rely on the construction industry to provide critical employment opportunities and economic stimulus to help maintain stability and avoid recession.
The September edition of the Major Projects Inventory is available online at www.gov.bc.ca/tted.
Read more: http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008TTED0051-001826.htm
New Pilot Project Provides Succession Planning Tools to Small Business
A pilot project to deliver training in small business succession planning in five rural communities –Vernon, Nelson, Duncan, Houston and Kamloops – received a $47,000 partnership grant from the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue.
The Business Succession Planning project, developed by the NextSteps Enterprise West Society, with cooperation from Community Futures and the BC Chamber of Commerce will deliver workshops via video-conferencing, as well as peer-to-peer mentoring and toolkits, to about 60 small businesses across the province.
Succession planning is a critical issue for small businesses in BC, and a vital part of ensuring continued sustainable local economies throughout the province.
To learn more: http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008SBR0059-001848.htm
Small Business Roundtable Advice to the Small Business Community
The Small Business Roundtable 3rd Annual Report offers this advice for small businesses. You can read the whole report online at:
http://www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca/publications/SBR_Report_Oct08.pdf
- Be aware, and take advantage, of the information, tools and services available to you. Start by visiting Small Business BC’s website at www.smallbusinessbc.ca.
- Work with local community groups, such as the Community Futures or the Chamber of Commerce, to advocate for changes to enhance small business growth within your own region, including adopting a mobile business license and implementing BizPaL: www.bizpal.ca
- Volunteer your business expertise to local schools providing Junior Achievement BC programs – be part of developing tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.
- Become informed about Climate Action initiatives – recognize and take advantage of the economic opportunities.
- Where government regulations create business impediments, take the time to tell the government about the problem and potential solution through the Straightforward BC website at www.straightforwardbc.gov.bc.ca.
The Small Business Roundtable was established in 2005 with a mandate to provide small business with a voice in government. The Roundtable is chaired by the Minister of Small Business and Revenue, and has 21 board members selected for their leadership in the small business community, including several representatives from the Chamber Network:
http://www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca/about_members.htm
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