Does the Chamber of Commerce really do anything in small towns here in northern British Columbia? Perhaps a chamber manager, director, or die-hard chamber supporter will chime in and see this as an opportunity to overcome common small business owner objections while furthering the efforts of your local chamber of commerce. .
Honestly, what does the Chamber of Commerce do? Our tours of northern BC revealed that we’re not the only ones asking that question. Our opinion poll is by no means scientific, but the general consensus is that Chambers are outdated entities. At the very least, they need to reinvent themselves.
Our conclusion? The Chamber of Commerce has one main focus: increasing membership. Plain and simple, more members mean more money. Presumably, after covering staff costs and other overhead, the additional income allows the chamber to run programs or host visitors from the community whose experience can benefit members. But is that really being done?
For the prospective Chamber of Commerce member, let’s consider some common Chamber promotions:
1. Guest Speaker Series: The Chamber Luncheon is a common offering of the Chamber’s great and small. Luncheons are organized around a guest speaker who may or may not be paid for his or her efforts. Political candidates always generate a strong turnout. Regardless of the speaker’s background, we have found that such lunches are rarely tailored to the local community. I liked the touring rock band ending the concert with “Thank you! You guys are great!” The audience may feel good but, in the end, there is no legitimate conclusion for the small business owner.
2. Financial Benefits: Many rooms list long-distance savings, lower fuel costs, bank discounts, and reduced hotel rates as membership benefits. Are you serious? The online world is designed for bargain shoppers, so choose a brown bag lunch over a camera lunch and learn how you can travel for less using hotwire, get insurance for less at Canadian Direct Insurance or bank for free using the new “Business Direct” from HSBC. bill. If you don’t have the computer skills, buy a meal for your coworker and turn lunch into a productive “lunch and learn” session. Offline and closer to home, save gas with the Cardlock Coop system. Sure, you’ll have to become a member of the Vanderhoof Cooperative Association, but again, you’ll get reimbursed once a year based on your yearly purchases. You will be impressed with the savings.
3. Information for new business: The Chambers have always been strong in sharing information, but in today’s information age, the Chambers are failing. Chamber websites, previously made for general business information, are now heavily focused on member-to-member services. In a small town, such a strategy has little return for both the chamber and the chamber member. Up and down Route 16 and 97, many Chamber offices have a similar staffing model to address the needs of the local community. We find it baffling that some small towns with limited resources have both a Chamber Manager and an economic development officer. to what end? Sure, the cost of the additional position could be borne by federal/provincial government funds, but in the end, what is the goal? With similar positions existing within local municipalities, native bands, and CFDC offices, isn’t it time for a different approach?
I am concerned about the northern BC communities and the Chambers of Commerce that represent them. Our communities are not growing. Our long history of reliance on a forest-based economy has left us so myopic that almost every conceivable Economic Plan B seems hazy, out of reach, or at least years away. The citizens of Northern BC need the leadership voice of the Chambers to speak louder than ever.