With municipal halls now drawing up next year’s budgets, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is asking its fees-for-service be included in the 2025 financial plans.
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, Port Coquitlam’s committee of council heard from Chamber CEO Leslie Courchesne about the organization’s events and activities this year for its 1,300-plus members — including tonight’s, Sept. 26, annual barbecue with Tri-City mayors.
Next year’s fee is $16,964 for PoCo — an eight per cent bump over last year — while the City of Coquitlam’s cost is $18,436 and the City of Port Moody’s $8,428.
Courchesne said the Tri-Cities' Chamber “strives to be the voice for a thriving business community” by providing advocacy, connections, savings, benefits and education to its members, of which 91 per cent are small business owners.
“It’s made very clear across the country, time and again, that cities and Chambers that work together are stronger for it,” Courchesne told the committee.
Coun. Darrell Penner said he’s seen the Chamber grow over the years and “the value is so obvious now” to the city. “It’s really awesome,” he said.
Coun. Paige Petriw, a Chamber member and former Chamber employee, said the outreach group has provided her with connections to develop her business and she complimented Courchesne for her three years as the chief executive officer.
Coun. Nancy McCurrach also noted the number of PoCo storefronts now occupied, a return to post–pandemic levels.
“The growth and development [are] exciting,” Courchesne said, noting how commercial space in the Tri-Cities is not only at expensive, but it’s also hard to find.
She said the Chamber fields many requests from local, national and international companies looking to locate in the Tri-Cities.
Next month, for example, Chamber officials will host a delegation from Sri Lanka that is also scouting for office space in Surrey and Vancouver.
“It’s a good feeling to know we’re on the map,” Courchesne said.
Upcoming Chamber events:
- Thursday, Sept. 26, 5 to 8 p.m.
- The annual Mayors BBQ takes place at the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam)
- The Tri-City News is a sponsor
- Thursday, Oct. 8, 3 to 7 p.m.
- The annual Business Showcase and Mixer is a tradeshow at the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam), where attendees can also meet the Tri-City candidates running in the provincial election
- The Tri-City News is a sponsor
- Feb. 15 to March 15, 2025
- Taste of the Tri-Cities food festival
- Saturday, April 5, 6 p.m. to midnight
- Business Excellence Awards Gala 2025
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