This Tri-Cities showcase introduces local businesses and election candidates

The beauty of an event like this is that it really can be all things to all people.

Running 3 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 8 at the Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce’s Business Showcase & Mixer will bring together business exhibitors, MLAs, political hopefuls and everyday residents from across the region to mix, mingle and market.

For exhibitors, the evening represents a chance to meet new customers and clients, network and connect with the broader business community.

Attendees can learn about the businesses, goods and services offered right in their backyard and sample foods and beverages from local eateries – all while supporting and strengthening the regional economy.

And everyone can benefit from some face time with candidates just days ahead of the Oct. 19 provincial election.

“That’s a new piece to the event. We’ve invited all the Tri-Cites candidates to have a booth where you can talk to them, get a sense of the party platform and ask questions to help you be informed on the issues that matter to you,” says Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce CEO Leslie Courchesne.

Confirmed candidates as of Sept. 18 included Jennifer Blatherwick, Mike Farnworth, Rick Glumac and Jodie Wickens from the BC NDP; BC Greens Adam Bremner-Akins and Nicola Spurling; and Conservative Party of BC hopefuls Stephen Frolek, Ndellie Massey, Hamed Najafi and Kerry van Aswegen. Invites have been sent to all confirmed candidates and Courchesne expects even more uptick in participation once nomination processes wrap up across the area’s five constituencies: Coquitlam–Burke Mountain; Port Moody–Burquitlam; New West–Coquitlam; Coquitlam–Maillardville and Port Coquitlam.

Picture the entire evening as a blend between a casual mixer and a trade-show style event with attendees spanning from throughout the Tri-Cities and beyond.

Meanwhile, the networking area will serve as a nexus for precisely that – networking. Culinary samples and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be served to set the mood for conversation, introductions and generating business leads.

“Even when it’s complementary services, or B-to-B types of business, exhibitors really enjoy this event because they can meet each other or share perspectives on similar challenges,” Courchesne says.

And therein lies yet another invaluable facet of the Chamber mixer – getting to know how the organization can work for, and advocating on behalf of, the collective business community rather than operating in silos.

When a local industry sector or group of businesses are met with challenges, the Chamber can amplify those concerns to the appropriate level of government to build policy resolutions that affect change and elevate the entire business ecosystem.

“Supporting local is so important, because the dollars that you spend at local businesses get reinvested in the community at a much higher rate than if you order from somewhere far away or internationally,” Courchesne says.

Admission to the mixer is by donation, and businesses are encouraged to secure exhibition space early, as this event sells out quickly each year. For more details or to reserve your spot, visit  business.tricitieschamber.com/chamberevents/

Authorized by Chamber of Commerce Serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, registered sponsor under the Election Act, 604-464-2716