August 2012
Transcription
August 2012
Newsletter August 2012 Vol 20 Issue Baker Street Then and Now This summer Touchstones Nelson has been featuring an exhibit entitled Baker Street Then and Now ...and the Future of Heritage. The Chamber was the primary sponsor of the exhibit that has been very well received by local residents and visitors alike. Nelson is unusual – since its inception, it has managed to retain a main street that has consistently been a vital and dynamic part of the community. Since being “re-discovered” in the early 90’s, the historic buildings and pedestrian-friendly downtown continue to characterize the “heritage” that the city has become so well known for. This exhibit features a montage of past and present photos of many of the historic buildings on Baker Street from the Touchstones Nelson Archives, as well as considering other examples of what heritage may look like as we move further into the 21st century. Chamber President Chuck Bennett notes that Baker Street is an important part of the social and business fabric of our community. The Chamber and the Economic Development Partnership are extremely concerned about Business Retention and Expansion, it remains a pillar in our strategic planning. We realize it is not easy being in business these days, and we have a concern over the long term sustainability of some businesses” Bennett adds, “It is one of the reasons why we are focusing on initiatives like Shop Nelson and area marketing campaigns to educate the community on the importance of supporting small business within our region” Executive Director Tom Thomson says “the business community often gets taken for granted. People think that no matter what, they will be with us forever. The fact is the day to day of costs of being in business continues to increase year after year, from taxation, fees, government regulations, the price of product, the list is never ending” Thomson notes that the Chamber Directors have had plenty of discussions over the years as to the changing face of retail. The technological advances, people shopping on line, and the changing expectations of the consumer. “Customer expectations are running high when it comes to product, service, value, and shopping experience. We know it’s challenging being in business in these changing times, that’s why we have partnered with the Nelson Star on a campaign focused on the Baker Street Then and Now theme.” Bennett says the sponsorship of the Touchstones Baker Street exhibit was going to be turned into a kickoff to a Shop Nelson and area 10 campaign. We have a committee working on the next phase of the campaign that will be rolled out in the fall. It is also based on the importance of supporting our bricks and mortar stores to ensure the long term sustainability of our community. We will keep you posted on upcoming guest speakers , business training workshops or Worldhost customer service training opportunities that will be offered up to help your business. ________________________________________ CP Station Regional Visitor Gateway cornerstone of future development in Railtown There are still a few years of work that needs to be completed, and many more steps need to be taken before this project has been completed. That being said, the Chamber Board of Directors are a committed group of Nelson and Area business people that want to see this project come to fruition. It is clear that the development of the Regional Visitor Gateway-Business Opportunity Centre provides short term economic benefits through job creation as well as the injection of dollars into the local building supplies and related construction businesses. The west end of Baker Street has certainly seen some nice improvements dating back to last year. The renovation to accommodate the move of Big Cranium, the restoration work that has been done to the heritage Nelson Daily News building, plus the significant renovations that were completed at the Best Western Plus on Baker Street.. Just a bit farther down, work continues on the upgrades at the Baker Street and Highway interchange, the bridge, and sidewalk improvements to Cottonwood Falls, the Japanese Gardens and the Saturday markets. And of course the Chamber continues work on the CP Station restoration. A five person crew is back at work on the rehabilitation and restoration of the CP Rail Station. The project will see the construction of a Regional Visitor Gateway and Business Opportunity Centre for the West Kootenay region. The project was clearly identified as a cornerstone of the Downtown Waterfront Master plan, and the creation of an area identified as “Railtown” by the stakeholders and consultants that were involved in the community consultation and visioning exercises. Long term, the Regional Visitor Gateway will have a major impact on attracting tourism which in turn will help create new businesses, new shortterm and long-term jobs and maintain current jobs in this industry. Working with our regional economic development partners and through our Invest Kootenay partnership we will also be able to showcase Nelson and the West Kootenay region as an ideal region to relocate, raise a family, invest and develop business opportunities. The Chamber will be hosting a business after business at the CP Station in September. We’ll find out about the Regional Visitor Gateway, the Downtown Waterfront master plan and of course share some cool beverages and appies. Nelson to adopt a new Sister Nelson and Sand Point Idaho, two key communities on the Selkirk Loop will soon formalize a Sister City relationship. Sand Point Idaho is an arts community of approximately 10,000 people nestled on a lake below a ski hill. Sound familiar? That’s why the local Chambers and community leaders got together in the fall of 2011 for a preliminary discussion. Chamber Executive Director Tom Thomson says “a reciprocal ski pass arrangement with Schweitzer Mountain and Whitewater Resorts started the wheels in motion.” At a recent Nelson Council meeting the City approved the proposal submitted by the Chamber to enter into an agreement at the end of March 2013. Aerial photo Sand Point Idaho The Board of Directors of the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce believe there are ecoAnne Pigeon, Whitewater’s General Manager of nomic benefits that can be generated by formally Indoor Operations and Marketing notes, “The simiestablishing a Sister City relationship with Sandlar core values of each resort along with the repoint Idaho. semblance between Nelson and Sandpoint made it Thomson adds “throughout the life of the Sister an easy decision to become partners”. City relationship, the goals may change or evolve. We believe a good starting point would be through cultural and educational exchanges, tourism, and economic development exchange opportunities.” The initiative has the local support of the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce, The Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership, the Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism Association. Sand Point Chamber CEO Kate McAlister says The City of Sand Point officially passed a resolution that this will be the first Sister City relation- earlier this summer to finalize a formal agreement ship for Sand Point. with Nelson. She adds” there will be great opportunities to meet and develop marketing campaigns and encourage trade.” Sand Point is even discussing a sister city logo and promotion contests. The Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce will work in partnership with the Sandpoint Chamber and other community organizations to see the Sister City initiative with Sandpoint Idaho is formally established.. Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation Tournament Sunday August 19th You can still register for the KLHF golf tournament for Sunday. Great weather, great cause and lot’s of fun. Grab some work friends or golf partners and register today at Granite Pointe 352 5913 Sunday, August 19 at Granite Pointe Golf Club 4 person scramble Shotgun start at 11:00 am Fun day of golf, lunch on the course, fabulous dinner in the banquet room AND incredible prizes for only $100 per person. Major Prizes: Brand new iPad from Digerati (these are the ones that aren’t even out yet!) $500 gift card from Save On Foods 42 inch TV from Sears 1 year family pass from Nelson & District Community Complex Hole in One Prizes: $5,000 from OK Tire Trip to Cancun from Glacier Travel $10,000 from Hall Printing NEW CAR from Nelson Ford! Closest to the pin contest, closest to the line, ring of cash, putting contest, and so much more! Is your firm paying too much for group insurance? Discover The Chamber of Commerce Group Plan ————————————————— Looking for a cost effective way to purchase health and dental benefits for you or your employees? What makes the Chamber Insurance Plan different? Over 20,000 firms that we cover today each have custom coverage based on the types and amounts of insurance the owner selected. The Chambers Plan lets you control the cost, because you control the coverage you purchase and premiums are a deductible business expense. Whether you’re a one-person firm or have 35 employees, choosing custom coverage is easy and affordable. Start with employee life insurance. You can add medical, prescription drug, dental, disability income, critical illness, office overhead, retirement savings, employee assistance, even “Cost Plus” top up benefits for owners and executives. For over 30 years, the Chambers Plan has been delivering outstanding group insurance to the kinds of businesses too often overlooked by traditional insurers. Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce 2011-2012 Board of Directors _______________________________________ Executive President Chuck Bennett Nelson Star Vice President Justin Pelant Ted Allen’s Jewellery Secretary Treasurer Tom Mamic Pacific Insight Past President Cal Renwick Nelson Toyota Directors Barry Auliffe Selkirk College Marni Beninger Mountain Water Spa Harry Davidson Glass House Optical Kevin Einarson 1035 The Bridge/Mountain FM Tanya Finley Finley’s Irish Bar and Grill/Sage Tapas Randy Horswill Home Building Centre Clive Jackson Jackson’s Hole and Grill John Knox Fair Realty Ron World Save on Foods Let’s develop a quote for your firm, call me today. When we meet, you’ll tell me about the kinds of coverage that interest you and what you want a benefit plan to accomplish for your company. Then I’ll build a custom recommendation based on your objectives. Staff Tom Thomson Executive Director Marg Craig Visitor Centre Manager Val Yowek Administrative Assistant Let’s put the Chambers Plan to work for you! Glenn Sutherland ,B.A.,CSA Phone: 1-877-552-3518 [email protected]
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