Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
2040 Cliffe Avenue V9N 2L3 Courtenay, BC, Canada

We'd love to welcome one of our newest members, Engrave It to the Comox Valley Chamber! Thank you for joining the Chamber family! #ChamberMembers

We recently came across a free program that might be of interest to tourism and hospitality businesses and employees. This free program, delivered online, has been designed to help people in the tourism, hospitality and recreation sector whose livelihood has been disrupted by COVID-19. Whether you’re a business owner who has seen a dramatic drop in business (or has been forced to shut down completely), or a manager or supervisor facing shifting logistics challenges, this prog...ram can help by giving you the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the new COVID landscape. To make the program accessible to as many people as possible, a $1,000 reimbursement for childcare will be available to successful applicants to the program. Deadline to apply is March 3. https://cs.capilanou.ca//pro/tourism-business-enhancement/

We'd love to say a big congratulations (and thank-you) to some of our long standing Chamber Members. We appreciate your continued support and commitment. The Old House Hotel & Spa Chamber Member for 15+ years!... West Coast Home Theatres Chamber Member for 15+ years! ABC Printing & Signs Chamber Member for 25+ years! Canadian Western Bank Chamber Member for 25+ years! #chambermembers

Exporting allows you to expand the horizons of your small business beyond the local market. Export Navigator’s community-based advisors provide FREE support and ongoing guidance to help your business grow outside of B.C. Whether you need export advice or help with developing export strategies and researching new markets, we are standing by to connect you with expert guidance. Our advisors offer: An export readiness assessment A business readiness assessment... Market entry strategy support Market tools and information Streamlined service connections to support services Export Navigator is open to growth-oriented small and medium-sized businesses in B.C. in select regional service areas. Businesses must be willing to commit resources to the planning process, and sustaining a market entry strategy. Visit https://exportnavigator.ca/ for details.

Land of Plenty Award honours a business that is in the farm to table industry, demonstrated innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship, and contributes to Agri-food awareness and education. Thank you to the award sponsors Locals Food from the heart of the Island and Holland and Company for making this award possible. The finalists for the Land of Plenty Award:... Wayward Distillery Kehler Vegetable Company Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt Pre-order a Gourmet Popcorn bag and save the date for January 30, 2021, when you can stream the 2020 Chamber Awards Gala from the comforts of your own home! : https://bit.ly/2JXpaQH #2020ChamberAwards

Welcome to the Comox Valley Food Bank our newest Chamber Member! The Comox Valley Food Bank has been helping those in need, from Cook Creek to Oyster River, for more than 30 years. As a non-profit organization committed to reducing hunger since 1983, the CVFB gathers food and cash donations to support food distribution and collection programs. #chambermembers

The Sustainability Award honours a business that has environmental and social sustainability measures embedded in their business model and strategy, and practices environmental responsibility and sustainability. Thank you to the award sponsor West Coast Expeditions for making this award possible. The finalists for the Sustainability Award:... Eatmore Sprouts & Greens Ltd Local Refillery Harmonic Arts Pre-order a Gourmet Popcorn bag and save the date for January 30, 2021, when you can stream the 2020 Chamber Awards Gala from the comforts of your own home! : https://bit.ly/2JXpaQH #2020ChamberAwards

Your bidding makes a difference within your local community. Each year for the Chamber Awards, we have a Charity Partner for our auction - this year, our Charity Partner is the Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society This year, the online auction contains a variety of items to bid on, including experiences, spa treatments, local services, gift cards and gift baskets. There's something for everyone!... With all the bidding happening online, you can view, bid and participate from your phone, computer or tablet! Use this link: https://mobilbid.co/o/533/user/magic_links/new to register and begin bidding. The online auction closes February 4. Thank you to our Online Auction Platform sponsor, CSN - RELIABLE Auto Body

The clock is ticking! Gourmet Popcorn Bags are only on sale until January 20, so if you want to have your #2020ChamberAwards snacks delivered, we suggest you pre-order your Gourmet Popcorn Bag today. Inside each gourmet popcorn bag, there is an assortment of goodies including: popcorn, a caramel apple from Rocky Mountain Chocolates; Phillips Soda; Hardbite chips and more! We are pleased to boast all products in our gourmet bags are made in Canada! Cost of the bag is $50. ... There are goodies for 2 people inside each bag. Have your gourmet snack bag delivered directly to your home (Comox Valley or Campbell River) for an additional $5 or pick it up. COVID-19 protocols are in place for both options. https://bit.ly/3pdPO6W

Can you think of someone who: Has achieved remarkable business success before the age of 30 Is actively involved in the community Shows a willingness to employ locally as owner, CEO, or founder of business... Demonstrated and/or continues to demonstrate commitment to the Comox Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic If you can say yes to these points, then you should click over to our website an nominate them! It only takes a minute. You have until November 2 to nominate. https://www.comoxvalleychamber.com/chamberawards.html The Young Entrepreneur Award is sponsored by Wedler Engineering LLP #ChamberAwards2020

What a beautiful publication! Thank you to Ali Roddam Photography - The studio on 5th for the group shot. Can you spot the Chamber team? Post below when you find us!

Happy International Coffee Day! Did you know, that international coffee day is more than just a day when you can enjoy extra coffee without feeling guilty, but it's also a day to celebrate and recognize the people that work in the industry - the people who ensure that we have delicious coffee to drink! If you're heading out to grab coffee, stop by one of our many, fantastic, coffee shops and let them know they are appreciated. ... Tag your favourite coffee spot! Milano Coffee CMX Valley Tim Hortons Rhodos Coffee & Bistro Atlas Café Hot Chocolates #nternationalcoffeeday

Today is #Orangeshirtday and students at Lake Trail are celebrating with an Art and Story Walk installation in the forest around the school. The installation includes pages of The Orange Shirt Story being displayed throughout the forest, accompanied by signs reminding us that every child matters and artwork made by students. The Art and Story Walk is open to the public as a self-guided walk on Thursday, October 1st from 2:00 5:00. Principal Gerald Fussell invites the community to come and experience the walk, beginning at the back of the school’s top field, off of Lake Trail Road.

Can you think of someone who: Exemplifies the principles and practices of excellence in customer service Demonstrated and/or continues to demonstrate exceptional service with each customer interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic Has established a reputation for going above and beyond... If so, why not surprise them with a nomination for our Customer Service Award? Nominating is EASY and can be done on our website: https://www.comoxvalleychamber.com/chamberawards.html Don't have time to fill out a nomination form? Get in touch with us! Nominations close November 2. The Customer Service Award is sponsored by Robbins & Company Chartered Professional Accountants #ChamberAwards2020

Can you think of someone who: Provides outstanding voluntary service in the community Demonstrated a lifetime of achievement over 20 years in the Comox Valley Is a full-time, long-term resident of the Comox Valley... If you can say yes to these points, then you should click over to our website an nominate them! Make their year, with a nomination. You have until November 2 to nominate. https://www.comoxvalleychamber.com/chamberawards.html The Lifetime Achievement Award is sponsored by Canadian Tire Courtenay #ChamberAwards2020

Happy Monday! What are you thankful for? Today, we're thankful for all of our members and we would love to highlight our renewing members. Thank you! R. Henn & Associates... 10+ Year Member! Excel Career College 25+ Year Member! Comox Life by the Sea, Business in Action 10+ Year Member! Old House Law and Notary Public 10+ Year Member! Comox Valley Airport 15+ Year Member! #MemberMonday #ChamberMember

Open at 7 am during the week so we can get our caffeine on the way to work! Milano Coffee CMX Valley

Take this survey about the rail service on Vancouver Island. Island Corridor Foundation

Can you think of someone who: Provides leadership and inspiration among their peers Made a positive contribution to the community and/or business sector, or as a mentor through volunteerism during the COVID-19 pandemic Serves as a positive role model in the community and for local businesses or organizations for at least five years... If so, why not surprise them with a nomination for our Business Leader Award? Nominating is EASY and can be done on our website: https://www.comoxvalleychamber.com/chamberawards.html Don't have time to fill out a nomination form? Get in touch with us! Nominations close November 2. The Business Leader Award is sponsored by Coastal Community Credit Union #ChamberAwards2020

Great way to check out White Wave Medical Aesthetics

Can you think of a business that: Creates a culture that supports work/life balance Demonstrates support and care for employee’s parental needs, such as job sharing, option to work from home or flexibility when family matters arise Demonstrates support for local children’s initiatives or fundraising campaigns Staff and owners demonstrate an inclusive attitude towards families with young children both as employees and customers... Provides assistance and support to employees with aging seniors that the employee Has gone above and beyond to support their employees and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic If you can say yes to some of these points, then you should click over to our website an nominate them! What a lovely surprise it would be for their business organization, especially during this time, to be nominated for the Family First Award. You have until November 2 to nominate. https://www.comoxvalleychamber.com/chamberawards.html The Family First Award is sponsored by Temprite Climate Solutions #ChamberAwards2020

This year marks the third annual #GenderEqualityWeek being celebrated in Canada. Join us in celebrating the advocates and activists across Canada who are working to advance gender equality in their communities. Throughout the week, everyone is encouraged to show their support for gender equality using the hashtag #BecauseOfYou... Image source: Gov't of Canada Comox Valley Community Health Network

Let's keep the week going on a good note --- we'd love to say THANK YOU to our long term members! Honestly, we have the best members. Thank you for continuing to support your Chamber. 5 Years: UNIGLOBE LGI Travel ... 10 Years: Comox Valley Regional District 15 Years: Black Swan Music School Comox Valley Economic Development Society Pacific Wood Waste Ltd. Tag a friend who works for one of these organizations and give them a (virtual) high five! #ChamberMembers

Great advice from Liz at Human Nature Development.

To support your business and COVID-19 recovery efforts, your Chamber network has partnered with the Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon (ACE-WIL) to present the . This survey will help us understand how your business can leverage skilled student talent to recover more quickly, and how they can help you build towards a prosperous future. Survey results are shared directly with ACE-WIL partners as the...y work to help businesses access the next generation of skilled talent. Take the quick survey (~5 min) and you will be entered into a draw to win a $500 MasterCard gift certificate. https://www.bcmindreader.com/c/r/bc-wil-2020-general

On September 15, the Comox Valley Regional District Airshed Roundtable met for the first time to discuss air quality issues in the Comox Valley. We were there, along with other numerous members of the community such as the City of Courtenay, Village of Cumberland, Vancouver Island Health Authority and Cumberland Community Forest Society. We will be working with all of these other organizations and the CVRD to improve air quality, one action at a time. What's one thing you ...would do to improve air quality in the Comox Valley? You can find more information on the CVRD website, or keep your eyes open for updates from us. https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca//airshed-roundtable-tackle-re

Canadian restaurants and bars are already struggling with the impacts of COVID-19. Continuing to increase the tax on alcohol is the equivalent of kicking us all when we’re down. It’s time we #FreezeTheAlcoholTax. https://www.freezethealcoholtax.ca/

Happy Monday! It's always great to start the week off on a good note, so we'd love to say a warm thank-you to all the members who are choosing to renew their memberships at this time. RBC Royal Bank ... Baker Street Home Inspections OnDeck Systems Inc / F12.net Canadian Tire Courtenay Comox Valley Family Services Association #MemberMonday

So excited for the new menu! Il Falcone