Chamber News for September 2007
VISITOR CENTRES TO GET TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE
Date: August 30, 2007 - For Immediate Release
The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that its Visitor Centres will get technology upgrades this fall. The installation of five new computers, for Visitor Centres on the Pat Bay Highway and at Ocean Avenue, Sidney, will expand the capacity of the centres to serve both visitors and regional tourism clientele.
“This is a big move forward for our centres,” said Eileen Leddy, executive director of the Peninsula Chamber. “The new technology will enhance our ability to provide information, make and track reservations, track inventory, and improve communication with our advertising clientele. All this goes to the sustainability of the centres, and to regional tourism promotion,” she said.
“The technology upgrade is one of several improvements we’ve made to the centres this year,” said Leddy. “We recently installed new flooring, we’ve just purchased a 40 inch TV screen for the Pat Bay centre and by next week both centres will have been rewired for new cable and phone service, and will be using electronic PIN pads,” she said. “We’ve also introduced sale of vouchers for entry to The Butchart Gardens, and plans for a brand new Pat Bay Highway VC are in the works.”
VC manager Mariann Malvet welcomes the improvements and technology upgrades. “This will enhance the ability of our hard-working volunteer tourism counsellors to provide information and better service, and that’ll make it easier for us to connect visitors with our communities, and encourage them to spend a little more time here,” said Mariann Malvet, the VC’s manager. “We’re the first to welcome visitors arriving on BC and Washington State Ferries – supporting the local and regional economy is a major goal.”
Purchase of the new computers has been made possible through a $6000 Special Projects grant, the maximum amount awarded for technology upgrades, from Tourism British Columbia. Tourism British Columbia makes Special Projects funding available to Visitor Centres for projects and services that will enhance the visitor experience and services at the VC.
The Pat Bay and Ocean Avenue Centres are part of a network of 109 community-operated Visitor Centres across the province, operated under the direction of Tourism British Columbia. Tourism British Columbia is a Crown corporation that operates under an industry-led board of directors and is responsible for marketing the Super, Natural British Columbia® brand to the world.
For further information contact: Eileen Leddy, Executive Director
Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 250-656-3616
Cell: 250-881-2357
Email: eleddy@peninsulachamber.ca
PENINSULA CHAMBER TO CELEBRATE 6O YEARS
Date: September 12, 2007 - For Immediate Release
BC Chamber President and CEO to Speak at Gala Luncheon
Where are they now? The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is asking that question, as it searches out past members and directors, to help celebrate 60 years of chamber service to the peninsula business community.
The peninsula chamber will host a luncheon for the Greater Victoria business community, on Tuesday, October 16, to celebrate business, and to honour the organization’s past leaders and members. The chamber is pleased to announce that John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber, will speak at the luncheon.
“We’re looking to locate past board members so we can include them in this celebration,” said chamber president Pat Fafard. ”If you’ve ever been involved with the Saanich Peninsula Chamber, or you know someone who has served on the board, or a committee, we encourage you to let us know,” he said.
“We’re delighted to have John Winter as our guest speaker for the luncheon,” said executive director Eileen Leddy. “John always hits the mark: he’s a business authority with a great sense of humour – always entertaining!” she said.
The luncheon will take place in Central Saanich, at the Church and State Winery, 1445 Benvenuto Road. A reception is scheduled for 11:30 am; lunch is at 12. Contact the chamber office for more information and tickets: 656-3616. Please let the office know if you are a former board, committee, or general member.
Serving over 400 members, the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce leads by supporting economic development and business interests including tourism, and by building strategic relationships between the business community and its stakeholders.
For further information contact: Eileen Leddy, Executive Director
Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 250-656-3616
Cell: 250-881-2357
Email: eleddy@peninsulachamber.ca
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS SHOWCASE ON THE PENINSULA
Date: September 12, 2007 - For Immediate Release
The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will shine a light on the vibrancy of its business community this fall, with its second annual business-to-business showcase, Open for Business 2007. The show, slated for Wednesday, October 17, in Sidney, provides a venue through which business people can connect with one another.
“We look at this as an opportunity for business people to develop new relationships, reinforce existing connections, and create strong and dynamic networks that support business and the economy,” said Pat Fafard, president of the Peninsula Chamber. “BC’s Small Business Week is the perfect time for us to put the focus on building these important connections,” he said.
“Strong business-to-business connections are at the heart of a healthy business community,” said Eileen Leddy, executive director of the peninsula Chamber. “New businesses open up every day – and that means new players. We encourage business people to take advantage of this opportunity to expand their networks.”
The show is one of two BC Small Business Week activities planned by the peninsula chamber. On Tuesday, October 16, the chamber will host a gala luncheon, in celebration of its 60th anniversary. BC Chamber President and CEO, John Winter, will be the guest speaker.
Open For Business will take place from 3 – 7 pm, Wednesday, October 17, at The Shoal Centre, 10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney. Details and registration forms are available online, www.peninsulachamber.ca, or call the chamber office, 656-3616.
The show is open to the public: there is no admission charge. Guests will be entertained by light music. Complimentary refreshments will be available.
For further information contact: Eileen Leddy, Executive Director
Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 250-656-3616
Cell: 250-881-2357
Email: eleddy@peninsulachamber.ca