As this year comes to a close, it’s hard to believe how quickly it has flown by. It truly feels like we were just welcoming the start of the year — and now, here we are reflecting on everything we’ve accomplished together. What a year it has been.

First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our members. Because of you, we are able to do the work we do for Ridge Meadows and our local business community. Your support, engagement, and trust fuel everything we accomplish. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a vibrant and engaged membership, and we are especially proud to have surpassed 550 members this year. Our growth over the past three years has been remarkable, and it is entirely because of you. Thank you for believing in us and for choosing to be part of this Chamber.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to our Board of Directors. Each of them is a volunteer who generously gives their time, energy, and heart to help this organization thrive. Some of you are brand new to the board, and we are so grateful to have you join this dynamic and passionate group. We are incredibly proud to have a diverse board representing different sectors, experiences, and perspectives — and to be a gender-balanced board is something any nonprofit strives for. Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to the future of this organization.

To my incredible team — thank you. This year has been full of growth, an ambitious events calendar, new initiatives, and exciting challenges, and you rose to every moment with professionalism, creativity, and heart. Three years ago, the Chamber was a team of two. Today, we are proud to be a team of five full-time staff, and that growth is a reflection of the passion and dedication each of you brings to your work every single day. I am endlessly grateful for your hard work and for the pride you take in serving our business community.

I would also like to express my deep appreciation to the City of Maple Ridge and the City of Pitt Meadows. Your partnership truly means the world to us. When we work together, we can accomplish so much more — and over the past few years, we have proven just how powerful that collaboration can be.

When I reflect on this past year, I feel incredibly humbled. I wake up every day grateful to come to work and to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Recently, a member shared something with me that truly stayed with me. They said, “I’m so glad I joined the Chamber — I feel welcome here.” Hearing that meant everything to me. It affirmed that together, we have created a space where people feel comfortable, supported, and encouraged to connect and grow their businesses — and that is something I am incredibly proud of.

As we turn the page on this year and look ahead, I do so with optimism, excitement, and deep gratitude. On a personal note, I want to thank you for being part of this journey and for your continued support of our Chamber and our business community.

I want to wish you a very happy New Year, and I look forward to everything we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

With gratitude,

Kristi Maier

Chief Executive Officer

Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce