The Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce is on an upswing, and the organization's goal for the coming year is to boost the number of member businesses.

The chamber held its annual general meeting on Nov. 28 at The Well, looking back on the past year, and forward to 2025.

 Jerry Kok's return as president has already been decided by the directors, and will be formalized at a board meeting in early January. Kok said the chamber staff, led by CEO Kristi Maier and an active board, have the chamber in a growth pattern.

"I think it's been on an upward trajectory for the past few years," he said. "And we're always looking for ways to improve."

He said the chamber is putting on great events, including the Business Excellence Awards, the second annual Celebrating Women in Business, and a golf tournament which returned about a 14-year absence. The Business After Hours networking events routinely see 40-50 people mingling.

"Everything seems to be just getting stronger and better," said Kok.

The chamber has established good relationships with city halls in both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, and now will turn its attention to attracting new members in the coming year.
 

Maier is starting her third year heading the chamber. When she started there were 463 member businesses. There are 507 now, and she would like to increase that to 530 by the end of 2025.

"In 2025 our focus is membership," she said. "Membership is the reason we're here, and the reason we exist."

The key to growth is that local business owners and managers see value in joining the chamber.

"People want to be part of our chamber, and want to come to our events," said Maier.

She credits an executive that is both hard working, and wants to see local businesses thrive.

"Our president Jerry is so dedicated to this organization, and he truly cares about this business community," she said. "And not only him – everyone brings something special to this board."

The AGM saw former Maple Ridge mayor Al Hogarth complete eight years on the chamber, which is the maximum allowed in the organization's bylaws. He was honoured at the AGM, as was Kevin Nosworthy, who is also moving on to focus on the Maple Ridge Community Foundation and other priorities.

"They're great guys, with lots of experience, and they bring a wealth of knowledge," said Kok, predicting he will be seeking their advice again in future.

Two new directors to join the board are Mike Morris, who is the business and community liaison with WorkBC, and Tyler Towe, who founded Humble Roots restaurant.

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