RMCC's Executive Director Attend BC Chambers AGM
RMCC's Executive Director Attend BC Chambers AGM
The Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce's Executive Director, Kristi Maier, attended the BC Chamber's Annual General Meeting in Whistler last week.
The 71st Annual General Meeting (AGM) brought together more than 170 delegates from across the province to engage in discussions regarding pressing issues affecting businesses.
The BC Chamber of Commerce recently released the findings of its 2022 Collective Perspective survey, which will serve as a framework for the conference deliberations. The survey revealed several noteworthy insights:
1. A significant 87% of business owners believe that the costs associated with conducting business have worsened over the past year.
2. The ability to attract and retain talent was identified as the most critical factor for the success of businesses by 68% of the respondents.
3. Additionally, 76% of participants expressed that the cost of labor has escalated, while 70% noted a decline in labor availability within the previous year.
4. Looking ahead, 63% of respondents hold a positive outlook for their businesses in the next three to five years.
5. However, there has been a substantial decline in the perceived support provided by governments to businesses over the past year. Satisfaction with local government dropped from 80% to 67%, satisfaction with provincial government decreased from 63% to 48%, and satisfaction with the federal government declined by 16% to 50%.
Fiona Famulak, the President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce acknowledged the challenges faced by businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, due to rising costs and labor-related issues. While the provincial government has introduced the Future Ready Skills Plan to address the skills gap, Famulak emphasized the need for all levels of government to take prompt and meaningful action to alleviate the financial burdens faced by businesses. This, she believes, will enable businesses to sustain their operations, generate well-paying jobs, and maintain employment rates.
The BC Chamber of Commerce is increasingly focusing on economic reconciliation. The organization aims to enhance its understanding of how individuals and organizations can support Indigenous-led initiatives and businesses. As chambers of commerce and boards of trade embark on their own journeys of reconciliation, conference delegates will be encouraged to reflect upon the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Furthermore, they will explore ways to promote greater equity and create more opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs, thereby supporting their growth.
Throughout the conference, delegates will have the opportunity to listen to various speakers, including representatives from the provincial government, opposition parties, industry leaders, and subject matter experts.
In addition, members will actively participate in the association's annual policy sessions. These sessions will involve the presentation and debate of over 60 resolutions addressing a wide range of provincial and federal issues crucial to the success of British Columbia's business community. Resolutions that receive a two-thirds majority of support from attending members become official BC Chamber of Commerce policies for a period of three years. The resolutions cover areas such as agriculture, exports, housing, healthcare, public safety and crime reduction, rural development, and transportation.
Dr. Greg Thomas, Chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce 2023 Board of Directors, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to engage with business communities across the province. Having visited more than 50 local chambers of commerce and boards of trade, he stressed that the resounding message he received was the need for policies and programs that foster a more business-friendly environment in British Columbia. The BC Chamber of Commerce's comprehensive grassroots policy development process allows it to gain unique insights into these issues and be a positive and assertive advocate for businesses.
Overall, the 71st AGM and Conference of the BC Chamber of Commerce provided a platform for delegates to address critical concerns, deliberate on policy resolutions, and contribute to shaping the business landscape in British Columbia.
