The Clearwater and District Chamber of Commerce (CDCOC) is excited to share a recent initiative by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) to collaborate closely with Chambers of Commerce across the region on advocacy efforts. This initiative aims to address key priorities that impact our local businesses and community.
The TNRD’s external relations and advocacy advisor, Corbin Kelley, has outlined a comprehensive advocacy framework designed to guide the region’s advocacy work. This framework emphasizes the importance of collective advocacy, "facilitating Chambers working together, working to influence/lobby/and even be a bulwark against the pressures/directives of the government and large corporations on behalf of our local and small business membership."
It recognizes the potential for partnerships with other governments and the business community through local Chambers of Commerce. By working together, we can advance mutual priorities and create a stronger, more resilient region.
The key priorities identified by the TNRD include:
- Small water utility system funding
- Agricultural Land Commission
- Regional connectivity (cell service, WiFi, etc.)
- Maintenance of egress routes
- Invasive plant management
- Highway safety
The Clearwater Chamber aligns with priorities 1, 2, 3, and 6, and emphasizes the critical issue of the cost of doing business right now, which we’d like added to the priorities identified by the TNRD. We believe that addressing these priorities will significantly benefit our local businesses and community.
Recently, the president of the Clearwater and District Chamber attended a meeting with other Chamber presidents to discuss this initiative. As CDCOC president, she will be providing feedback from our community directly to the advocacy advisor, ensuring that our local concerns and suggestions are heard and addressed.
We invite our members and the broader community to engage with us on these important issues. If there are other concerns or topics you believe should be addressed, please reach out to us at info@clearwaterchamber.ca. Your input is invaluable in shaping our advocacy efforts and ensuring that we represent the interests of our community effectively.
Together we can make a difference, and support the growth and prosperity of Clearwater. Stay tuned for more updates in our "Chamber Chats" column!
Kaare Long is the Clearwater and District Chamber of Commerce XXX.
Want to learn more? Join us in person. Our next general meeting for membership, which is open to the public, is on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Dutch Lake Community Centre.
We want to hear from you! Share your feedback, questions, and topics you’d like us to discuss by sending us an email. Your voice matters!
