Outgoing Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce president John Farrell gave his final address of the year to attendees of the April 15 business luncheon, outlining a year of growth and advocacy for the voice of the business community.
For as much of the past year was filled with talk of industrial growth and economic boom, Farrell said the focus of the board remained on what led to the formation of the Chamber of Commerce more than 100 years ago.
"This year the focus for us was small business. We wanted to go out and find out what small business was doing, what they thought of the Chamber and our services and really gather feedback about any issues they have doing business in town," he said, pointing to a program that saw the chamber manager and a director walk around town to meet with business people.
"But probably the biggest story for us this year was the growth of our membership, which now sits at an historic 275 members ... it's the envy of a number of other chambers along Highway 16 that don't see this kind of interest."
In the role of advocacy, Farrell pointed to pushing for a resolution to the payment-in-lieu-of-taxes issue between the City of Prince Rupert and the Prince Rupert Port Authority, bringing industry and stakeholders together to examine potential issues with the Digby Island ferry and the delegation and letter created to address concerns about cuts to the Alaska Marine Highway.
"I think our attitude as a community is changing. Silos are being replaced by partnerships, conversations about tax increases are moving to explore revenue streams and we are re-inventing ourselves as the next great port city," he said.
"I'm not suggesting the Chamber was responsible for shaping a different legacy for Prince Rupert, but I would say our Chamber is a contributing factor. I would suggest that one of the keys to economic growth has been the Chamber of Commerce because the Chamber of Commerce has the ability to affect the ways the economy works and is seen to work in our community. In essence, the chamber supports the business people who make the community thrive."
Following Farrell's address the new board of directors was installed, including the installation of Rosa Miller as only the sixth female president in chamber history.
"I won't stand in front of you today to tell you all of the great things the Chamber of Commerce will do this year – actions speak louder than words – but I do encourage everyone to get involved," she told attendees during a brief speech.