Editor:
Although our community faced some economic challenges in 2015, we should also remember the positive business stories. Here’s just a sample:
• The container terminal launched a quarter-billion dollar upgrade in response to record breaking throughputs and the success of the hard-working women and men of the waterfront.
• Two car dealerships - McCarthy GM and Rainbow Chrysler - are renewing and expanding.
• The Cow Bay Marina outside Atlin Terminal, completed by Broadwater Industries, will welcome high-value tourists next summer;
• CityWest’s multi-million dollar expansion across Northwest B.C. has enabled a $400,000 distribution payments to its sole shareholder, the City of Prince Rupert;
• Demand for commercial office space continues to increase;
• Pacific Northwest LNG made a conditional final investment decision, with just one more condition to clear;
• TransCanada received federal approval for the gas connector into Prince Rupert.
Businesses like these give back to the community: a recent Chamber of Commerce survey revealed local businesses had contributed over $2 million to local non-profit organizations in Prince Rupert in the last 12 months. And that survey was just a sample of 100 businesses. Imagine how large that number is for our entire business community!
We’ll carry some challenges into 2016: the announced closure of the Canfisco canning line, the indefinite suspension of Hawkair services, and the uncertainty surrounding the Alaska Marine Ferry terminal. At the same time, Chamber members are motivated by the new opportunities that 2016 will present, and look forward to celebrating an even longer list of community accomplishments next year.
Rosa Miller
President, Prince Rupert
& District Chamber of Commerce