The Chamber offers various different ways to have your voice heard in the business community, in the municipal government, the province of Alberta, and the federal government.  While Peace River is a small community in comparison to the larger metropolises of Alberta, we still maintain excellent standing with the local government offices, the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.  We hold 6 votes in the Alberta General Meeting, which will have the opinions of our members, directors, executives and staff heard throughout the province.  This opportunity will give you a chance to voice your concerns and change our town for the better. 

            In addition to having your voice heard, the Chamber offers plenty of opportunities to network and socialize with your follow businessperson.  Whether it is at our General Membership Meetings, our golf tournament or Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party, you will always have someone to discuss things with and provide different viewpoints on various topics.  Your want to participate will dictate the value you get from your membership.  And we here at the Chamber office hope that your interest in the Chamber of Commerce demonstrates your want to participate as much as possible in our events.

            The Chamber has a brand new website meant to list our members and publicize them to the world.  The website is highly trafficked and has received glowing feedback from those who have visited.  We also list our businesses in our Business Directory, which is a bi-annual publication that markets Peace River, our members, tourism in the community and the Chamber of Commerce’s events.

            We are here to offer the members of the Chamber of Commerce the most for their money, and we feel that current members get exactly that.  We encourage all future members to ask questions and provide information as to what they are looking for from the Chamber of Commerce.  We are more than happy to answer, inform and listen.  You can find all of our contact information on the Contact Us link on the main page of the Chamber website.  Please do not hesitate to call us.

DOWNLOAD THE MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION FORM

The following is a list of events and programs that the Peace River & District Chamber of Commerce offers its members.  These events are always changing to fit the needs of the membership:

»        Chamber Bucks Program – This program was originally put in place as a “Business to Business” service for DMI & Shell whereby they gave their employees Peace River Chamber “Safety Bucks” which could be spent only at member businesses  This has expanded to include many of the medium to small businesses in our region.  One of many initiatives utilized to keep money flowing through our community.

»        Trade Shows – Each year, the Chamber hosts a consumer Trade Show with the 2007 show being the most successful in recent years.  The attendance has consistently grown over time with exhibitors’ booths selling out early and this year approximately 900 more people coming through our doors. In addition, 25 home-based businesses, participated this year.  In 2007, we also hosted our second Women in Motion Trade Show, with the exhibitors expressing great satisfaction with the response from the public.

»        Yellowknife Trade Show – The Chamber attends outside events on behalf of the membership and community.  Perspective tradeshows for 2007 will be Yellowknife in May and Hay River Trade show in September.  At present we are investigating the opportunities of partnering with other regional players to reduce expenses related to registration, promotional items and travel.

»        Davis Awards Week – During this week, we hope to bring in speakers of interest to the business community to host a variety of related workshops.  From the community we find out who the businesses of the year will be and they are awarded at the Davis Awards Gala – and are presented with the Davis Award

»        Business/Relocation/Tourism Guide – Our guide is produced every other year and is distributed through local hotels, tradeshows, businesses, museums, and the Tourist Information Centers; it is used in response to the many enquires about our community.  This year we have gone to a full color 8.5 x 11 brochure.

»        Tourism – In partnership with the Town of Peace River and the Municipal District, the Chamber manages the day-to-day operations of the Tourist Information Center. 

»        Retail Promotion – In 2007 the Chamber of Commerce established a new Scratch to Win retail promotion.  Businesses were involved in a massive advertising campaign and the event brought in a one-day sales total of other $23,000. 

»        Other Activities – The Chamber is involved in the majority of community functions in one aspect or another.  Some of the other main events have been; Alberta Winter Games; Parades, and various Business Mixers.  We are open to new and innovative ideas to help our business community grow and prosper!

COMMITTEES

Your Chamber works with a staff of 2 paid personnel and a variety of committees that are available to assist the staff in the development of various projects.

Retail, Promotion & Tourism

• Assist in the Chambers strategy which enhances tourism in our Region
• Assist in creating and bringing together on-going retail promotions for the Chamber members.

By-Law & Policy Committee

• To review by-laws and policies in the community. 
• Participate on the Alberta Chamber of Commerce Policy Committee.

Media Relations

• To assist with the media on press releases for issues important to the business community.

Advocacy to the Service Sector

• To work with the service sector to insure that Chamber membership is a benefit
• Meet with members to discuss membership service
• Chamber promotions

 Funding

• To Retain members and solicit new members
• To discover new and innovative ways to raise funds for the Chamber

Small Business Week

• To assist in the organization of the Workshops, Awards Selection, Banquet and other related activities.

Trade Show

• To assist staff in producing an upbeat and interesting Trade Show

Lobbying

• To be an organized voice for the business community
• To use the strength of the membership to reach government ears

2008 Membership Rate

Our yearly membership fee is a flat $225.00 plus GST.  As we like to have all members renewable at the same time, we prorate at a cost of $18.75 per month up to September.  Once September is upon us, we charge $75.00 for the balance of the year then the yearly rate of $225.00.

February 1 - 20: $206.25

February 21 - March 24: $187.50

March 25 - April 21: $168.75

April 22 - May 19: 150.00

May 20 - June 23: $131.25

June 24 - July 21: $112.50

July 22 - August 31: $93.75

Prorated Amount for September-December 2008

September: 75.00 + 225.00 = $300.00

October: 56.25 + 225.00      = $281.25

November: 37.50 + 225.00 = $262.50

December: 18.75 + 225.00   = $243.00