As 2015 draws to a close and you prepare to celebrate the holiday season, the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce board and staff would like to extend their wishes to you and all those whom you love for a very Merry Christmas and a Safe, Prosperous and Happy 2016.
In preparing to support your continued prosperity… we’ve been busy!
Upcoming Chamber events:
- January 14th – 6th Annual Local Government Update
- January 22nd – SnowFlake Festival & Taste of the Valley
- February 11th – Slow Food Movement & Our Local Economy
- March 9th – CVCC Annual General Meeting
Workforce:
- The Provincial Nominee Program opens again in January. If you have staff who qualify for this program (and you’ll know if you do) make sure you get your paperwork in asap – as the experts expect that it will be oversubscribed. http://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/About-the-BC-PNP.aspx
- Mobilize, The Great Canadian Work Experience. If you want to hire students this summer this program might be of benefit for your business. Find out more by dowloading the Mobilize – Employers Brochure – TOTA partner (20150918)
- Canada BC Job Grant – Enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of your company by ensuring that your staff have up-to-date skills and training. Through the Canada-BC Job Grant you may be able to access up to 2/3 of eligible training costs. (to a maximum of $10,000 per employee or $50,000 per employer). Don’t miss out! In 2015 funds were exhausted quickly. Applications for the Construction sector are being accepted now, and the application process will open for other High Priority Sectors (https://www.workbc.ca/Employers/Run-your-business/Canada-B-C-Job-Grant/Canada-B-C-Jobs-Grant-B-C-Jobs-Plan-Priority-Secto.aspx) and for “New Canadians” and “Refugees” in January 2016. Start planning now so you will be ready when the applications become available. For up-to-date information and applications for the Canada-BC Job Grant, visit: https://www.workbc.ca/canadabcjobgrant. If you would like assistance in creating a comprehensive training plan for your company please contact: Leah Bradish – Columbia Valley Continuing Education and Contract Training, College of the Rockies – t. 250.489.2751 ext 3286 or 1.877.489.2687 lbradish@cotr.bc.ca
- College of the Rockies Job Fair (Cranbrook) – On March 9th the College of the Rockies will be holding their annual job fair. The College has one of the most successful International programs, student from all over the world come to take advantage of world class post-secondary education opportunities. The international students are also looking for Canadian work experiences during their time in Canada. Included with the student visas is the opportunity to work full time (school breaks) and part time (during the school term). The CVCC has made arrangements with the College of the Rockies to have booth space at the job fair. For CVCC members there are 2 opportunities to participate:
- Have us represent you and take your job descriptions and conduct preliminary job interviews ($200 +$50/successful hire)
- Share booth space with us. ($100)
- Book your own booth. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hN0A8_A9oxirRiBSomMsuIIxxR9pnBiwmEYFsMfVdNU/pub
Last year there were almost 700 attendees from the College of the Rockies, local high schools and the public making it one of the best career fairs ever don’t miss this opportunity to make sure that you have a full complement of staff during the busy season of 2016.
Our Provincial Voice
In early February Susan Clovechok will continue to participate on the Rural Advisory Council (RAC) table with 12 other representative from rural BC. On the agenda for the fourth meeting of the RAC is support for business. It is the role of the RAC to advise government on issues impacting the economy in rural BC. In 2015 government adopted the advice provided by the RAC regarding the Rural Dividend and so we are optimistic that in 2016 we’ll see new and improved programs that support the retention, growth and continued success of rural businesses.