Does the Chamber of Commerce really accomplish anything in the small towns here in Northern British Columbia? Perhaps a Chamber Manager, Director, or staunch Chamber supporter will step in and see this as an opportunity to overcome common small business owner objections while furthering the efforts of their local Chamber of Commerce.

Honestly, what does the Chamber of Commerce do? Our tours of northern BC revealed that we’re not the only ones asking that question. Our opinion poll is by no means scientific, but the general consensus is that the Chambers are obsolete entities. At a minimum, they need to reinvent themselves.

Our conclusion? The Chamber of Commerce has a single main focus: increasing membership. Plain and simple, more members means more money. Presumably, after covering staff and other overhead costs, the additional revenue allows the chamber to run programs or host visitors from the community whose expertise can benefit members. But is this really being done?

For the prospective Chamber of Commerce member, let’s consider some common Chamber promotions:

1. Guest Speaker Series: The House Luncheon is a common offering of the House big and small. Luncheons are organized around a guest speaker who may or may not be paid for his or her efforts. Political candidates always generate a strong turnout. Regardless of the speaker’s background, we have found that such luncheons are rarely tailored to the local community. I liked the touring rock band that ends the concert with “Thank you! You guys are great!” The audience may feel good but, in the end, there is no legitimate conclusion for the small business owner.

2. Financial benefits: Many rooms list long-distance savings, lower fuel costs, bank discounts, and reduced hotel rates as membership benefits. Are you serious? The online world is designed for bargain shoppers, so choose a brown bag lunch over a camera lunch and learn how you can travel for less using hotwire, get insurance for less at Canadian Direct Insurance, or bank for free. using HSBC’s new “Business Direct”. bill. If you don’t have the computer skills, buy a meal for your co-worker and turn lunch into a productive “lunch and learn” session. Offline and closer to home, save gas with the Cardlock Coop system. Sure, you’ll have to become a member of the Vanderhoof Cooperative Association, but again, you’ll be reimbursed once a year based on your annual purchases. You will be impressed with the savings.

3. Information for new businesses: Chambers have always been strong in information sharing, but in today’s information age, Chambers are failing. Chamber websites, once run for general business information, are now largely focused on member-to-member services. In a small town, such a strategy has little return for both the camera and the camera member. Up and down Route 16 and 97, many Chamber offices have a similar staffing model to address the needs of the local community. We find it disconcerting that some small towns with limited resources have both a Chamber Manager and an economic development officer. To what end? Sure, the cost of the additional position could be covered by federal/provincial government funds, but what is the point in the end? Since similar positions exist within local municipalities, native gangs, and CFDC offices, isn’t it time for a different approach?

I am concerned for the communities of Northern BC and the Chambers of Commerce that represent them. Our communities are not growing. Our long history of reliance on a forest-based economy has left us so short-sighted that almost every imaginable Business Plan B seems fuzzy, out of reach, or at least years away. The citizens of Northern BC need the leadership voice of the Chambers to speak louder than ever.