1. Tourism Industry Association of BC: Request for support
   

   The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) is at a critical point in its advocacy work and is seeking your assistance. TIABC is engaging with businesses across the province to solicit a show of support for the tourism industry.

   Tourism is an integral part of BC's economy and we all know full well its importance to many of our communities, so it's in all our best interests to ensure a viable voice for that sector. Given that the funding of Visitor Centres in BC is being gradually phased out, sustaining organizations that promote tourism in our province is more important now than ever.

   On behalf of TIABC, I am asking you to forward this request for support on to your business members for their consideration. This is in no way a solicitation for membership, but a one-time request for donation. TIABC is an organization that works very much in concert with the efforts of Chambers of Commerce, and I hope that you will join us in spreading their message to your members

    
2. BC "Jobs Start Here" Job Fairs
   

   The BC "Jobs Start Here" Job Fairs are part of Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan. As part of the plan, a series of job fairs will take place in 29 different BC communities, connecting British Columbians who are looking for work with employers who are looking for qualified employees.

   The job fairs are not targeted at a particular age group and employer participation across all sectors will be engaged. In addition to employers, post-secondary educational institutions, industry associations, training authorities and heath authorities will also be in attendance.

   The Province is trying to identify employers in each community that may be interested in participating and would like your help if possible in identifying, and provide contact information, for those organizations. Minister Pat Bell has written an introductory letter as part of this Job Fair Invitation Package for your members, and Jordan Humphries (604-646-3596, jhumphries@pacegroup.com) will likely be following up with you on the Ministries behalf.

    
3. BC Business Labour Survey
   

   The last item is a survey from the Coalition of BC Businesses. They are hoping to include as many regions as possible, and inclusion of this description and link in any newsletter or communication to your members would be very much appreciated.

   "Supporting the economic viability of businesses, and protecting the individual rights of employees are paramount goals for healthy workplaces and competitive enterprises. With this in mind, the BC Chamber of Commerce and the Coalition of BC Businesses is surveying employers on BC labour law and employment standards.

   We would very much appreciate input from your business (5 minutes) to complete the questionnaire. Employer responses will be compared to the responses we receive from the various BC political parties. Thank you."

    

Click the above links for details or click here for the full BC Chamber Release 

Minister Kevin Falcon is conducting a review of the Carbon Tax.  It's very important that we make sure he is aware, either way, of your attitudes, suggestions and concerns.  Please forward your comments to:  Minister Falcon at finoffice@gov.bc.ca  and copy us if you can.  If you prefer to mail your submission, here is the address:

Carbon Tax Review

Tax Policy Branch

Box 9547, St. Provincial Gov't.

Victoria, BC.  V8W 9C5

Chamber Benefits                              

As a member of the Fort Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce, you are part of our Benefits Program. Our benefits range from fuel and point of sale terminal discounts, to insurance and health benefit packages.  Click here for the most recent flyer and contact the Chamber for more information.   

Basic Run Fee of $14.50 and a $1.25 Per Payment Run Fee, with the Same Fees for Year End.  Integration with the Group Insurance Plan, and easy payroll entry via
phone, fax or online.