special features - my business - march 2015
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BusinessmyE N G AG I N G C O N S U M E R S • B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
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Chamber aims to reduce taxes for business and industryThe ultimate goal of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is to ensure that Abbotsford is the most business friendly and competitive municipality in the country, without negatively impacting the sustainability or livability of the city.
At a recent council meeting, Chamber president Mike Welte told city council that the Chamber is pleased with the trend to reduce property tax ratios in every class.
“Our hope is that mayor and council share our vision and prioritize Abbotsford’s business community when setting the 2015 tax rates,” said Welte on the fi ve-year fi nancial plan bylaw.
“We believe that continuing the downward trend will create additional investment, new jobs and most importantly, a further tax decrease for all classes.”
At the council meeting, the Chamber observed that businesses and industries which grow the economy and create jobs for the citizens of Abbotsford are paying a highly disproportionate amount of tax. The business community still pays 2.45 times the residential rate per $1,000 of assessed value.
“The reduction of the ratio from 2.9 in 2009 to 2.45 in 2014 has been certainly welcomed by the business community and the Chamber,” said Welte.
The Chamber believes the key to success for the city of Abbotsford is
the continued ability “to encourage economic stimulus, create additional permanent employment opportunities and expand the industrial/business tax base.”
In an eff ort to achieve this goal, the Chamber encourages Mayor Braun and city council to “look at the expansion of permissive tax exemption programs,” something that Welte said has worked well to increase the competitiveness of the community.
The Chamber has asked that the newly created economic development department has the autonomy and is aff orded the opportunity to partner with industry (hopefully through an economic development corporation model) to help with business retention and expansion functions. If successful, Welte said it should help with further reductions to everyone’s tax bill.
“In addition to tax rates, the expansion of permissive tax exception programs, there are also other eff ective and useful tools to encourage investment,” said Welte.
“In the coming weeks, the city will set tax rates for the coming year; reducing business mill rates for 2015 is a great opportunity for Mayor Braun and council to send a very strong message that Abbotsford is open for business.”
Abbotsford News Friday, March 20, 2015 A43
abbotsfordchamber.com
BusinessmyE N G AG I N G C O N S U M E R S • B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
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The Abbotsford Chamber would like to welcome the following businesses:
Today I write my last article as your Chamber President. I feel incredibly honored and privileged to have been able to represent our business community for the last 2 years. During this time we have celebrated our 100 year anniversary and worked really hard to protect the interests of business. Below are a few highlights of the work we have done on your behalf:
On the local level, the Chamber provided support to the downtown business improvement area at a time when the intention of the C7 zoning was in jeopardy. Our representatives participated in the Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Prosperity and the Homelessness Task Force which produced two excellent action plans. Our voice contributed to council rejecting the fi rst audible bird scare bylaw that contravened Ministry guidelines and would have negatively impacted the Blueberry Industry.
We have provided valuable input into local ICI recycling and composting programs and helped lobby for a small business exception to MMBC that if implemented as proposed, would have increased the administrative burden for small business. During the 2014
municipal elections the Chamber continued to be the leading provider of All Candidate Forums for Mayor and Council. We were also pleased to complete our second year of the Chamber community grant program which recognized two local agencies with $2500 for the work they do.
Provincially, through our quarterly meetings with our three MLA’s we have been actively promoting our transportation priorities which call for; increased lanes on Highway #1 to Whatcom Road; improved access to our airport and improvements to Fraser Highway. The Chamber has also voiced opposition to a controversial bylaw 280 that would have likely fed an incinerator in Metro Vancouver.
Federally, we were proud of to be recognized at the Canadian Chamber AGM where the Abbotsford Chamber received, “Accreditation with Distinction”. Abbotsford is now one of only nine Chambers in the Province of BC to achieve this status as a result of operations and advocacy on behalf of our members that meet the exemplary compliance standards of the Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada.
The work of the Chamber has never been more important than it is today. Business and industry need to have a larger voice so that all levels of government truly understand the signifi cant contributions that you all make. Business needs to be celebrated and not taken for granted. We are operating in a global economy and business has a choice where to locate. We need to continue to be mindful on how we can make Abbotsford the most business friendly municipality in Canada.
Looking forward, I would like to wish incoming President Josh Bach all the best in the coming years. Josh and your board of directors will do everything in their power to ensure Abbotsford’s business community becomes even stronger. I have really enjoyed getting to know many of our members and to contributing towards making Abbotsford a better place to live, work and play.
After a few months off , I anticipate remaining very active in our community for many more years to come. Thank you again for this opportunity to represent you for the last 2 years.
P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G EBOARD OF DIRECTORS20
15
N E W B U S I N E S S E S :
• Countdown Escape Rooms ............................. 604-744-0027• Investors Group Financial Services Inc. ........ 604-853 8111
• JB Spotless Janitorial Services ........................ 604-751-1265• Western Pacifi c Engineering Group LTD. ...... 604-855-9173
Becoming a member of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce provides substantial benefi ts to generate more business and reach the heart of your community.
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTSB U S I N E S S A F T E R B U S I N E S S A T H A B I T A T F O R H U M A N I T Y R E S T O R E
DATE: Thursday, May 21LOCATION: 31877 South Fraser WayTIME: 4:30pm – 7:00pm
F R A S E R V A L L E Y C H A M B E R S O F C O M M E R C E B U S I N E S S S H O W C A S E
DATE: Wednesday, April 15LOCATION: Ramada Plaza & Conference
CentreTIME: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
L U N C H E O N W I T H G R E G G S A R E T S K Y, P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O , W E S T J E T
DATE: Tuesday, April 28LOCATION: Ramada Plaza & Conference
CentreTIME: 11:30am – 1:30pm
Mike WeltePRESIDENT
Joshua BachVICE PRESIDENT
Mark DanaDIRECTOR
Kenda AllenDIRECTOR
Sara LawsonDIRECTOR
Dave MillerDIRECTOR
David SheachDIRECTOR
Brandon KelleyTREASURE
John MacDonaldDIRECTOR
Hilary BeardDIRECTOR
Parm SidhuDIRECTOR
Cameron WilsonDIRECTOR
Mark WarkentinDIRECTOR
A44 Abbotsford News Friday, March 20, 2015
abbotsfordchamber.com
BusinessmyE N G AG I N G C O N S U M E R S • B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
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Chamber members get 2 days Free Parking with Park’N Fly
RS LLPRS FOR LIFE
33695 South Fraser WayAbbotsford BC V2S 2C1
rdmlawyers.com604.853.0774
RDM Lawyers LLP is pleased to announce
Ravi Duhra as our newest Partner.
After graduating with honours from the University of Northern British Columbia in 2002, Ravi earned his law degree from the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy joint LL.B/J.D. program in 2005. He was called to the British Columbia Bar in 2006 and joined RDM Lawyers LLP in 2010. Ravi has proven to be an integral part of the team, specializing in real estate, business, and employment law. We are proud to welcome him as Partner.
CONGRATULATIONS RAVI!
RDM LAWYERS LLP || YOUR LAWYERS FOR LIFE
33695 South Fraser WayAbbotsford BC V2S 2C1
rdmlawyers.com604.853.0774
We are pleased to introduce our newest Member Benefi t provider: Park’N Fly
Canada’s only national airport parking company, Park’N Fly off ers Abbotsford Chamber Members exclusive, lower than web rates which can be used for both leisure and business travel. Chamber Members that travel frequently can register online to expedite their service and receive the discount automatically every time they park with us, additional services are included with rewards program.
Benefi ts Include:
• By-pass the counter line by using the card at our kiosk machines
• Receive Corporate Discount Rates automatically every time you park, just swipe and save
• 150 Aero plan points for each stay will be added to their profi le per stay
• Earn loyalty points which goes towards free parking
• Opt in to receive the text message when you land
Park’N Fly Vancouver:
• Park’N Fly is located just minutes from Vancouver International Airport.
• Premium Valet service in our well lit, fenced-in, and electronically monitored facility.
• Fast & effi cient shuttle service, 24 hours a day
• Friendly and professional staff
• Luggage assistance
• Complimentary coff ee and tea, local phone calls, newspapers and seating lounge
• Vehicle Maintenance Services available while you are away (ie. Car Wash, Oil Change etc)
For a limited time Abbotsford Chamber members can get a voucher for 2 days Free parking with Park’N Fly.
To get your voucher email our Membership Development Representative - Duncan D’Mello at [email protected] or call him at (604) 859-9651 ext. 350.
Abbotsford News Friday, March 20, 2015 A45
A46 Abbotsford News Friday, March 20, 2015
abbotsfordchamber.com
BusinessmyE N G AG I N G C O N S U M E R S • B U I L D I N G C O M M U N I T Y
Monthly publication brought to youcourtesy of our Media Partner:
CHAMBER TEAM MEMBERS20
15
Carole JorgensenEVENT COORDINATOR
Duncan D’MelloMEMBERSHIP
DEVELOPMENT REP.Duncan@
abbotsfordchamber.com
Allan AsaphEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ABBOTSFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE207 - 32900 South Fraser Way
Phone: 604-859-9651 Fax: [email protected]
Published 10 times per year.For advertising in this special section please call 604-853-1144 or email [email protected]
BusinessBmy
8th Annual Fraser Valley Chambers of Commerce Business Showcase
La Vonne BandsmaOFFICE MANAGER
You are invited to attend the Fraser Valley’s most inclusive networking event of the year!
Presented by the Fraser Valley Chambers of Commerce: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Cloverdale, Langley,Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, Mission, Surrey and South Surrey-White Rock.
Who Should Exhibit?• Fraser Valley businesses small to large • Companies with business to business sales• Not for profi t organizations • Home based businesses
Why Should You Attend?• Meet hundreds of people from all over the Fraser
Valley for the opportunity to expand your network • Visit over 60 exhibitor booths• Complimentary refreshments
Chamber Member exhibit space starting at $149. Non-Member exhibit space starting at $199. DON’T DELAY – ALMOST SOLD OUT!
This event is FREE to attend, but registration is required for catering purposes.For registration call (604) 859-9651 or visit our website: www.abbotsfordchamber.com
Sponsored by:
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