(KELOWNA) May 30, 2024 — Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Board Vice Chair Jennifer McKinnon and CEO Leslie Courchesne joined delegates from chambers and boards of trade across the province for the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and Conference in Kelowna, May 28 to 30.
L to R: Tri-Cities Chamber CEO Leslie Courchesne and Board Vice Chair Jennifer McKinnon voting on policy at the BC Chamber Conference, Kelowna, May 2024.
More than 180 representatives met to deliberate on policy covering a broad spectrum of provincial and federal issues critical to the success of the business community. More than 40 policy resolutions were voted on, proposing solutions towards lowering costs for business, fostering healthy communities, addressing labour challenges, building resilient infrastructure, incenting innovation, and more. Resolutions that receive 2/3 majority support from the members attending the sessions become BC Chamber of Commerce policy for three years.
“When chambers and boards of trade work towards leveraging the power of our collective voice with all levels of government, we can effect substantial change that makes our businesses and our communities stronger," said Courchesne. "Our Chamber is an active member of both the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce to ensure the Tri-Cities voice of business is heard loud and clear on the issues that matter to our local, provincial, and national prosperity.”
The full set of approved policy resolutions will be published in the coming weeks, and will be used to guide the Tri-Cities Chamber and BC Chamber advocacy work at the provincial and federal levels over the coming year.
Speakers at the conference included BC Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Brenda Bailey, Leader of the Conservative Party of BC John Rustad, Leader of the BC Green Party Sonia Furstenau, BC United Shadow Minister for Finance Peter Milobar, and Parliamentary Secretary Ravi Parmar.
Expert panel sessions covered topics including decolonizing business, artificial intelligence, and the interplay between productivity and innovation. Legislative reporters Keith Baldry and Vaughn Palmer's session "Cutting Edge of the Ledge" provided insights into the BC political climate leading up to the Fall election.
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- BC Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Brenda Bailey
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- Global BC Chief Political Reporter Keith Baldry
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- Conservative Party of BC Leader John Rustad
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- Board of trade and chamber of commerce leaders at BC Chamber of Commerce Conference, 2024.
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- BC United Shadow Minister for Finance Peter Milobar
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- Tri-Cities Chamber CEO Leslie Courchesne at BC Chamber Conference, Kelowna, 2024.
Read the BC Chamber of Commerce's AGM and Conference news story here.
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Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has been the largest business association serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, now representing 1,300+ organizations from every sector. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide connections and benefits, and influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure strong business and strong communities. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
Leslie Courchesne, Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
ceo@tricitieschamber.com
604.468.6870