Fernie Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the vital role small businesses play in our local community for Small Business Month this October.

“Small businesses represent the furnace that powers our local economy in Fernie, and they play a critical role in creating jobs at home,” said Patty Vadnais, Executive Director of the Fernie Chamber. “Small Business Month is a great opportunity for our community to celebrate these hard-working businesses that bring great ideas and entrepreneurial spirit of Fernie.”

As a member of the BC Chamber of Commerce, the Fernie Chamber of Commerce is part of active advocacy to support small businesses, including:

–  A call on all government departments to strengthen programs that review existing legislation and regulations, and cut the red tape that often results in unnecessary costs to small business (and ultimately the consumer);

–  A call for the creation of a task force in partnership with business and government to develop and implement improved access to simplified practical information regarding proper business succession practices for SME business owners;

–  A call for a dialogue towards a made-in-B.C. value-added tax (VAT), and in the shorter term, measures to mitigate the damaging effects of PST;

–  The continued expansion of Mobile Business License programs across the province, with the goal of eventually establishing a single, province wide licensing program for all businesses; and

–  A call on the provincial government to remain committed to tying minimum wage increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure certainty and predictability for small businesses. 
As well, the Fernie Chamber is a dedicated to advocating for Fernie’s small businesses at the local level and supporting business with education sessions and events.
Some upcoming events include (more details at www.ferniechamber.com):

–  Small Business Forum with Kootenay-Columbia MP Wayne Stetski, October 12;

–  Business, Beer, and Banter connection event, October 19; and,

–  Business Model Canvas Workshop November 1-2.

The chamber encourages Fernie to demonstrate their support for small businesses by celebrating the best with us at the 2016 Community and Business Excellence Awards on October 21. There were 221 nominations submitted representing 91 unique entries. Finalists will be announced on October 7.

“The business community identified local support as a strength of doing business here in the business retention and expansion survey. We look forward to a everyone celebrating small business month by shopping, buying, and eating local this month,” said Vadnais.

Fernie Chamber of Commerce