Ed Kolla 2007/2008 President

April 2008

While the weather isn’t cooperating, we welcome the first days of spring. The Board has a number of initiatives planned to address issues identified by our members and to celebrate the departure of winter ’08.

In late March our representatives met with Federal and State Officials from the US and Canada to present a business case for the permanent extension of hours of operation and commercial services at the Aldergrove Border Crossing. This meeting was arranged in partnership with the Lower Mainland Chambers Transportation Panel and the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

A recent survey of our members indicates interest to explore opportunities to address skills shortages. In mid-May we are working in partnership with the City & Township of Langley, and our neighbouring Chambers, to present a regional business information session that will showcase programs available to assist with the recruitment of foreign skilled workers or workers with a disability. We are bringing together providers of programs to assist various industry groups with funding and application criteria to access workers from a variety of resources. This will be a complimentary event tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 from 4 – 6 pm at the Convention Centre. Please watch for detailed information on the Chamber website (click on Events).

The Honourable Rich Thorpe, Minister of Small Business & Revenue and Minister Responsible for Regulatory Reform is considering formation of a task force to explore multi-municipal business licenses. This is an issue that we have researched in the past, and we have advised the Minister that we would like the opportunity to appoint Director Wayne Kuypers to participate as a member of the group. Updates will be provided as this initiative moves forward.

Ed Kolla
2007/2008 President

Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce #1, 5761 Glover Road Langley, BC V3A 8M8 Phone: (604) 530-6656 Fax: (604) 530-7066 E-mail: chamber@langleychamber.com