The Boundary: a place to grow

The Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce is invested in promoting business and the region

James Wilson is the executive director of the Boundary chamber. — Photo by Kris Hockley at Crow's Nest Photography

The Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce (BCRCC) advocates for business in the entire region, helping to unify and strengthen Boundary communities.

“We try to get throughout Rock Creek, Midway, Greenwood and all the way to Christina Lake to interact with businesses and see what’s going on,” said James Wilson, the executive director with the chamber. “What are the challenges they’re experiencing? What’s working? Our mandate is to bring business here, but also to sustain business and see how we can help.” 

Projects on the go

To build up local business, the BCRCC has a number of projects underway. The family-friendly business initiative is one that is in its second year. Businesses are able to identify themselves as places that are open to families with young children. They then affix a green window decal with the words “family friendly” to their window. The business is also designated as family friendly on the chamber website. People are welcome to stop at these businesses if they need to feed their children, warm up bottles or change a baby’s diaper. Wilson said it’s been very positive for young families travelling through, or those that live in the area.

The BCRCC has also recently created an updated and cohesive community calendar. The chamber used Timely software, which has provided for a flexible community calendar that can be connected across a variety of websites.

“The problem we had was that lots of people or businesses were planning events that would overlap,” said Wilson. “We got thinking, well, why don’t we just have one calendar where we put all the events? So the chamber took that on . . . You can mix and match how you look at the calendar. You can choose different categories. We’re trying to get everybody to go to one place—that way we can organize our events better.”

Business in the Boundary

Anyone interested in business in the Boundary can attend the chamber’s Biz after Biz events, which are hosted by a different community every month. Attendees can find out what’s happening at the BCRCC and get the opportunity to network with other business people over food and beverages. The events don’t require a reservation and are not limited to chamber members.

The Boundary, believes Wilson, is a good place for business as well as living.

“We’re right on Highway 3, so we’re on one of the major highways that go through B.C.,” he said. “I think we also have the small-town feel, so it’s very attractive that way. And our weather typically is sunny and nice and we get a milder winter, which attracts a lot of people.

“With the talk of McDonalds moving in (to Grand Forks), good or bad, it’s a new business. And if they’re looking it means there are some other people looking, in my mind. And that’s exciting to see. I think there’s more room to grow, for sure.”