Growing Kimberley’s business community

The agenda for the Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce is all about growing strength

Mike Guarnery is the manager of the Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce. — Photo courtesy Mike Guarnery

Mike Guarnery’s enthusiasm for the business community in Kimberley is infectious. Guarnery is the manager of the Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce, and since he came into the position in March 2013, he has been alert for any opportunities to work on economic development for the city.

Economic development is the goal

Guarnery had been employed by the Ktunaxa Nation Council for 12 years when the chamber manager position came available. He was working in employment and economic development, and he saw the position as an attractive opportunity for him to focus more on economic development for the City of Kimberley.

“My goal is to grow the chamber within the small business community of Kimberley,” said Guarnery. “We know that home-based business entrepreneurship is growing here and we want them on board to show the regional and national business community that Kimberley is a good place to be doing business.

“We would encourage the home-based contingent to communicate with us more about the products and services that they offer, as we can help promote them to other businesses and other business alliances.”

Guarnery acknowledged the important ongoing contribution of the bricks-and-mortar businesses, saying they are the reason that many people come to shop and spend time in Kimberley, and they provide a strong business tax base for the city.

Practical support through events

Growth of the chamber’s membership is an ongoing goal, and Guarnery said the chamber board of directors is very involved and communicates well. The Kimberley chamber supports business interactions and networking by holding monthly Business After Business gatherings and an annual business excellence awards gala.

“We also work on events with other community groups to make more opportunities for networking and connecting with new customers,” Guarnery said. “We have good partnerships with the City of Kimberley and Tourism Kimberley and the Kimberley Arts Council. Working together, we can identify goals for the whole community, and the business community needs to be part of that.

“With regard to the next level, I would say we’ll continue to grow July Fest and continue to work with the Arts Council on First Saturdays, developing other markets for businesses. It’s important to demonstrate vibrancy in the community—that’s what attracts people and in turn supports business here.”