Info from the Boundary Region chamber

The work of the Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce is done by the executive director and a volunteer board

by Marie Milner — March 23, 2015

James Wilson, executive director, Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce

James Wilson is the executive director of the Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce. — Photo courtesy James Wilson

The office of the Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce is in the Community Futures building in Grand Forks, B.C., and Community Futures funds the position of executive director of the chamber. James Wilson has held that position for the past two years.

Wilson is the chamber’s only paid employee, though he said that the volunteer board is always ready to help when extra hands are needed to provide support and answers for Boundary Region businesses and organizations. The chamber of commerce promotes events, provides advocacy, offers member discounts at participating businesses and health insurance benefits for small businesses.

Wilson said that Lynden Tree Yarns is a new business that has recently opened in Grand Forks, and Work n Play Clothing Company Inc. has reopened under new owners and now offers computerized embroidery service for imprinting business and team logos.

In a region as sprawling as the Boundary, it’s a challenge for the chamber to stay connected and informed. Wilson participates and communicates with a variety of local organizations and community groups, and organizes business-after-business events in order to provide an informal gathering where business people can network, socialize and learn from each other.

What's going on

The Boundary Region has a varied schedule of public events planned for the upcoming season in addition to its thriving summertime tourist trade. A West Boundary trade show will be held at the Kettle Valley Golf Club, between Midway and Rock Creek, on May 5. The annual Grand Forks International Baseball Tournament will take place June 30 to July 5, and the Canada Day celebrations will be a highlight of that weekend.

On August 15 and 16, Park in the Park, an annual car show, will take place; it will include a car cruise on Saturday and a swap meet as well as the big show on Sunday. The annual end-of-August fall fair offers a wonderful selection of locally harvested produce, baked goods, preserves and entertainment.

In September, Grand Forks will hold its second annual lobsterfest to raise funds for a new children’s spray park—the goal is within reach, and the community is taking a great deal of pride in this accomplishment. In October, the annual Business Excellence Awards will be held in partnership with Community Futures Boundary during Small Business Week, and the City of Grand Forks has been invited to include its Volunteer of the Year award at the same event. Wilson expects that the event will sell out early.

“We’re also planning to host a golf event (at the Christina Lake Golf Club) in Christina Lake in October,” Wilson said. “That will be a fundraiser and a business showcase of sorts as well.”

All of these events are possible only because of significant support from volunteers. Wilson said that he very much appreciates the board members’ dedication to the region and the help that they provide to the community, and he commends the many citizens who step forward to help when help is needed.

“We want businesses here to thrive,” he said. “Economic development is important to us, so if there’s an opportunity to get involved, we do. The motto we’ve all taken on is, ‘Boundary Country: Open for business.’ ”