Kimberley chamber review 2015

Kimberley, B.C., is both a destination and an experience

Mike Guarnery is the manager of the Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce. — Marie Milner photo

“The value of being a Kimberley chamber member is that you get to be a part of the business decision process for Kimberley and the district,” said Mike Guarnery, executive director of the Kimberley & District Chamber of Commerce. “Your voice is heard and your business is recognized as being part of the solution to challenges that businesses face.”

Guarnery has learned that for some businesses in Kimberley, 2015 has been their best year in the post-Sullivan Mine era. He believes that this trend is due to the collaborative efforts of the chamber, business owners, the City’s economic development office and others who promote events in Kimberley. Key among those are Tourism Kimberley, the Kimberley Arts Council, Kootenay Rockies Tourism and the Canadian Rockies International Airport.

“We’re all on the same page with regard to our growth,” said Guarnery. “In the past two years we’ve seen noticeable growth in the numbers of people starting their own businesses and in those relocating their businesses to Kimberley and the region. People are recognizing that an investment in Kimberley is a good investment.”

On October 24, the chamber of commerce held its annual Business Excellence Awards gala, honouring the best of local businesses in 13 categories.

Sabrina Park of Creekside Physiotherapy was named Kimberley's 2015 Employee of the Year. — Marie Milner photo

Guarnery said that advocacy is the most important thing the chamber does to support the business community, and it acts quickly when an issue is presented, whether it’s with another business or an arm of government. The chamber has worked successfully with businesses at the municipal level, including a collaboration with the City on the Platzl revitalization.

Kimberley’s downtown pedestrian area, the Platzl, functions like a town square in Europe. Family groups, entertainers and vendors of food and other merchandise create a moving tapestry of activity all summer long. In winter, the Platzl is populated with locals and tourists in high spirits and colourful ski wear.

Kimberley’s second annual Business Expo took place on October 15, with representation from business support organizations from Kimberley, Cranbrook, the Columbia Valley, the West Kootenay, the Ktunaxa Nation, the province and the banking sector.

“It’s not just local, it’s regional,” Guarnery said. “These are business ninjas offering excellent resources and supports for businesses.”

Minding more than its business

Promotion of recreational and social events is an important part of the chamber’s work, because success in business is only one component of a balanced life. A community that offers a variety of activities in which its citizens can participate and volunteer is a community where people develop a sense of belonging.

Guarnery spoke about Kimberley’s annual events that provide that sense of engagement for Kimberley residents, and also attract visitors.

1. The Black Spur Ultra race, a marathon-style foot race on local mountain trails;
2. The exciting and successful medieval festival that was introduced to the community this year by Eric and Michelle Forbes of Kimberley City Bakery;
3. The Gran Fondo bike ride, which gets bigger every year;
4. The Rail Jam snowboarding event;
5. The Marysville Fall Fair and Marysville Daze;
6. JulyFest, which includes the Canadian bocce championships and the largest soccer tournament in Western Canada;
7. The Sullivan Challenge, a longboard race that attracts international competitors;
8. Assorted ski races held at Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kimberley Nordic Trails for athletes of all levels of ability;
9. Business and community events held at the ever-more-popular Kimberley Conference & Athlete Training Centre.

Guarnery said that looking ahead to 2016, the chamber is focusing on the further promotion of business opportunities and lifestyle enhancements in Kimberley.