2020 ANNUAL REPORT - Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Nanaimo Chamber

2133 BOWEN ROAD,

NANAIMO, BC

V9S 1H8 Proudly Sponsored By:

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Agenda for 131st AGM. ................................................................................................................ Page 2

Meeting Minutes from130th AGM ............................................................................................. Page 3

Board Chair’s Report – Shawna McPhillips................................................................................. Page 6

Board of Directors .......................................................................................................................... Page 7

Chamber Ambassadors ................................................................................................................. Page 8

Treasurer’s Report – Dan Kucherka ............................................................................................ Page 9

2020 Year-End Financials ........................................................................................................................... Page 10 CEO Report – Kim Smythe ........................................................................................................................ Page 24

Chamber Committees .................................................................................................................... Page 25

Government Affairs Committee

Snuneymuxw First Nations Task Force

External Policy Committee

Bursaries and Scholarships Committee

Downtown Committee

Nominating Committee

2020 New Members ........................................................................................................................ Page 27

Proudly Sponsored by:

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AGENDA: 131st Annual General Meeting Friday, April 16, 2021 – via Teams Video Conference

12:00 Opening Remarks................................................................................. Kim Smythe, CEO

• Convene once quorum of 30 members in good standing is confirmed

• Motion: Adopt agenda

• Motion: Approve minutes from the 2020 AGM

12:05 Chair’s Report… ............................................................................. Shawna McPhillips, Chair

• Motion: Adopt Chair’s Report

• Motion: Dissolution of the 2020 Board of Directors

• Introduction of new Board of Directors members

• Motion: Approve election of Board of Directors by acclamation

12:15 Treasurer’s Report… ..................................................................... Dan Kucherka, Treasurer

• Motion: Approve appointment of Church Pickard as Review Accountants for 2021 Financial Statements

• Introduction of Anna Jones, Church Pickard by Dan Kucherka

• Review of 2020 Financial Statements – Anna Jones, Church Pickard

• Treasurer’s Report Summary by Dan Kucherka

• Motion: Approve Treasurer’s Report and 2020 Financial Statements

12:25 CEO’s Report… ...............................................................................................Kim Smythe, CEO

• Committee Reports and New Members noted and attached

• Motion: Adopt CEO Report

12:30 Motion: To Adjourn 131st AGM and move to the Speakers Forum

Guest Speakers:

• Leonard Krog, Mayor, City of Nanaimo

• Adam Walker, MLA Parksville - Qualicum

• Sheila Malcolmson, MLA, Nanaimo

• Paul Manly, MP Nanaimo - Ladysmith

KEYNOTE:

• Ravi Kahlon, Minister – Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation

1:00 Closing Remarks

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MEETING MINUTES FROM 130th AGM WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2020 – via Zoom Video Conference

MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA FOR 2020 AGM

• Moved: Joanna Hesketh

• Seconded: Nathan Seaward

• Approved

MOTION TO APPROVE 2019 AGM MINUTES

• Moved: Corry Hostetter

• Seconded: Graham Morry

• Approved

MOTION TO APPROVE CHAIR’S REPORT

• Moved: Shawna McPhillips


• Approved

MOTION TO APPROVE THE DISSOLUTION OF THE BOARD

• Moved: Dirk Heydemann

• Seconded: Judy Stephen

• Approved

ELECTION: SLATE OF DIRECTORS TO BE ELECTED BY ACCLAMATION FOR 2020-2021:

• Dan Kucherka • Joanna Hesketh

• Carrie Chassels • Corry Hostetter

• Travis Wilson • Shawna McPhillips

• Nathan Seaward • Chris Beaton

• Graham Morry • Meryl Chahley

• Greg Phillips

APPOINTMENTS:

• William Litchfield • Erralyn Thomas

MOTION TO APPROVE SLATE OF DIRECTORS TO BE ELECTED BY ACCLAMATION FOR 2020-

2021:

• Moved: Jessica Thatcher

• Seconded: Dirk Heydemann

• Approved

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MOTION TO APPROVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTED BY CHURCH PICKARD

• Moved: Meryl Chahley

• Seconded: Corry Hostetter

• Approved

MOTION TO APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF REVIEW ACCOUNTANTS: CHURCH PICKARD


• Seconded: Nathan Seaward

• Approved

MOTION TO APPROVE TREASURER REPORT PRESENTED BY MERYL CHAHLEY



• Approved

MOTION TO APPROVE CEO’S REPORT



• Approved

MOTION FROM THE FLOOR PROPOSED BY NATHAN SEAWARD: MOTION TO RATIFY ALL BUSINESS AT THE 2020 CHAMBER AGM DESPITE THE CHAT FUNCTION NOT OPERATING ON ZOOM


• Seconded: Meryl Chahley

• Approved

MOTION TO ADJOURN THE 130th AGM


• Seconded: Meryl Chahley

• Approved

LIST OF VOTING MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING AT 2020 AGM

• Sheila Malcolmson, MLA Nanaimo

• Shawna McPhillips, Coastal Community Credit Union

• Matthew Van Den Hooven, Law Office of Matthew J. Van Dev Hooven

• Peter McGee, Maximus

• Jaylyn Byer

• Laura Brietzke, Avenir Memory Care Nanaimo

• Brett Watts, BDC

• Don Evans, Bethlehem Centre

• Carl McLean, Centra Windows

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• Lori Frankson, Chemainus & District Chamber of Commerce

• Cheryle Harrison, Conserv-Arte

• Carolyn Phillips-Cusson, CUE Consulting / CP Arts INC

• Dr. San Mahara, Downtown Dental group

• Karen McCarthy, ETHOS Career Management Group Ltd.

• Jessica Thatcher, Full Scope Rehabilitation Services Inc.

• Greg Yaceyko, Greg Yaceyko Professional Corporation

• Dirk Heydemann, HA Photography

• Nathan Seaward, Heath Law LLP

• Bill McKinney, Ideal Images

• Julia Jenkins, Master Financial Services Corp

• Carmel Slusarenko, Mid Island Co-op

• Ian Anderson, Mid Island Co-op

• Meryl Chahley, MNP

• Graham Morry, NACL

• Ken Kaminski, Nanaimo Disability Resource Cente.

• Laurie Bienert, Nanaimo Foundation

• Judy Stephen, Nanaimo Magazine

• Alessandro Lachelli, Nanaimo Pride Society

• Corry Hostetter, Oceanside Initiatives

• Sharon MacDonald, Pacifica Housing

• Ken Connolly, Pheasant Hill Homes ltd

• Chris Theuerkorn, Port Theatre Society

• Andrea Noble, Port Theatre Society

• Amber White, Pro Pacific DKI

• Sheila F. (Joey) Murphy, SJM Office Services

• Trevor Topping, Smythe LLP

• Harper Bauer, TELUS

• Ron Walker, The Kidney Foundation

• Sarah Wiebe, The Laundry Fairy

• Rozlan Thompson, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre

• Chuck Loewen, Vancouver Island Conference Centre

• Joanna Hesketh, VIU

• David Witty, WPC Holdings Ltd.

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BOARD CHAIR’S REPORT – SHAWNA MCPHILLIPS Another year has come to a close and the Chamber remains strong and resilient through these unprecedented times. Although we experienced many changes in our operations in 2020, one thing remained constant amongst all the change -- our priority to support businesses in Nanaimo. We pivoted rapidly within the new COVID environment and became a conduit of information and resources for local business so they could adapt quickly and then move just as quickly into the Restart and Recovery process and optimize their access to government funding support. Like every business in Nanaimo, the Chamber also had to look for ways to reinvent our way forward. For 2020, we recognized the importance of still being able to connect with our members regardless of these new “non-face-to-face” settings. Although our events looked very different in 2020, we were very successful in bringing important guests to a space where our members could learn as well as give feedback on what’s important to them. The Chamber hosted many virtual events including the Chamber’s very first virtual Business Awards! This new platform showcased our nominees, winners and sponsors in a professional way that helped them promote themselves to the general public. This is just one example of how we continue to look for ways to add value for members. In 2021, we’ll continue to capitalize on this new virtual space to optimize efficiency and make sure that all businesses have access to information that is going to allow Nanaimo’s business community to thrive, and not just survive. My term as Board chair has now come to a close. It has been a pleasure working with our CEO Kim Smythe so closely. I’d like to take a moment to thank Kim for all of his dedication and hard work this past year. 2020 was not without its challenges and Kim was so instrumental in ensuring the Chamber remained in a strong financial position so we can be here to support our members for many more years to come. I look forward to continuing my volunteer work with the Chamber in my new “past-chair” role and will support the new board chair to be successful in 2021. I thank all our members who’ve stood by their commitment to the Chamber and the greater business community. As they say, we’re all in this together and that togetherness gives us the strength needed to come out together -- stronger, smarter, and tougher for whatever the future brings next!

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Shawna McPhillips, Coastal Community Credit Union

Dan Kucherka, Renaissance Mergers and Acquisitions

Carrie Chassels, Ph.D, Private Member

Travis Wilson, Wilson’s Transportation Group

Corry Hostetter, Oceanside Initiatives

Joanna Hesketh, Vancouver Island University

Nathan Seaward, Heath Law LLP

John Winter, Harbour Air Seaplanes

Aaron Surkan, MNP

Ian Anderson, Mid Island Co-op

Appointments:

Erralyn Thomas, Snuneymuxw First Nations

William Litchfield, Vancouver Island University

Jake Rudolph, City of Nanaimo

A special thank you to the Board of Directors whose terms ended in 2020 your support, efforts,

and commitment to the Nanaimo Chamber has been invaluable. Thank you:

• Graham Morry, Nanaimo Association For Community Living

• Meryl Chahley, CPA, CA – MNP, Partner

• Greg Phillips, Johnston, Franklin, Bishop Lawyers

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CHAMBER AMBASSADORS

Chamber Ambassadors are part of our Member Services program assisting with the on-

boarding of new members, their orientation, and engagement to ensure they receive maximum

value for their membership. Ambassadors are often seen in key volunteer roles at Chamber

events. Our thanks go out to:

• Judy Stephan, Nanaimo Magazine

• Dirk Heydemann, HA Photography

• Garret Phenix, Oneaftereight Design

• Hanan Merrill, Nanaimo Hearing Clinic

• Joe Godard, AGS Business Systems

• John Tait, Nanaimo WorkBC Centre

• Moe Akbar, Moe Akbar Marketing and Design

• Jessica Thatcher, Full Scope Rehabilitation Services

• Sean Martin, Royal Bank of Canada

• Laurie Bienert, The Nanaimo Foundation

To our Chamber Ambassadors who moved on to explore new endeavors in 2020, we wish you

the best of luck. Our sincere appreciation goes out to:

• Bill Jones, Ion Marine Nanaimo

• Richard Johnstone, VI Pest Doctor

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TREASURER’S REPORT – DAN KUCHERKA

As incoming treasurer this year to the Nanaimo Chamber, I am very pleased to report another positive financial year. In a year unlike no other, management adopted the new reality and created new strategies to the changing business environment while continuing to serve and advocate for our members. The overall operating surplus for the Chamber in 2020 was over $38,000. While the overall revenues decreased as a result of COVID, there was also a reduction in costs with included financial assistance from the government assistance program (CEWS). The overall membership revenues increased by $17,000 and the balance of revenue sources were maintained or revamped to the new reality including our annual golf tournament, Christmas auction and business achievement awards. These positive results are largely credited to our strong management team with support from our members, community and board of directors. Moving forward in 2021, we will continue to adapt and serve our members and community as we always have with some new innovations to reflect the times. We have a strong renewed membership base and positive 2021 operating budget also with significant cash reserves as we move forward.

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CEO’S REPORT – KIM SMYTHE

Running a business at any time can be a perilous experience. Try running a business during a global pandemic, a challenge that exceeds the imagination of even the most pessimistic forecaster. Somehow, even at times like these, locals found the strength, courage and beliefs to exceed their own imagination on how to pivot and persevere. Beginning much the same as any other year, 2020 dawned on us with the promise of continued regional economic vitality, grounded in an economic foundation of service, education and health care and buoyed by a solid tourism and hospitality sector. Quickly, COVID-19 shredded every as markets were shuttered, customers retreated into social isolation and all our once-optimistic visions became clouded with uncertainty. The key to entrepreneurial success is an innate ability to adapt to changing situations and to adjust to the needs of the marketplace. More than ever before it is vital to maximize the economic power of the local community. When supply chains are interrupted and traditional customer bases are depleted, it’s crucial to remember that the greatest source of product as well as repeat and loyal customers are both found right here in our own community. Friends, family, neighbours and associates already know you. Brand recognition is already in place, while your personal history of local commitment is the rock you lean on. Nanaimo and its surrounding region has become the global market your business needs to cater to. In 2020, the drive to support ‘shop local’ has become more important to business positivity than it ever has before. Now it’s time to expand on this positive track record. ‘Business as Usual’ – it’s a time-honoured phrase that has no real meaning now. There is nothing usual about the environment that today’s businesses are challenged to operate in. What is usual and certain is that the imagination, dedication and courage of our business community will find ways to successfully adapt to every rapidly changing reality of this remarkable marketplace. The ‘new normal’ is a new experience waiting for us to shape and define by throwing out the old ‘business as usual’. We have the opportunity to create a new future for each of our businesses and our community overall. Let’s seize the opportunity together!

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CHAMBER COMMITTEES

Chamber Committee participation affords you the opportunity to share business knowledge and

skills with like-minded individuals and engage in meaningful forward-looking projects in your

community.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS:

Purpose: To identify governance issues impacting our business community and to evaluate and

address issues identified by members. Where appropriate, the committee establishes a position

on an issue and creates an action plan for conveying this position to the appropriate parties.

2020 Report: Provided guidance and support on many issues of a municipal nature related to

social order, homelessness, community safety, downtown revitalization and long-range

economic development planning. Contributed to the Premier’s BC Recovery and Restart

Plan, advised the BC Chamber on negotiations with the Province in support program

development. The committee strengthened relationships with provincial and federal political

leaders and advocated for the business community on many occasions on issues related

to the pandemic. Chamber – City interactions changed and increased significantly

Members: Corry Hostetter, Carrie Chassels, Travis Wilson, William Litchfield, Warren Cook,

Rhonda Heaslip, Arlene Rolston, Nathan Seaward, Kim Smythe

EXTERNAL POLICY:

Purpose: Make recommendations to the board to help shape public policy from a Nanaimo

perspective at the regional, provincial and federal level by crafting resolutions for the BC &

Canadian Chamber policy conventions. Anyone interested in provincial politics should

inquire about participation.

2020 Report: Authored two provincial policies – support for Aquaculture Industry in the Mid-

Island and Abandoned Vessels, both updated past successful policies and supported/co-

signed two others – “Reviewing the Municipal Charter” and supporting UNDRIP and the

provincial commitment to Truth and Reconciliation with First Nations in British Columbia.

Members: Graham Morry, Arlene Rolston, Kim Smythe

INDIGENOUS ECONOMY/SFFN MOU TASK FORCE:

Purpose: To seek ways to bolster Indigenous economic development and integration of

Indigenous peoples to the local economy.

2020 Report: Original plans and schedule for signing an MOU on hiatus while communities deal

with the complications of the pandemic. Background work has been undertaken on development

of an Indigenous Business Directory for the Mid-Island. We have consulted with the Victoria

Harbour Commission on their experiences in creating theirs. We have assigned our MBA intern

and a contractor to focus on this project development.

Members: Erralyn Thomas, Chris Beaton, Kali Friday, Greg Phillips, William Litchfield, Kim

Smythe

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DOWNTOWN COMMITTEE:

Purpose: To advocate on behalf of downtown businesses and seek opportunities for the area to

collaborate on projects that build support for their area.

2020 Report: The committee managed to have sufficient meetings, before Covid hit, to agree on

a Constitution and Bylaws and successfully seek official, provincial non-profit status paving the

way to an independent association and qualifying for BIA funding. Work in progress – next

announcement – April 19

Members: Shawna McPhillips, Corry Hostetter, Judy Stephan, Warren Cook, Kim Smythe

BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS TASK FORCE:

Purpose: Research opportunities and make recommendations to the board for the disposition of funds

for educational support assistance.

2020 Report: A total of $9,000 was awarded: VIU ($5,000), Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools

Foundation ($3,000), and Leadership Vancouver Island ($1,000). Support was greatly reduced

this year with almost no events to fundraise for the Ralph Nilson Legacy Fund.

Members: Dan Kucherka, Shawna McPhillips, Kim Smythe

NOMINATING COMMITTEE:

Purpose: To prepare a list of nominees from the membership at large, for the office of Director

to fill vacancies on the Board and to vet nominees for presentation to the Board to be

considered for election by membership.

2020 Report: This year, there were three nominees for seats on the board and one appointment

to a seat approved by the Board in 2020. The appointed seat was to be filled by a City of

Nanaimo staff. There were three board retirements, meaning the election of Directors this

year was by acclamation. We welcome Jake Rudolph (City of Nanaimo), Aaron Surkan

(MNP), Ian Anderson (Mid-Island Co-op), and John Winter (Harbour Air).

Members: Shawna McPhillips, Greg Phillips, Corry Hostetter, Dan Kucherka, Kim Smythe

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2020 NEW MEMBERS

• Dave Perry

• barBurrito

• Footprints Security Patrol Inc.

• Samantha Taylor, R.M.T.

• VIU, MBA Student, Seth Giddens

• Big Island Cleaning

• Island-ish

• General Autopro – Gap Motors

• ScanTech Doors

• Tsolum & Tsable Environmental Ltd.

• Waypoint Insurance Commercial

• Benjamin D. Bruner

• Bravenet Marketing

• Society for Equity Inclusion and Advocacy Central Vancouver Island (SEIA)

• ISC Information Systems Cybersecurity

• Overtime Shows

• Level Ideas Construction Inc.

• Foxy Box

• Ecofish Research Ltd.

• West Coast Partnership & Potential (Nanaimo) Inc.

• Teresa Hauca (0851779 BC Ltd)

• BizCatalyst Coaching & Consulting

• Nanaimo Hospitality Association

• Island Crisis Care Society

• GetintheLoop Nanaimo

• Phantom Couriers

• Wesley Square

• Dueck Manufacturing

• Haven Society

• Renaissance Mergers & Acquisitions

• Marban Construction and Design Inc.

• Lantzville Wellness Centre

• Prostyles Salon

• NightOwls

• McIntyre & Sons Trucking Ltd.

• Twin Peaks Plumbing Ltd.

• The Super Plumber Ltd.

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• Tangerine Technology

• Orangetheory Fitness

• Lekopoy Consulting

• Common Foundry

• Island Chemical Express

• Tutti

• Michelle L. Greves Law Corporation (dba Selby Law)

• Tim Hortons / Jump Enterprises Inc.

• Mood Cannabis Co.

• Let Me Be Me Learning Foundation

• MoveSafe

• H2 Accelerator

• All Canada Moving

• Fig Love Clothing Co.

• Themis Security Services Ltd.

• BelleFemme Hair Salon

• Alison Matthews Training

• BuyVI.ca

• LegArt Apparel

• Wolf Brewing Company

• Women’s Enterprise Centre

• KD Beausoleil & Company Inc., Chartered Professional Accountants

• Light It Up - Nanaimo

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