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2015 ANNUAL REPORT

Chamber of

OUR MISSION…

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THE GREATER NANAIMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

To enhance the quality of life in our community

by providing opportunities for businesses to succeed.

To enhance the quality of life in our community

by providing opportunities for businesses to succeed.

To enhance the quality of life in our community

by providing opportunities for businesses to succeed.

To enhance the quality of life in our community

by providing opportunities for businesses to succeed.

To enhance the quality of life in our community

by providing opportunities for businesses to succeed.

2015 ANNUAL REPORT

Contents

Table of Contents……………………………………….............................................................................................1

Year in Review…………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..2-3

Leadership - Board of Directors…………………………………………………………………………………….4

Minutes of 2015 AGM…………………………………………………………………………………………………...5

Chamber Members in Attendance………………..………………………………………………………….6

Chamber Committees……………………………………………………………………………………….….….7-11

CEO Report……………………………………………………….…………………………………………….………….12

Chamber Staff ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………13

Ambassadors……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..14

2015 New Members…………………………………………….…………………………………………….….16-17

Sponsors……………………………………………………………….……………………………………………...17-18

Treasurer's Report………………………………………………………………………………………………..……19

Financial Statements…………………………………………………………………………………………….……20

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2015 ANNUAL REPORT

2015 YEAR IN REVIEW

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH

- Introduced a strategy of sector-focused target marketing to our marketing plans which proved successful in both the restaurant/food services and manufacturing sectors.

- Established a Membership Marketing Task Force to brainstorm ‘best practices’ in member recruitment and retention with plans to merge with ‘chamberlands’ and VIU’s Marketing Program recommendations.

- Added 120 net new members to our roster.

MEMBERSHIP VALUE

- Increased the quality, reach and frequency of our communications tools and took the NewsLine newsletter into the digital world.

- Developed an online registration and ticketing process so all luncheon and event registrations are completed through our website reducing manual labour significantly and providing greater convenience to members.

- Increased the active participation of our partners to lighten our workload and overhead – partnership with BC Restaurant & Food Services Association for ‘Dine About’, similarly with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporter’s Association, BC Business Council, and Small Business BC for 2016 events.

- Established an ‘Education Committee’ to acknowledge the importance of this community to the future success of Nanaimo families as well as the significant economic stake.

- Re-engaged our Policy Committee with the goal of presenting 2 policies at the BC Chamber Policy Conference.

- Created new opportunities for members to profile themselves at events like ‘Feastival’ and ‘Dine About’.

GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY

- Monitoring our municipal government with regular attendance at City Council and other committee meetings. Addressed critical issues in a delegation to Council in November providing them with a report card on their performance for the first year in office.

- Improved our working relationships with senior city staff.- Worked with City Planning Department to successfully revise regulations to create ‘food

truck friendly’ legislation to promote that sub-sector of an important local industry.- Open discussions and private meetings with provincial government representatives such as

Premier Christy Clark, Deputy Premier Rich Coleman, Transportation Minister Todd Stone, Social Development Minister Michelle Stilwell, Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. Arranged private meeting between the Premier and Team Nanaimo members.

- Organized and presented the federal election all-candidates forum.

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2015 ANNUAL REPORT

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

- Increasing involvement at VIU with students, staff and faculty. MBA students attended two dedicated Lightning Talks event, another one presented at Marketing Students “Mark It Up” week. Attended ‘Business Pitches’ as part of the Marketing program mentorship. Sponsored and participated in the first provincial MBA Games hosted by VIU in Nanaimo.

- Logistical support to Aboriginal Business Match, Small Business BC Biz Expo, on marketing committee of VIEA Economic Summit. Began work with Futurpreneur Canada and Public Affairs Canada on events to roll out in 2016.

- Continued relationship with Community Futures for Business Expo, NEDC for Business Achievement Awards, and ongoing relationships with Port of Nanaimo, Nanaimo Airport Authority, RDN, City, and DNBIA.

- Changed formatting, categories and business case for the Business Achievement Awards.- Continued to enhance our Ambassador program to increase our visible reach and presence

in the business community.

OPERATIONS

- Increased the involvement of task forces and committees made up of Board Members and members-at-large.

- Administrative review identified areas requiring restructuring and these action items were implemented during last half of 2015.

- Modified our renewal procedures so it is based on an ‘anniversary renewal’ system with the objective of increasing our automatic renewals, reducing the workload in December and enhancing cash flow.

- Updated operating systems and software to enable us to internalize all accounting functions, improve timely reporting capabilities, and allow integrated staff coordination of planning.

- Updating and upgrading office and equipment -- repaint some common areas, replace lobby carpeting with hardwood, exchange incandescent lighting with energy efficient LED and install solar film to reduce energy consumption and costs.

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2015 ANNUAL REPORT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS -LEADERSHIP

Missing from the photo: Sean Herold, Carrie Chassels, Justin Schley

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Minutes of the 2015 Annual General MeetingPresident & CEO Kim Smythe called the Annual General Meeting of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber Of Commerce to order at 11:05 pm.

MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES:

Motion to approve Minutes of the 2014 Annual General Meeting

Moved by: Mike Thompson, Seconded: Hilde Schlosar

MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF ACCOUNTANTS:

Motion to approve the appointment of Church Pickard as the 2015 Accountants

Moved by: Don Bonner, Seconded: Joe Goddard

TREASURERS REPORT:

Mike Thompson presented the Treasurer’s report. Copies of the Audited Financial Statements were distributed on all the tables. The 2014 Annual Report and Financial Statements are also available on the website.

Motion to approve Treasurer’s report

Moved by: Don Bonner Seconded: Hilde Schlosar

Introduction of the 2015 – 2016 Board of Directors

~ Chris Beaton - elected

~ Don Bonner

~ Meryl Chahley - elected

~ Warren Cook - elected

~ Adam Hawryluk - elected

~ Sean Herold

~ Dan Hurley

~ Sarah Lane – re-elected

~ David Littlejohn

~ Greg Phillips

~ Andrea Rosato-Taylor- elected

~ Justin Schley

~ Hilde Schlosar

~ Marianne Turley

~ Kelly Whitton

MOTION TO Destroy the Ballots:

Motion to destroy the ballots

Moved by: Don Bonner, Seconded: Mike Thompson

MOTION TO ADJOURN

Motion to adjourn the 125th Annual General Meeting

Moved by: Hilde Schlosar

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2015 ANNUAL REPORT

Chamber members in attendance (alphabetical by Business Name)

460 Realty

AGS Business Systems Inc.

Adam Hawryluk - DLC Canadian Mortgage Experts

Aspengrove School

Auto Check Automotive Ltd.

BCAA

Business Development Bank of Canada

bDigital Video Productions

Bekins Moving & Storage

Business Examiner Vancouver Islandr

Cameron, Joy

Canadian Western Bank

Church Pickard

City of Nanaimo

Coast Bastion Hotel

Coast FM

Coastal Community Credit Union

Columbia Fuels

Community Futures Central Island

Confident Stages

Country Club Centre

Dominion Lending Centres - Integrity Mortgage

Ethos Career Mgmt. Group Ltd.

Freedom 55 Financial

GT Hiring Solutions

Herbal Magic

Herold Engineering

Impact Studio

Inn on Long Lake

Integral Securities

Island Ferries

Island Radio

Johnston Franklin Bishop

Joyce Tinnion Productions

Krog, Leonard

Laurence Rumming Assessment

Legal Shield

Lexi Diamonds

Literacy Nanaimo

Living Forest Campground

London Drugs

Lunney, James

Manly Media

MNP

Central Vcr. Island Multicultural Society

Nanaimo Association for Community Living

Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre

Nanaimo Business Services

Nanaimo Child Development Centre

Nanaimo Daily News

Nanaimo District Hospital FoundationNanaimo Lawn BowlingNanaimo MagazineNanaimo News BulletinNanaimo Port AuthorityNanaimo Youth ServicesNEDCNISANordiaPacificCarePheasant Hill HomesProline ManagementPye DesignQuality FoodsR.W. Bob WallRBCReMax of NanaimoRemax - The HBT GroupRuttan, JohnSalvation ArmySD #68Sullivan, MarilynSuper Green SolutionsTD Canada TrustTigh na maraTilray/Lafitte Ventures Ltd.Turley's FloristVancouver Island UniversityVSP Media

BOARD COMMITTEES, TASK FORCES & COLLABORATIONS:

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The Chamber has committees working on specific projects which meet as needed. Being active on a Committee affords Chamber members the opportunity to share their business knowledge and skills with others, develop reciprocal relationships and contribute to meaningful projects within the Nanaimo business community.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Executive Committee

Purpose: The Executive Committee acts as an advisor to the Board of Directors.Chair: David LittlejohnVice Chair: Greg PhillipsTreasurer: Justin SchleyExecutive Secretary: Hilde SchlosarPast Chair: Marianne TurleyChief Executive Officer: Kim Smythe

Finance & Budget Committee

Purpose: To routinely review and examine the financial affairs of the Chamber and to prepare and present to the Board, at the beginning of each fiscal year, a budget of estimates of expenditures and revenue for the ensuing year.Chair: Justin Schley Members: Executive Committee

Nomination Committee

Purpose: To prepare a list of nominees, from the membership at large, for the office of Director to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors.Chair: Marianne Turley, Past ChairMembers: David Littlejohn, Chair, Kim Smythe, CEO

ByLaw Review Task ForcePurpose: To review the Chamber Bylaws and to recommend changes to the Membership at the October 8, 2014 Special General Meeting. This Task Force completed its review and its recommendations were adopted at the last AGM.

Chair: Wally Wells; Members: Don Bonner, Hilde Schlosar, Marianne Turley, Greg Phillips, CEO Kim Smythe

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BOARD COMMITTEES

Government Affairs Committee

Purpose: To identify issues impacting our business community and to accept and evaluate issues identified by others. Where appropriate, the committee shall establish a position on an issue and develop an action plan for conveying the position to the appropriate parties.

Chair: Andrea Rosato Taylor

Members: Marianne Turley, Wally Wells, Warren Cook, David Littlejohn, Don Bonner, CEO Kim Smythe

Report from the Government Affairs Committee

The Government Affairs Committee is a Standing Committee of the Board of Directors. The Committee considers matters relevant to doing business in our city primarily with City Council and civic administration but addresses other agencies as well that have influence over our business climate. The Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for policy and action.

The focus of the Committee during 2015 was our newly elected City Council. Early in the year we made a presentation to Council where we took our 2014 election platform points and established these as general goals for their four-year term. We provided a list of short term action items we’d like to see underway in the first year.

By November, it was clear that significant challenges existed with Council which was prohibiting progress towards our agreed goals. The Chamber, in response to considerable queries by business and the community-at-large about the actions of Council, decided to re-address Council in the form of a ‘report card’ presented by the CEO to Council. It was met with mixed feelings so we know we made our point. In spite of progress made with the hiring of a new CAO there are still problems amongst the personalities that populate the Council table as of year-end 2015 which prevent the kind of progress we need to make happen.

In addition to our focus on Council, we welcomed several provincial MLA’s and Ministers to the community in 2015. We also organized information sessions and the community’s federal election all-candidates forum.

We would like to thank all members of the Government Affairs Committee for their early morning attendance. With their participation, the Committee looks forward to a very active and increasingly positive 2016.

ANDREA ROSATO TAYLOR, Chair 

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2015 ANNUAL REPORT

Transportation Committee

Purpose: To analyze local, regional, provincial and federal multi-modal transportation systems and policies and their impacts on Nanaimo businesses.

Chair: David Littlejohn; Members: Sean Herold, Mike Delves, Steve Touhey, Lesley Anderson, Leo Boon, Todd Nicklin, Wally Wells, Greg Phillips, Dan Hurley, Kurt Fischer, Gordon Foy, Kim Smythe

Report from the Transportation Committee

Because an efficient transportation network is key to the success of every business, particularly on an island, this to analyze local, regional, provincial and federal transport systems and policies and their impacts on Nanaimo businesses.

The committee’s terms of reference have been established and members have been recruited. After several informational meetings with presentations by Nanaimo Airport, Nanaimo Port Authority, City of Nanaimo Engineering, Nanaimo Cycling Coalition, Island Corridor Foundation and others.

DAVID LITTLEJOHN, Chair

Education Committee

Chair: Derek Beeston

Members: Bill Robinson, Carrie Chassels, Chris Beaton, Crystal Dennison, Dale Burgos, Daniel Martinez, Erin MacDonald, Ian Thompson, John Blain, Larry Rumming, Roxanne Boyle, Rebecca Kirk, Steve Arnett, Tori Klassen, Zina Fitzgerald. CEO Kim Smythe

Purpose: To review annual bursary allocations and to explore ways to improve opportunities for students to excel in the school system, to liaise with Vancouver Island University, and to embrace life-long learning philosophies.

Since its inception this relatively new committee has been very active. We have had presentations from many organizations seeking both actionable and philosophical support. Recent presentations include Phil Jarvis sharing how the software program Inspire can help connect students with the business community, Denise Tacon gathering ideas and support for the 1st VICC Children’s Conference, as well as Patric Barbossa from the VIU student Union presenting on how changes in funding to Adult Basic Education is impacting our community. The committee held one of its meetings at Nanaimo Maker Space allowing us to see this exciting space in action. We have also had several updates on the Syrian families relocating to Nanaimo and how educating both the children and parents is being coordinated. Two of the committee members have organized events happening in the near future. Bill Robinson and Mini Ted Talks being delivered at local high schools and another is a Trades Forum evening organized by Larry Rumming on behalf of the Rotary. This is a dynamic committee and we look forward continuing to hear from community members and having impact on education in its many forms in the Nanaimo area.

DEREK BEESTON, Chair

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External Policy Committee

Chair: Arlene Rolston

Members: Greg Phillips, Don Bonner, Marianne Turley, Meryl Chahley, Steve Arnett, Hilde Schlosar, Chris Beaton, Kelly Whitton CEO: Kim Smythe.Purpose: To oversee and periodically review Board Policy and advise on issues of Governance. To take appropriate action to ensure Constitution & Bylaws are updated and valid.

The Policy Committee is back in action and preparing for the upcoming BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting in Kelowna at the end of May.

Two policies originating from Nanaimo are set to expire from the Policy Positions Manual in 2016: Addressing Barriers to Succession Planning for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises and; Policy of Protecting our Infrastructure (Asset Management)

From our initial meetings, it was clear that not only do these issues continue to be both timely and relevant, but that retaining the policies would be in the best interests of the members of the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

As a result, the Committee set a goal in 2015 to update both policies to reflect the significant developments that have occurred at the provincial and federal levels over the past three years.

Having realized this goal, and with approval from the Nanaimo Chamber Board of Directors, the Committee was able to attain preliminary support from the BC Chamber Policy Review Committee. Efforts will now be focused on getting the updates approved by the delegates at the BC Chamber AGM.

The Committee will also be partnering with other Chambers across Vancouver Island and the Province to ensure that the voices of Nanaimo businesses are heard on a variety of other important issues.

A big thank you to the Committee members and the Board of Directors for your continued engagement in the advocacy process!

ARLENE ROLSTON, Chair

Chamber Representation on External Community Organizations

Inspire Nanaimo

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2015 ANNUAL REPORT

In 2013, a tri-partite agreement between the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, the City of Nanaimo and Vancouver Island University was formed to promote the Successful Cities concept and support ‘Inspiring’ activities and initiatives in Nanaimo. Chamber Representative: Kim Smythe

Team Nanaimo

A partnership of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo Port Authority, Nanaimo Airport Commission, Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation and the City of Nanaimo that works to bolster the local economy and create jobs through a coordinated approach. Chamber Representative: Kim Smythe

Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (ACES): Wally Wells

Nanaimo Advisory Planning Committee: Randall Taylor

Nanaimo Airport Commission: David Witty

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT – KIM SMYTHE

The Chamber re-examined its priorities last year and recognized that our collective commitment to financial security, stability and sustainability must “come first”. An external review pointed to the need for systemic change to reverse the

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organization’s year-over-year financial performance shortfalls. Implementation provided near-immediate results as reflected in our current financial statements. It is also reflected by our organizational restructuring, changes in strategic direction and the resultant staff turnover. The investment the Board committed to, and the risk it assumed last year, has paid off.

A strategy of ‘sector-focused’ target marketing helped drive membership growth in a sustainable manner, in my opinion. Working to make the Chamber’s value proposition very clear to individual sectors and the membership in general continues as a goal. Our work to increase non-dues revenue is increasingly important, as the challenge of retention in all membership-based organizations continues. Festivals & events, WorldHost seminars, workshops, board and training room rentals, professional development opportunities, and partnered activities all contributed to an improved income statement.  It is important that we carefully, yet steadily, intensify promotion and productivity of all these revenue streams.

Government Advocacy called for an increasing amount of our attention in 2015. Municipally, we were faced with a newly-elected Council that displayed challenges in building effective working relationships. We continued to monitor this situation, and to encourage improvements in relations in order to deliver effective governance. The Chamber spoke out as a delegation at Council to point to opportunities for a positive way forward.

Provincially, the government is in a productive and smooth mid-term administration. Recently, announcements of $100 million in provincial funding for ‘tech’ was warmly welcomed in Nanaimo where we rank as the fourth place community in B.C. in  terms of tech growth. After the November federal election, we saw a major change in representation across the country with a new government choosing to grow the national deficit in order to inject capital into the economy through infrastructure funding, some of which we trust will find its way to Nanaimo.

The Chamber’s role in the community has not waned. Through its public engagement, visibility in effective government advocacy, increased public profile through production of festivals and events, efforts to positively impact education, new immigrants, transportation issues and shifts in our economy means the Chamber is more relevant and important than ever. Thank you to our members whose continued support allows us to take on more responsibilities, and be more effective in building a better community through better business. 

Chamber Staff

Two long term staff members departed the Chamber in 2015.

Marsha Weaver, General Manager – After an 11 year career with the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Marsha decided to retire “for good this time”. She performed every job in the organization at one time or another -- at some times more than one at a time. We all wish her a wonderful retirement.

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Debra Leigh – Debra worked at the Chamber for 17 years as the Administrative Assistant. She had a great wealth of knowledge in accounting and general administration and was a great team-mate to Marsha.

Renee Bohun, Operations & Events • Kimberly Plumley, Member Services

Thank you to our contractors and temporary staff in 2015:

George Clark, Accounting

Simona Sebastian (WorldHost)

Nicole Langlois

Cathy Dyck

Elizabeth Mahoney

VIU intern Cherry Liu.

OUR AMBASSADOR TEAM Our group of professionals from various backgrounds who enhance our capacity to liaise with members. The goal of our Ambassadors is to encourage meaningful participation in the Chamber’s programs and services for new members especially, in an effort to reinforce membership value.

Chair: Judy StephanNanaimo Magazine

Lea SilverRoar Representative

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Emeka UdeaghaInvestors Group

Jim BallardJim Ballard Homes

Joe GodardAGS Business Services

Kalon Goodrich Legalshield

Dirk HeydemannHeydemann Art of Photography

Leanna Le Fevre, Senior ManagerRetail Banking Canadian Western Bank

Dan MorrisRE/MAX of Nanaimo

Garret PhenixOneaftereight Design Studio

Dr. Glen Reed, Wellness ChiropractorReed Family Wellness Centre

Kim Strynadka, A.M.P.Dominion Lending Centres Integrity Mortgage BC

Jessica Thatcher RRP, CVP, RVP, CCDPFull Scope Rehabilitation Services

Quintin Winks, ConsultantInvestors Group Financial Services Inc.

Amy PyePye Design & Marketing

2015 NEW MEMBERS:

460 Realty Inc.Adam Walker & AssociatesAircoal Brand Bamboo Charcoalaks ConsultingAlexandra's BistroArbutus Distilleries

ARC Document SolutionsbDigital Video ProductionsBe Beautiful Salon and SpaBee's Knees Community CaféBent Tree WellnessBlack Goose Inn

BLOCK - A Drafting & Design CompanyBonaventure Support Services Ltd.Brave New NicheBrickyard Physiotherapy

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Browns Socialhouse RestaurantBulk Barn #689Cactus Club CaféCanadian Linen & Uniform ServiceCargo Bed International Inc.Cedars at Cobble HillCherub ChocolateChildrens TreehouseCinnabar Vista Alef Productions Coastal Energy Ltd.Coca-Cola Bottling Co.Columbia FuelsConnect HearingCore Essentials Personal Training & RehabilitationCountry Grocer - Chase RiverCountry Grocer - Dufferin Cres.Dave Hart MusicDog n' SudsDowntown Nanaimo Dental GroupDuncan Allen LawDust Off JanitorialEasy Living LandscapingElephant Room CreativeEye Mean GraphicsFarmship Growers Co-opFas Gas PlusFood Triumph InstituteFoston Group Safework Consulting Inc., TheFox & HoundsFull Scope Rehabilitation ServicesGlacial Bay Organic Clay Inc.Good Life CleanseGraphic DetailsHealthworks Consulting Ltd.Helijet International Inc.High School at Vancouver Island UniversityHilltop BistroHome Pro PaintingIndigo Group, TheInside Out Weight Loss ClinicIron Oxide Art SuppliesIsagenix - Anne Callander

Island HealthIsland Red Cedar Construction Ltd.Island Smart Irrigation SystemsJacy JewelleryJamberry NailsJohn Surtees Re/Max Joyce A. Tinnion ProductionsKenmore Air ExpressKimm Fusiontech WeldingKruger Plummer AssociatesLanteigne, Jacques C. F.LaPorte, Gerald M.Laurence Rumming AssessmentsLexi Diamonds and GiftsLive Well ConsultingLoyal Nanaimo Bathtub SocietyMacDonald Realty - Deborah NicolMarket 2 AllMcDougall Energy Inc.Mesa Business IncorporatedMillstone Estate WineryMilner Group Ventures Inc.Mind My BusinessMiracle EarNamul RestaurantNanaimo Aboriginal CentreNanaimo Business ServicesNanaimo Community BandNanaimo Denture ClinicNanaimo Foodshare SocietyNanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools Career & Technical CentreNanaimo Organic Waste Ltd.Nanaimo Unique Kids OrganizationNanaimo Women's Business NetworkNanaimo-Applecross Kumon CentreNeighbourhood Sound & Security Ltd.Newcastle NissanNoodle BoxNorthridge Health Performance Centre

Olive This & MoreOxy Liquor StoreOxy PubPacific Shores Resort & SpaPainted Turtle GuesthousePantry Restaurant, ThePenncorp Insurance & Financial ServicesPhilpott SeminarsPipers Liquor ExpressPipers PubProfitable MarketingProfotoFX Services Ltd.Pye Design & MarketingDan Morris Re/Max Martin Velsen Re/Max The HB Group – Kelly WhittonRed RhinoResCom Mortgage Solutions Inc. Ride the GlideRocky Mountain Chocolate FactoryRoyal LePage- Kim RhodesRuttan, JohnSaunders, ThereseSciarpelletti, FrankShine On Chrome & Graphic FinishesShopping Guys, TheSmoke n' WaterSofa SourceSorensen & Associates Engineering Ltd.Sotheby's International RealtySpecial T Group Events Inc.Spice of Life Catering Ltd.Stir Cooking SchoolStudio Thirty-FourSuperGreen SolutionsSweet SomethingsTanya Greene PhotographyTBS Construction Ltd.That's One Happy Dog!The Downstairs at Woodgrove Pines The SoakHouseTilray/Lafitte Ventures, Ltd.

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2015 ANNUAL REPORT

Trevor Ryhorchuk Professional CorporationTri Omni Property ManagementTurner Land Surveying Inc.Twist ConsultingUptown Hair LoungeUsedEverywhere.comValue Lodge Motel

Variety - The Children's CharityVenture Connect IncWallace Driving School Ltd.Western Financial Group – Bowen Rd/Fifth St.White Spot Restaurant - North Nanaimo

White Spot Restaurant - South NanaimoWits End SolutionsWolf Brewing Co.Woodgrove Pines ClinicYour Time Machine Awaits Wellness Spa

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2015 SPONSORSIt would not be possible to hold so many popular and successful events without the generous support of our community. The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Staff would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the following organizations who so generously supported our work. Thank you!

SponsorsAspengrove SchoolBCRFSABusiness Advisory TeamBusiness Development BankCactus Club CaféCanadian Western BankCentury Group Lands CorporationCity of NanaimoCoast AppliancesCoast Bastion HotelCoastal Community Credit UnionCommunity Futures Central IslandDowntown Nanaimo Business Improvement AssociationElite ImageFrank Allen Financial HarbourLiving.caHeydemann Art of PhotographyInnovation IslandInvestors GroupIsland Radio Leftspoke MediaLewkowich Engineering AssociatesLondon DrugsMNP Nanaimo Airport AuthorityNanaimo Child Development CentreNanaimo Daily News

Nanaimo Economic Development CorporationNanaimo FoodshareNanaimo News BulletinNanaimo North Town CentreNanaimo Port AuthorityNetwork HubPenta TransportPort Place Shopping CentrePye Design & MarketingQuality Foods R.W. (Bob) Wall Ltd.RBC Royal BankRead Jones ChristoffersenSee How SupportShaw TVSignAgeTD Canada TrustTelusTurley's FloristUsed NanaimoVancouver Island Conference CentreVancouver Island Insurance CentresVancouver Island SymphonyVancouver Island UniversityVSP MediaYellow Pages

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2015 ANNUAL REPORT

Friends of The Chamber

1440 Wellness91.7 Coast FMA Buyer's Choice Home InspectionAble RecognitionAcademy of Learning CollegeAGS Business SystemsAndrew Sheret LtdArbutus DistilleryBalloon EmporiumBastion Management BC FerriesBCAABerwick on the LakeBlack & White Party RentalsBold KnightBudget Rent a CarCanadian Western BankCherub ChocolatesCoast Capital SavingsCobs BakeryCoco CafeColumbia FuelsCOSTCOCountry Club CentreCraftsman CollisionDog n’ SudsDominion Lending - Integrity MortgageFlying FishGeselbracht BrownGreat Canadian Oil ChangeHarbour Air SeaplanesHerbal Magic Weight Loss Herold EngineeringInn on Long LakeJA Smith Business SolutionsJoyce A. Tinnion ProductionsK. Mattern Chiropractic CorpKeller's Jewellers LtdKris Kringle Craft MarketKrog & CompanyLaurence Rumming AssessmentsLet's Eat Gourmet FoodLighthouse Bistro

Lucky's Liquor StoreMadrona ImagingMcGregor Krastel DouganMiracle EarMosaic Information Technologies Mount Benson EnterprisesMulticultural Society CVINanaimo & Voyager MagazineNanaimo ClippersNanaimo Dive OutfittersNanaimo Golf Club Nanaimo Lawn Bowling ClubNanaimo Museum NISANoodle BoxOlive This & MoreOrigin at LongwoodOriginal Joes PayworksProfotoFX Services Ltd.Riso Foods Inc.Rocky Creek WinerySecurco ServicesSerious Coffee (VICC)Shaw BusinessSpiltsville Entertainment St. Jean's CannerySt. John AmbulanceStir Cooking School Supporting Employment TransitionsTanya Greene PhotographyThe Foam GuyThe HBT GroupThe SoakHouseTiah M. Workman Notary PublicTigh-na-mara Seaside Resort U-Lock Mini Storage Ltd.Van Houtte Coffee ServicesVancouver Island ExhibitionWhite SpotWoodgrove Centre Yellow Bird Arts Gallery

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2015 TREASURER’S REPORT – JUSTIN SCHLEY

The primary goal for 2015 at the Nanaimo Chamber was “getting back to basics” by focusing efforts and resources on growing and retaining membership.  By ensuring this focus the Chamber was able to decrease the direct costs of acquiring and retaining membership to 32.5% of Revenue vs 41.3% last year, which represents a reduction of 21.3%.  In addition to direct expense efficiencies the chamber was also able to streamline operating expenses by 6.7%, this was aided by the help of Church Pickard through an efficiency review.  This efficiency led the chamber to achieve excess earnings before amortization of $5,601 vs a loss of $56,715 in 2014.  

 The Chamber remains strong, with a total cash position of $177,977 vs $174,159 in 2014.  Total net assets remain stable at $437,210, and the Chamber carries Assets totaling $718,201.

 In closing, membership value has always been paramount for the Nanaimo Chamber, now the efforts are more focused on highest rate of return given the fixed resources the Chamber has in order to remain 100% self-sufficient.  Ultimately no goals or objectives are possible without the support of great staff, the Nanaimo Chamber is very fortunate to have an excellent team in place whose values align with the Chamber’s mission of Better Community through Better Business.

 Thank You 

 Justin Schley – CPA, CMA, Treasurer.

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