Golden and Area A businesses have a new advocate.
Melanie Myers assumed the role of executive director of the Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 3.
Based on her knowledge of the area and enthusiasm, Myers says there are many things on her radar, but the chief among them is ensuring the businesses know the chamber is open.
“We want to ensure that people know we’re here for the business community,” she says of the chamber’s 216 active members. ”We want to hear from members and non-members and grow the membership.”
Myers sees advocacy as one important role, much of which is accomplished within the BC Chamber of Commerce.
“They have several policies, and new ones are written every year that impact and are related to businesses,” Myers says. “If there are businesses in Golden that want to respond to any current policy or bring forward new ones, we can respond at a high level through the BC Chamber.”
Another goal is to partner with local businesses to implement shop-local initiatives that work for them and connect them with support at the provincial and federal levels.
Events that past chambers have hosted, such as Christmas parades and Canada Day, are possible only in partnership with other organizations.
“We want to ensure we’re putting our time and efforts into doing what benefits the needs of our business community,” she says. “Another priority is to reach out to businesses outside the town limits to see their needs and if they’re different from in town.”
Myers has a long history of working in Golden. In her 20s, it was at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, where she worked in sales and marketing.
In her 30s, Myers became a mother and shifted her focus to non-profit work in the community. The mother of two boys recently became one of four shareholders in a team of women who run Budding Minds Nature-Based Discovery Programs.
“Please reach out, and let’s talk! I want to hear from you and be the best voice for your business needs I can be,” Myers says. “You can reach me at 250-344-7125 or by email to manager@goldenchamber.bc.ca.”
