It has been said that by the time we reach the age of eighteen, we will have been praised and encouraged 30,000 times (much of that happens before the age of three) and we will have been criticized over 250,000 times. Seemingly, a perfect demonstration that, as a culture, we are much more focused on what goes wrong. As an organization, it’s easy to move from one year or decade to the next without pausing to celebrate what is good and right.  

This has been quite a decade for our Chamber. Many similar organizations have seen a drop in membership and in event participation. Not ours. In fact our events are more popular than ever. Beyond the networking (or connecting as I prefer to call it), which happens on a grand scale, our members describe our events as fun. We offer member benefits people use. The demographics are changing within our membership and on our board. People are engaged. Excited. 

To what do I attribute the positivity that currently surrounds the Chamber and the work we are doing? I am biased, but the team in our office is rock solid. We work amazingly well together and we get stuff done. We could not do all we do without the support of our board. They provide stellar leadership and allow us to work to our potential. The setting contributes. We are privileged to live and work on the Saanich Peninsula, surrounded by natural beauty and boundless potential. There is an air of connection and collaboration in the community that is contagious.   

While we take this time to acknowledge the important work our organization has undertaken, there is so much more to do. Our future focus will be on transportation issues and on the important role of agri-business on the Peninsula. We will continue to provide support for our members as they struggle to attract and retain employees. We are excited to work with the wide-range of stakeholders who have identified interest in developing a truck stop at our site as well as a world class visitor centre that will welcome our guests to the Saanich Peninsula – the Gateway to Vancouver Island.

We have been building community through business for 107 years now. You don’t last that long without the guidance of dedicated people who have vision and an ability to change and grow. Stick with us. We aren’t a fad. 

Denny Warner,

Executive Director