The Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce will cap off a successful year at its upcoming AGM.
Music and networking will mix with chamber business during the meeting at Eau Claire Distillery in Diamond Valley on Jan. 29 at 7 p.m.
“We’re hoping to create a really inclusive atmosphere with a little bit of joy and music,” administrator Samantha Istance said.
Musical guests will be keyboard virtuoso Timothonius Alai and vocalist Jane Madeleine.
Among the official business to be dealt with, a new board of directors and executive committee will be voted in.
Seven people have volunteered to sit on the board, representing areas throughout the chamber’s operating region.
Short presentations from outgoing board members and group benefits reps will take place along with an overview of the organization's accomplishments over the last year, plus ideas for the future.
“The chamber has really grown over the last year, and we have managed to increase our visibility," Istance said.
At the beginning of 2022, the chamber had fewer than 20 members.
“And now, going into the AGM, we have approximately 58 paying members,” she said.
The chamber sponsored a Diamond Valley election forum in November and put on several events and presentations during the year.
Goals this year, contingent on conversations with the incoming board, are to continue to grow the chamber, promote the area for tourism and encourage new businesses while supporting existing businesses through sponsorship and advocacy work, she said.
The chamber provides an opportunity to get to know business owners from around Diamond Valley, Longview, Priddis and Millarville, she said.
“(It) is a great way for home and farm-based ventures to introduce themselves to the rest of the business community,” Istance said.
Rather than pitching a business, owners can talk to other owners about the business of being in business, she said.
