Travel Manners
Travel in BC
Restaurants
We are working closely with local restaurants. See this list for latest info on your favorite eatery.
we will continue to update as things change.
Business Impact Survey
Recently we wrapped up our first COVID-19 Business Impact survey. The information gathered from close to 8000 respondents informed the measures the province is currently taking to help businesses.
But more help is needed.
We’re teaming up with the BC Business Council, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, The Mustel Group, and all of you to increase the reach of our insight during these unprecedented times.
The Chamber will be conducting regular ‘pulse checks’ every two weeks on BCMindreader.com, to find out how businesses are faring, and how their needs are evolving. This information will inform ongoing recommendations to government—powered by our biggest and broadest business network.
We thank you for your participation in previous surveys. They were extremely important in collecting Kootenay specific data as well as the overall Provincial state of affairs. Take a few minutes to update us with this survey
https://www.bcmindreader.com/c/r/covid-pulse-check1-2020-chambers
The Nelson and District Chamber in collaboration with our Federal and Provincial Chamber counterparts will continue to advocate for you. It is extremely important to our Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Staff, as well as our partners, that our local, regional, Provincial and global economy can return to pre pandemic levels
Working together with you
The Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce is working closely with Emergency Operations and the Public Health Office to get a full understanding of the COVID 19 Virus, and essential business operations. Our team is working closely with our Economic Development Partners at Community Futures Central Kootenay and Nelson and Kootenay Lake Tourism, the City of Nelson and the RDCK, as well as Provincial and Federal agencies, Kootenay Rockies and Destination BC
The Chamber is working daily on your behalf being a conduit of information to the business community and to some degree the community at large. Please feel free to reach out to our team to discuss your business needs by emailing info@discovernelson.com or calling us to book a virtual appointment at 250-352 3433
We will continue to monitor the situation but encourage business owners and our greater community to stay informed and use clear, accurate and up-to-date information from official resources only.
The BC government does daily media updates everyday at 3 pm (T-F), which are streamed live by major media. These are linked below.
Nelson and area businesses are resilient, and we will all rally together during this time. There are many ways we can do this, including:
- Buying gift certificates from your favorite restaurant, shop, barber, etc. This an easy way to help businesses financially now, while saving for the future.
- Purchase online from the many businesses offering online sales
- Inquire about delivery options from business or through a local courier.
- Buy goods such as food, cleaning supplies, and pharmacy items from a local manufacturer or supplier.
- Reach out to the local business directly and see if they have any innovative ways to provide their products or services.
We also owe a debt of gratitude to the first responders, health care providers, grocery and retail store workers, transportation workers, public safety officials, and everyone working around the clock to keep our region, province and our country running. They are doing an amazing job in incredibly trying times. Thank you for all you’re doing.
On behalf of the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce and our Board of Directors and Staff, the BC Chamber and the network of 120 chambers and boards of trade – representing 36,000 BC businesses, of every size and from every sector– I want to reiterate our steadfast commitment to working with the BC government to first and foremost protect the health of British Columbians, and in the days ahead continue to forge bold and immediate fiscal solutions to safeguard BC’s economy and the viability of our members.
Economic Response Plan
The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
2020 Business Excellence Awards
Business of the Year, Hospitality – Food and Beverage Business, Tourism Excellence, Retail Excellence, Non Profit/ Community Service Organization Excellence, Rising Star – Start Up/New Business Entrepreneur Excellence, Professional Service Excellence, Technology/Innovation Excellence, and Inclusive Employer Award.
The Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards recognizes businesses and business leader that achieved excellence in the community through their efforts and initiative. The recipients are businesses that display a sustained commitment to positive business development, economic growth as well as commitment to community.
Add your nominations to our survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LW2WM5B
Canada Day 2019
Canada Day festivities set for Nelson’s Rotary Lakeside Park Monday July 1st.
The entertainment is scheduled, and community groups all gearing with a family-oriented activity, as the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce rolls out Canada day 2019.
The Chamber of Commerce has been organizing Canada day activities for Nelson and Area for longer than we can remember. President Tanya Finley says “there’s a lot of work that goes into organizing this Canada Day community celebration. Thanks to the Chamber staff, and many Chamber directors that have helped over the years with stage building, organizing, setting up and tearing down….and of course getting that giant 4 X 8 cake down to the park. Our day starts early and ends late, but the Chamber enjoys putting together this free family fun day”.
Chamber Executive Director Tom Thomson notes, that Canada Day kicks off on Baker Street with annual Lions Club Pancake Breakfast that runs from 8am-11am. Special thanks to the Lions for getting the volunteers together to host another fantastic Baker Street breakfast.
Following breakfast, you can head to Lakeside Park for the opening ceremonies at 10:30am with local dignitaries celebrating our diversity and culture, and with a colour guard of Nelson Police, RCMP and Firefighters. That is followed by a rousing rendition of O Canada lead by the Heritage Harmony Barbershop singers and kicks off about 11 hours of music and dance entertainment.
One of the highlights each year is the giant 4 foot by 8-foot Canada Day birthday cake served up at 11am by Chamber Directors and members of Nelson City Council. In fact, you can indulge throughout the day at the Rose Garden Café or enjoy the Rotary Clubs annual BBQ from 11am-3pm at the Rotary shelter.
The park is alive with activity as there are close to 30 community groups and organizations at this year’s event, all of them offering up family oriented-kid’s activities, from Sandcastles to Bouncy Castles, Dragon Boats to Jump Rope, art making to map making, tattoos to trivia.
Entertainment on stage gets underway at 10:45 following the opening ceremonies and runs through 9:45, with solo artists, Blue Grass, Blues, The Nelson Community Band, Playmor Junction Big Band Highland Dancers, the Rhythm Dance Drum Orchestra, Samba Band and the Nelson Rhythm Ropers with three shows, including a “light show” at 9:30pm at the Labyrinth prior to the Fireworks finale.
Thomson adds the day belongs to the community groups and organizations, volunteers and entertainers, but it wouldn’t be possible without fundraising and sponsors.” Special thanks to the Nelson Professional Fighters for helping us order, transport and safely handle the fireworks finale around 10pm that is always a crowd pleaser and a great way to end the day long celebration.
