You may know the name Jill McKnight through my work with the Ladner Business Association, the Ladner Village Market, and South Coast Casuals in Ladner. In 2021, I was thrilled to venture into the broader business community of Delta when I joined the Delta Chamber of Commerce as executive director.
Since stepping into this new role, I have led our team in promoting the growth and prosperity of businesses located in the federal electoral district of Delta through advocacy. The Delta Chamber sustains its mission and role with the support of over 430 member businesses and individuals representing Annacis Island, Tilbury Island, Boundary Bay Airport, Deltaport, North Delta, Ladner, Tsawwassen and Tsawwassen First Nation.
Business leaders in North Delta — from all types of businesses and non-profits — are faced with opportunities and challenges. For the past couple of years, many of these challenges have occurred simultaneously and with a heightened sense of urgency. During these times, one can often feel like they are isolated on an island. As the “Voice of Business,” the Delta Chamber of Commerce amplifies business owners’ concerns to ensure they are heard by government. Through a network of relationships and connections, the chamber helps business owners find the answers they need as well as request support from government to make a tangible difference.
Every day, the Delta Chamber is having conversations about the issues that matter to businesses: supply chain, labour force shortages, economic recovery from COVID-19, business expansion opportunities and the future growth of our community. The Delta Chamber advocates on behalf of business to raise awareness at a local, regional, provincial and federal level, and chamber members in North Delta play a key role in providing the lens through which the organization advocates.
As the business community continues to grow in North Delta, the need for labour continues to increase. In response to these increasing needs, the Delta Chamber is sharing and partnering on programs that connect employers with available workers and opportunities for upskilling their current teams. Through the connections business owners make via the chamber, their business can access available workers and provide valuable work experiences.
Customers and clients are inclined to do business with individuals they know, like, value and trust. Membership at the Delta Chamber of Commerce is the ideal means for making lasting connections within Delta’s business community. The chamber is a conduit for connectivity through the membership engagement activities, learning opportunities and networking events. Whether a business owner is looking to network, support other local businesses or introduce their product and/or service into the local market, today is the opportune time to begin a membership and establish a trusted reputation.
Since 1910, the Delta Chamber of Commerce’s number one priority has been to foster the strength and growth of Delta’s business community, and 2022 has already been an active year for us. The chamber has led a project to enhance the “We Love Delta Support Local” campaign, begun work on policy submissions, and advocated for business in several meetings with members of government — locally, provincially and federally. The Delta Chamber is confident that it can expand its supports and services to meet businesses’ needs in North Delta.
As many businesses have pivoted and adapted since the onset of the pandemic, so too has the Delta Chamber. The team is listening to what North Delta members say is most important and how the organization can continue to improve its service. The Chamber wishes to know the challenges facing businesses, big or small, and how it can support the growth and prosperity of North Delta’s remarkable, diverse businesses. The Delta Chamber is only a call (604-946-4232) or email (info@deltachamber.ca) away.
Jill McKnight is executive director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce.
editor@northdeltareporter.com
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