Connect. Engage. Achieve. There has never been a better time to join the Chamber.

Thank you for your interest in the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber originally formed as the Duncan Board of Trade in 1908 and has served business and the community for more than a century. We are a membership-driven organization, comprised of businesses, government agencies, professionals and organizations of all sizes, across all sectors. The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce is the largest Chamber in the Cowichan region with more than 550 members. We provide networking, marketing, professional development opportunities, cost savings and benefits, including access to our Chamber Group Insurance Plan. Our Directors, staff and members are active on municipal committees, local Boards, service organizations and more. Through our affiliation with the BC Chamber of Commerce, members are represented at the provincial level. Every other year we produce the Black Tie Awards recognizing excellence in business and volunteerism. Our members are the Chamber and the team members at the Chamber offices are here to support your success. The Chamber is funded through membership investment, fundraising and grants. We are located in the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre at 2896 Drinkwater Road, adjacent from the BC Forest Discovery Centre. As a new member, you receive the following:

A Certificate of Membership & Welcome Package

Your listing, and colour logo on our website and mobile app - MyChamberApp

Your business profile featured in a special issue of our eNews called New Member Spotlight.

Your business highlighted as a new member on the scrolling feature on the Home Page of the Chamber’s website.

The opportunity to post your business cards and/or brochures in the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre

Access to discounts on fuel, office supplies, merchant services and more through the BC Chamber of Commerce

The opportunity to participate in the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan – Canada’s leading group benefits plan for businesses of 1 – 50 employees.

This package includes information about membership investment, marketing opportunities and a benefits list. Membership in the Chamber strengthens the business community, raises your profile, expands your network and keeps you in-the-know. There has never been a better time to join the Chamber!

Sonja Nagel Alec Wheeler Executive Director Events and Membership Manager manager@duncancc.bc.ca chamber@duncancc.bc.ca

2896 Drinkwater Road, Duncan, BC, V9L 6C2

T: 250.748.1111 | F: 250.746.8222 | W: www.duncancc.bc.ca

The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce Leverage your Membership

Get Known

With 50+ events annually, members connect with business owners, professionals, clients and prospective customers across all sectors.

The Chamber provides marketing opportunities: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Online Business Directory, preferred advertising rates in the local newspaper and other media advertisers, free member news and announcements in our weekly eNews, and the opportunity to list your events and promotions on our Chamber website

Member materials are displayed in the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre.

The Chamber office and Visitor Centre regularly receive referral requests – we refer our members!

Consumers are 63% more likely to purchase from a referred Chamber member.

Grow your client base and connect with Chamber members with Member-2-Member Discounts.

Host a Chamber Mixer to showcase your products and services.

Participate in Chamber on Tour and provide members with a behind-the-scenes look at your operations

ALL our members are mobile through MyChamberApp, a mobile directory to locate and promote their businesses.

Get Savings

A key feature of membership is access to the Chambers of Commerce Insurance Plan – Canada’s leading group benefits plan for businesses of 1 – 50 employees.

Members access BC Chamber benefits for savings on fuel, office supplies, payroll services, credit/debit card processing fees and more.

Members enjoy exclusive Member-to-Member discounts and specials.

Free Certificates of Origin

Members enjoy reduced admission for Chamber luncheons, seminars and workshops.

Members have access to exclusive hotel and car rental discounts: http://travel.localhospitality.com/bccc/travel-bccc.html

Get Represented

The Chamber’s Advocacy Committee stays connected with local government and reviews submissions from the business community.

The Chamber liaises with economic development, marketing organizations, local/regional governments and other Island Chambers to exchange ideas and facilitate growth.

Your voice is heard through the Chamber’s membership in the BC Chamber of Commerce, BC Chamber Executives, Better Business Bureau, the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and Tourism Victoria.

Get Smarter

Members can attend 20+ professional development events annually, including the Luncheon Speaker Series, Lunch ’n Learns, seminars and workshops.

Members have the opportunity to be a featured speaker at Lunch n’ Learns.

Members have access to discounted rates on workshops and webinars through Small Business BC

You can’t put a price on belonging

Annual Membership Investments and Classifications

Membership Investments are renewed annually on your join date and are a tax-deductible business expense.

A portion of your Investment is applied to our Chamber’s membership in the BC Chamber of Commerce.

Membership Investment rates are based on the number of owners and employees in your business.

Chamber benefits and preferential pricing extends to all employees of any given Chamber Member.

Business 1 – 11 Employees | $237.00 + $11.85 = $248.85

Online Business Directory listing complete with colour logo

Multiple listings on the Business Directory

Opportunity to promote specials, discounts and events in our weekly eNews

Opportunity to participate in the Member-2-Member Discount Program

Print materials displayed in the Visitor Centre

Access special rates and discounts through the BC Chamber

Opportunity to participate in the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan

Opportunity to attend all Chamber functions at the reduced member rate

Free Certificates of Origin

Membership Certificate

Business 12+ Employees | $380.00 + $19.00 = $399.00

All Business 1 -11 Employees benefits

Other Membership Types | $167.00 + $8.35 = $175.35

Business Affiliate | Same benefits as Business 1 – 11 Employees for businesses or individuals that are: o Individual realtors whose brokerage holds a primary membership in good standing. o Multi-business owners, with a primary membership in good standing, who want to enroll

subsequent businesses. o Members in good standing of the Cowichan Bed & Breakfast Association.

Chamber Affiliate - Same benefits as Business 1 – 11 Employees: o Prospective members who hold a Chamber membership in another Cowichan Region or Island

Chamber may qualify for the reduced rate. Ask us if you qualify.

Non-Profit Organizations: Same benefits as Business 1 – 11 Employees: o Reduced rate for non-profit organizations, community service clubs and registered charities.

Referral Program: Refer a new member to the Chamber and once their membership is confirmed, you receive a free one-year Enhanced Business Directory Listing on our website ($25 value).

APPLY ON-LINE

Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre 2896 Drinkwater Road, Duncan, BC, V9L 6C2

250.746.4636 | 1.800.303.3337 | visitorinfo@duncancc.bc.ca

Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre @HolidayCowichan @cowichanregionalvisitorcentre

Expand your visibility and reach

Chamber Members Rack for Free at the Visitor Centre

The Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre (CRVC) serves 25,000 + visitors annually at our location and out in the surrounding communities. Many are locals looking for information for themselves, their businesses or their guests.

Member materials are highly visible and intuitively organized.

Member businesses are personally endorsed by staff and volunteers.

Staff and volunteer Travel Counsellors promote the Cowichan Region, encourage visitors to stay longer and explore everything the area has to offer.

Travel Counsellors make reservations for visitors at member accommodations, attractions, and restaurants.

Members have access to Cowichan Vacation Guides, maps and brochures for distribution to customers, clients and guests.

Member participation in our Relocation Package, promotes your business or service to individuals and businesses looking to move or relocate to the area ($45 per year – ask us).

The Centre carries a curated selection of member and Cowichan-made products including personal care items, souvenirs, beverages, jewelry, stationary, art and more!

Paid poster and display case spaces available to members only

Build your profile Promotional Opportunities for Members

Event Sponsorship Opportunities:

Highlight your business at one of our Speaker Series Luncheons. For $275 you can set up a display with signage in the venue, place brochures/marketing collateral at every table and give a 5 minute presentation about your business. You will also receive two complimentary luncheon tickets. This is a tax deductable business expense (marketing and promotions).

Donate a door prize for a Luncheon or Mixer or for one of our Silent Auctions (typically, we host two auctions per year). This is a truly feel-good promotion that raises your profile and puts your product in the hands of a potential customer.

Host a Chamber Mixer at your business. This typically includes providing refreshments and light food. Bring potential customers through the door to showcase your business and products. Mixer Hosts will often partner with member caterers or vineyards to provide beverage and light food. The Chamber promotes the event and administers the RSVPs. Mixers draw 20 to 40 attendees and are a fun, laid-back way to network.

Present at a Lunch ‘n Learn. These are casual, bring-your-own-lunch sessions with 10 to 20 in attendance. Share your knowledge to position yourself as an expert and engage face-to-face with fellow members and prospective clients.

The Chamber holds the Black Tie Awards every two years to recognize excellence in business and volunteerism. This is a high-profile, community-wide celebration manifests in the form of a formal dinner gala with over 400 guests in attendance. Sponsorships provide repeat exposure across all event media and representation at the event, as well as opportunities for on-stage participation. Contact us for information pertaining to various levels of sponsorship.

Relocation Guide: Each year, the Visitor Centre provides relocation packages to 300+ individuals and businesses that are new to the Region or considering relocating to the area. We include your brochure or business card in the relocation package for just $45 a year. Great for realtors, accommodation providers, legal and business services, private schools, medical offices and other service and lifestyle oriented businesses. New Member Welcome Package: Hand-delivered by Chamber Ambassadors, these packages are delivered to over 80 new members annually. It’s a great opportunity to get your information in front of new and developing business in the Cowichan for just $45 a year. Great for legal, accounting and financial services, print and office supplies, web and IT services, business consultation services, training and development providers and other professional service providers. Chamber News in the Local Newspaper: Throughout the year, the Chamber partners with local newspapers for advertorial features. Special advertising rates are available for members in these high profile pieces.

Expand your client or customer base Digital Marketing & Advertising Opportunities

Basic Business Directory Listing: Included in your Membership Investment, the basic listing features: - A colour logo or image - Links to social media and website - 500 character business description - Google map - Hours of operation - 8 key words to optimize online searches Enhanced Business Directory Listing: For an additional $25 per year, members can upgrade to an enhanced listing, which includes the following additional features: - 5 additional photos showcasing your business - 5 Linked Highlights (service or product specialties) - Link to your YouTube video - Top rotational listing in your primary listing category - 1600 character description Member Information Centre (MIC): Members are provided with individual logins to the Chamber’s website through the MIC. The MIC is your online access to update your Business Directory Listing, view your company profile, pay invoices and register for Chamber events online. Members can also post employment listings and member events, as well as Hot Deals and Member to Member deals, all of which are displayed on the Chamber’s website. eNews: Upon joining, every new member is featured in a special New Members Spotlight edition of our eNews. Your announcement highlights your services and includes contact information and your website link. Your message reaches a subscribership of over 1,200 readers including Chamber Members, municipal and provincial government officials, businesses and independent professionals. The Chamber features Member news on an ongoing basis with a focus on editorial content that is informative, educational, celebratory, inspirations and topical to our Membership as a whole. Banner Advertising Options: Advertising on the website is an excellent way to help keep your business front and centre. Banners can be updated monthly with new messages. There are 5 rotation banner placements available on each of the following:

Home Page: 6 months $200 | 12 months $350 (plus GST)

Events Landing Page: 6 months $150 | 12 months $250 (Plus GST)

Business Directory Landing Page: 6 months $150 | 12 months $250 (Plus GST) Stand-Alone eBlast: For direct advertising to our subscribership, we offer Members the option to purchase a Stand-Alone eBlast for $75.00 per circulation. This is a great platform for special service or product sales promotions that need an extra boost and is also ideal for promoting ticketed events and workshops. We offer only two bookings per calendar month to maximize impact and support the retention of our subscribership. You provide the content, image(s) and web links – we’ll help you create a customized eBlast. Chamber Social Media: Make sure you follow our Facebook Page and invite us to follow yours (if we haven’t already). Tag us in your posts and we’ll share to our followers for free! This is a great platform for service and product promotions, event listings and other news-worthy announcements. Facebook: @DuncanCowichanChamber Instagram: @duncancowichan Twitter: @DuncanCowichan

Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance is Canada's #1 plan for group benefits. The plan enables you to customize your employee benefits plan. Comprehensive medical, dental, disability options are available. The plan is available to all industries, including one-person firms, home business and farms. Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance provides a guaranteed renewable contract. Chamber members receive exclusive rates.

First Data’s Merchant solutions help businesses reach more customers by offering fast and secure payment processing options in tandem with a wide selection of devices. BC Chamber members are provided exclusive low rates on merchant services, credit and debit card transactions and products tailored to suit your business needs.

Exclusive member rates on:

• Employee Health & Dental Benefit plans• Online Payroll, and Human Resource programs• Hotels and Car Rentals – worldwide; Whistler condos• Electronic payment processing & merchant services• Fuel discount programs• Office supplies, printing and promotional items• Online marketing management• Business training programs• and much more…

Find out more on exclusive member benefits at BCChamber.org

Membership benefits:

The BC Chamber of Commerce hotel and car rental discount program is provided exclusively for our members and their employees. Access worldwide business and leisure travel discounts and car rental discounts. Chamber members access exclusive discounts on hotels and car rentals. Savings may be as much as 50%, and average 10 to 20% below market rates.

BluePay, partnered with BC based Kubera Payments provides industry leading payments services & solutions to BC Chamber members. This solution provides the widest range of processing partners and POS integration options available. Kuberaalso offers PCI and PA:DSS compliance consulting services, integration support, electronic invoicing and payment systems, custom hosted payment forms, web development services all from a local BC based team.

Canada’s only national airport parking company, Park'N Fly offers BC Chamber Members exclusive, lower than web rates which can be used for both leisure and business travel. Chamber Members that travel frequently can register online to expedite their service and receive the discount automatically every time they park with us, additional services are included with rewards program.

Canadian-owned Payworks provides comprehensive, innovative, and integrated online Payroll, HR, and Time and Absence Management solutions to more than 15,000 businesses across Canada. Features include: direct deposit, automatic government remittances, mobile-optimized employee self-service, year-end tax filing/T4 submissions and electronic records of employment. Payworks Chamber of Commerce Affinity pricing offers BC Chamber members access to Payworks' payroll solutions at a member discount.

Constant Contact is the source for all your online marketing. Create professional email campaigns with easy-to-use, fully customizable templates for: newsletters, announcements, events and surveys. Giving you more ways than ever to build your business and engage your community. Chamber members access exclusive savings on Constant Contact's entire suite of online marketing tools.

Find out more on exclusive member benefits at BCChamber.org

Save 2 cents per litre off the posted pump price.

Staples Advantage is the world’s largest business-to-business supplier ofoffice essentials, print solutions, promotional products and office furnituresolutions. Staples Advantage works with companies to build a specialtyprogram that meets their demands. Staples Advantage discount program,provides savings on office essentials, print solutions and more.

MEMBER BENEFITS:

Spark is our preferred partner for discounted non-profit and charityinsurance. The online application takes less than 5 minutes to complete andno obligation quotes are free. All non-profits and charities are eligible.

Every day the Purolator network successfully delivers more promises to morepoints across Canada than any other parcel and freight solutions provider. As amember of the BC Chamber of Commerce, you are entitled to even greatervalue when you choose the Purolator network; with volume discounts onPurolator Express® and Purolator Ground® services.

LegalShield drops high hourly rates on legal plans that get you timely adviceand counsel on an unlimited number of legal issues from lawyers with anaverage of 19 years of experience. From wills to estate planning to smallbusiness protection and identity theft, LegalShield is a one stop shop. BCChamber members get an exclusive discount making legal solutions foryour personal and business needs affordable.

Discounts off the pump price for gasoline and diesel and up to 30% off Car Washes.

Save 3.5 cents per litre off.

Digital Marketing certificate training program offered in 3 locations starting October 2018. $500 BC Chamber member discount.

A Riipen license at a 50% discount provides access to post-secondary student talent for your next big business project or marketing launch. Experiential learning for today’s business needs.

eNewsletters professionally written for you! Free trial fornew users available!

Customized purchasing program for your printing, promotional items and business supplies needs. Mills is a family-owned and Vancouver based company operating throughout BC since 1949.

NEW for 2018