About to celebrate its 70th anniversary, the White Rock & South Surrey (WRSS) Chamber of Commerce was established in 1937 to promote business and economic growth on the peninsula. The area, as well as business on the peninsula, has grown tremendously since then and, today, the Chamber continues to be an active voice in establishing the peninsula as an area of opportunity and economic well-being.
In addition to providing access to resources, support and marketing opportunities necessary to facilitate a healthy business community, the WRSS Chamber initiates programs and events, works closely with local government and forms committees dedicated to proactively addressing issues of interest and concern that affect its members and the community. Through these important partnerships, the Chamber – as a collective – is able to accomplish more than an individual business or community member could on their own.
Community Involvement
The WRSS Chamber supports a variety of community organizations and events, providing its members not only with opportunities to increase visibility within the community and amongst local leaders, but also a chance to give back and get involved in making a real difference in the community. Business operators know the stronger the community is, the healthier the economic outlook will be.
What can the Chamber do for your business?
In addition to being part of a larger, more influential “voice,” membership with the Chamber provides you with many benefits otherwise unavailable to independent small business. With over 700 members and our affiliation the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, our combined resources and buying power enables us to take advantage of reduced rates on such things as group health benefits and merchant fees. The Chamber also stocks valuable business resource materials including business and tax guides, start-up information and 2010 Winter Games opportunities.
An important part of our mandate is to encourage and support the marketing efforts of our members. The Chamber provides monthly networking and business showcasing events, as well as numerous advertising and marketing opportunities including business listings in the Chamber’s member, community and website directories, ads in the Chamber newsletter, event sponsorship, brochure placement and referrals through the Chamber office and Visitor Information Centres. We welcome members to take an active role in the promotion of their businesses through the Chamber. Come down and get to know our helpful staff, bring in your brochures and keep us up to date and plugged in on what’s new!
Visitor Information Centres
The Chamber also serves those who are visiting, moving to or planning to do business in our community. We operate both a seasonal kiosk and a year-round Visitor Information Centre (VIC) with knowledgeable on-site BC Tourism Travel Counsellors available at no charge to help you with your planning needs. Last year, our VICs answered a combined total of over 30,000 enquiries. Whether you’re looking for the white rock, want to learn to dance or buy a house, the Chamber has the information you need.
