Locally Owned Businesses Contribute to Well-being of Their Communities
Locally owned businesses contribute to the health and well-being of their communities. As business owners, we know the importance of small businesses to communities in terms economic benefits and job growth, etc. But did you also know that small, locally business can create great social benefits too?
Big Time Out is Coming Back
The Big Time Out is returning to the Village this summer! The producers are eager to work cooperatively with the Chamber and local businesses to make sure everyone wins. The next CIA Planning meeting is scheduled for Monday April 23rd and we’ve invited the BTO Production team to meet with the business community as part of the agenda.
Chamber Taking Action
When the Cumberland Improvement Association met on March 13th, the Chamber asked two questions. Many great suggestions were tossed into the ring by an enthusiastic (and imaginative) group and the whole list was taken to the Board of Directors.
Cumberland plays host to Westworld Magazine and Lonely Planet
In early February Cumberland played host to a travel writer and photographer representing Westworld Magazine and Lonely Planet. This was fantastic opportunity to update both publications on the exciting new tourism product in our little Village including new businesses and upcoming events.
Attract More Customers Through Cross-Promotion
In the post-christmas winter funk, when potential shoppers are guarding their pennies, retailers and service establishments need to be creative in promoting their businesses. However, when the local economy is slow and money is tight, promoting your business can seem daunting. But one nimble and inexpensive approach to attract more customers with little effort is through cross-promotions. When you join forces with other credible people who also reach your market you can reach your customers more efficiently, credibly and memorably with the right offers and services.
Here are some low-risk and high-opportunity ways to cross-promote your business:
CIA Planning Meeting
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 5:30 pm. Carmie’s Cafe 2699 Dunsmuir. The CIA (Cumberland Improvement Association) is the working committee of the Cumberland Chanmber focused on Historic Downtown Cumberland. Spring and summer will bring lots of activity to the Village including the annual Chamber-led event “Village Market Day”, Empire Days Celebrations, BC Bike Race, Motorcycle Round Up and the return of The Big Time Out August 18 & 19. Let’s get the conversation rolling about programming ideas, marketing, promotions and other ways for the downtown businesses to actively engage and benefit from these great community events and the coming summer traffic.
Raghu Lokanathan and Corwin Fox play Cumberland Thursday the 23rd
The People’s Music Series continues in Cumberland this month with another great show on Thursday February 23rd with Raghu Lokanathan and Corwin Fox at the Cumberland United Church.
Cumberland Community Forest Society gets support from local Green Grocer
“.Cumberland Community Forest Society gets support from local Green Grocer..but our work has only just begun”, begins the web site for the Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS). Over the past 11 years, the group has managed to ensure the protection of over 170 acres of beautiful forest lands surrounding the Village of Cumberland.
Bike Month in Cumberland
Cumberland has always billed itself as the Bicycling Capital of Canada - regardless of any other municipality’s claim to the title. To prove it, the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce is partnering with local businesses and existing events to make June Bike Month in Cumberland.
Recycling Handbook Now On line
The Stewardship Agencies of British Columbia have produced an informational handbook about all products that fall under the Recycling Regulation
Nature Viewing Guide now available at the Visitor Centre
The Comox Valley Naturalists Society has produced a new Nature Viewing Guide to the Comox Valley. The contemporary nature guide has two components: a brochure highlighting 16 key nature viewing sites in the Comox Valley area; and a more detailed on-line guide, with greatly expanded information, available on the CVNS website.
Chamber mixers start again
The Chamber is pleased to announce we will once again be presenting a variety of mixers and presentations in 2012.
Membership Renewal for 2012 is underway
The Cumberland Chamber of Commerce thanks its members for their support. Highlights of 2011 include record-breaking visitation to the website and Visitor Centre as well as increased participation (both vendors and attendees) in Market Day and WinterFair events.
