Media Kit

Organization Profile

The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) is incorporated under the Board of Trade Act of Canada for the purpose of providing the Mission Business Community with leadership; and enhancing growth, prosperity, and quality of life through service, communication, and representation. The MRCC achieves this by providing membership opportunities to be involved in the community through advocacy and events, as well as fostering connections between businesses in the community. Policy and positions developed by the membership are lobbied at the municipal, provincial and federal government levels.

Membership is maintained at approximately 30% of business in sphere of influence of the Chamber as per average with in the chamber movement. Though other business organizations offer similar services, the MRCC competitive advantage is providing a local and stable organization that understands the needs, challenges and advantages of the Mission business environment.

Policy Success in 2010/2011

·         Adaption of Bizpal by the District of Mission
·         Development timeline review
·         Implementation of a District Communication Strategy
·         Review of Home Based Business program by District of Mission

Strategic Plan Achievements

Member Value
o   Increased benefit opportunities
o   Increased marketing opportunities
o   Mission Handbook for Major Projects

Communications
o   New website
o   Member forum
o   Interactive business directory
o   Community Virtual Job Posting Board
o   Community Event Calendar
o   Monthly E-newsletter in addition to printed monthly newsletter

Presence & Relevance
o   Increased advocacy role on the municipal & provincial level
o   Actively supporting member’s projects
o   Increased outreach with community organizations
o   Developed advocacy strategies for key issues

Governance
o   By-law review & reform
o   Legislative review & reform

Future Direction

On-going development of strategies around key issues:
o   Sustainability of the Fraser River as a key transportation corridor
o   Regional Mobile Business Licensing   
o   Reduction of municipal red tape for business
o   Community leadership development

Biographies

Elyssa Lockhart, President

Elyssa’s experience in governance both in education and as a past director of AMSSA, has been a significant asset to the Chamber and its revision of the by-laws.  With family roots in the surrounding community, Elyssa recognizes the potential and opportunity Mission’s future provides.  A strong advocate for business development in Mission, Elyssa chairs the Government Affairs Committee and serves on the Executive Committee.

Lockhart Law Corporation
7330 Horne Street
elockhart@lockhartlaw.ca

Sean Melia, Vice President

Manager of Mission’s Prospera Credit Union since 2004, Sean finds value in the network the Chamber offers. As a Past President he has helped evolve the Chamber in its present direction. Sean is a fully involved community leader who additionally sits on the Board of Community Futures North Fraser and co-Chairs the Economic Development Commission of the District of Mission. He also has been a Big Brother since 2003.

Prospera Credit Union
101 32423 Lougheed Hwy
smelia@prospera.ca

Tony Lapointe, Treasurer

As Executive Director of Mission Community Services, Tony conveys the voice of the many organizations that maintain membership with the Chamber.  He uses his MBA in Non-Profit Management in his role as Treasurer for the Chamber.  Tony serves on the Executive and Government Affairs Committees of the Chamber.

Mission Community Services Society
33179 2nd Avenue
Tony.lapointe@missioncommunityservices.com

Cal Crawford, Past President

Having steered the Chamber five times, Cal is a recognized community leader who operates with integrity and ethics. "Putting People First" is his personal trademark, while also defining his reputation within the community. A recognized parliamentarian, Cal also serves as Chair of Community Futures North Fraser Investments and is a past president of the Mission Mid-Day Rotary Club. Cal has been awarded with the District of Mission "Exemplary Citizen" award in 1992, the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year" award in 1995 and the "Business Leader of the Year" award in 2010.

Landmark Realty Corp. Mission
32386 Fletcher Avenue 
calinmission@hotmail.com

More information can be found on our website under Board of Directors.

Background Material

·         The Chamber currently has 443 members.
·         21% of them are home based businesses.
·         42 community organizations are members of the MRCC.

·         Memberships come from 24 different sectors, ranging from Business Professionals, to Restaurants and Retail, to Construction Equipment and Contractors.

·  Membership has continually grown since 2005 membership of 206.
·  The MRCC is a long standing active member of the BC Chamber of Commerce.
·  MRCC is a federally registered Board of Trade since 1893
·  A bi-monthly newsletter titled “The Business Track” is produced by the MRCC and is
inserted in the Mission City Record the seconf Thursday of every month.
·  A monthly “Express Connection” E-Newsletter is produced ad sent to approximately 500 recipients.
·  The Mission Handbook for Major Projects is produced and distributed virtually by the MRCC.


For more information on our seminars check our Chamber Events.
For previous media clipping see our Media Releases.