About Us
The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce, established in 1893. The MRCC is a member-driven organization made up of close to 500 businesses and local organizations in the region. The Chamber is a not-for-profit organization, incorporated under the Federal Board of Trade Act. The Chamber is governed by a Board of Directors, who adhere to the MRCC Bylaws and Constitution. The MRCC is also a member of the BC Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. See the "History" section below for more information on the Chamber's history.
Through our advocacy efforts, and our strong working relationship with the District of Mission, Downtown Business Association, Community Futures North Fraser we promote business growth, sustainable development, and job creation while cultivating productive relationships with the community, educational facilities, businesses, non-profits, and other government organizations.
ADVOCACY
The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce engages, supports, and is a resource for the business community and works to create community dialogue and identify issues of concern for our members. The Chamber also engages elected officials at all levels of government to ensure the region’s business interests are at the forefront.
Membership in the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce is fundamentally important when advocating to senior levels of government. Through membership in the network, the MRCC becomes a part of more than 200,000 businesses’ voices across Canada.
The Chamber ‘s strength comes from an informed and engaged membership. The MRCC works to engage the community through the annual Business Walk, surveys, round-tables, and other Chamber events.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce is the local voice of business in the community.
The Staff and Volunteer Board work to promote a healthy and vibrant economy while protecting and advancing the interests of our members and the community.
The Chamber will seek input from citizens, businesses, educational and government partners to promote a positive business environment that will improve the quality of life in the District.
Our Mission
To foster a thriving business community.
Core Objectives
We will strive for the highest level of relevance to meet the needs and interests of our members by adhering to the following:
Our Values
In all our efforts, we will ensure that we follow these fundamental values:
Integrity
Our words and deeds align with whom we say we are.
Creativity, innovation, resilience
We are open to trying new ways to accomplish our goals and are brave enough to believe in ourselves when others do not.
Relevant engagement
We value the active involvement of our members and offer significant opportunities to do so.
HISTORY
Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce is housed in an attractive cedar shake building just east of Mission on Highway 7. The Mission City and District Board of Trade was created in 1893 by Harry Brown French, its first president. The Board immediately took out advertisements in all newspapers within a 300-mile radius, offering a package of free land, free water, free power, property tax exemptions and, most extraordinary of all, the Board also offered to construct factories, mills or other commercial buildings for potential industrialists at no cost whatsoever!
The Chamber of Commerce has operated as the Mission City & District Board of Trade until 1961; the Mission City & District Chamber of Commerce in 1970; and the Mission & District Chamber of Commerce in 1979.
Today's Chamber of Commerce continues to serve the businesses of Mission and areas east to the Harrison River and north to the end of the valley of the Stave. It is still a strong advocate for economic development in the region and promotes area tourism to visitors and locals alike.
In August of 1963, the Chamber set up a 24-hour Tourist Bureau in the foyer of the Bellevue Hotel. Moving to the present site at St. Mary’s Park in 1973, the Chamber operated the visitor centre until the service was transferred to the District of Mission in May 2019.
With a focus on supporting business and economic development in the region, the Mission Chamber’s membership has reflected the community; from agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and retail. The Chamber has provided many memorable community events, such as the Strawberry Festival, the Soapbox Derby, the Bald Eagle Festival, and the Fraser Valley Trade Show.
Pioneers then…Pioneers now, the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce works hard to support all local businesses through advocacy, benefits, and connections.
Your business is our business.