VISION AND LEADERSHIP

There was a time when “vision” meant whether or not Johnny could see the blackboard from the back of the classroom. But not anymore. In today’s fast changing environment,“vision” means being able to read the landscape and adapt to it quickly, before it overtakes or overruns you. Vision also embodies characteristics of leadership—good sense, organization and, often--calculated risk taking.
 
You’ve heard a lot lately about the impending economic ‘boom’ that is about to sweep over the Bulkley Valley. After more than five years of what most would call a flat economy, there appears to be solid light at the end of the tunnel. Some of these indicators are happening right now; others will take a few more years to play out. And, perhaps the biggest of them all—the 2010 Olympics—will certainly happen in just under five years. You can already see increased rail traffic flowing through Smithers. As I stood watching the wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day, a train that seemed to go on forever rolled gently by us in the background, cars as far as the eye could see loaded with West Fraser Mills ‘beetle wood’.
 
There are other ‘boom’ indicators all around us: the development of Ski & Ride Smithers into a ski destination; Blue Pearl Moly mine; Smithers airport expansion; second sheet of ice; a buoyant housing market. They all seem to point us in the direction of an expanding economy. Along with the promise of an expanding economy, comes the inevitable business opportunities that go along with it. 20/20’s John Dalton at our November chamber luncheon invited the business community to BE  the ski resort, not just sit idly by and watch it happen around them.  Blue Pearl says there will be 150 – 200 new jobs. That means more families moving to town--families who need houses and services. 2010 means an incredible marketing program will be undertaken by Tourism BC. Thousands of people will flood into BC, many ultimately drawn to the northwest. What do these visitors need? If you have an idea, then you have an opportunity!
 
Getting back to vision…There needs to be leadership in business before and during this period of expansion. Our chamber wants to continue to be the leader of business in our part of the Bulkley Valley. Our chamber is already considering new strategies to embrace what will be a more challenging leadership role for us. But we need your help. We are looking for ideas on how we can better serve the businesses of our area. Your chamber also needs the participation of the membership on committees and task forces. This will be exciting and groundbreaking work and you can be part of it. If you’d like to be part of the chamber’s ‘vision’, speak with our President, John Bakker, or any member of our staff or board of directors. You’ll find their contact information on the first pages of this newsletter.