Smithers is buzzing with anticipation and opportunity.  We are at the beginning of a time of increased economic activity.  Some people are calling this a boom.  The danger with referring to this as a boom time is that boom times usually end up with a bust.  I would like to consider it to be planned and sustainable growth.  The Blue Pearl mine is in the planning stage, the Community Forest initiative for the Smithers area is in the application stage, there is the port of Prince Rupert development and the Enbridge pipeline proposal originating in Alberta and ending in Kitimat, BC.  Plans also include the extension of the Smithers Regional Airport to facilitate increased air traffic into Smithers.  During this past summer we had the sale of Ski & Ride Smithers to the new owners, 20/20 Properties.
 
This provides our community with tremendous opportunities.  There will be new local employment and local businesses will have opportunities to build and enhance or create new business initiatives.  It will also challenge the business community to build and enhance our level of service to customers and guests.  Your chamber has taken the initiative in providing workshops and seminars enabling business owners and their staff to improve and create opportunities for providing first class service to their customers and guests.  If you are interested in participating in this program please contact the staff at our chamber office.
 
The chamber lunches continue to be a popular event for chamber members.  The last two lunches featured Mr. John Dalton speaking about Ski & Ride Smithers and the Honorable Colin Hanson, Minister for Economic Development and the Asia Pacific Initiative.  Both events were very well attended and indicates a keen interest in the economic activities of this area.
 
Your local chamber and the business community have a tremendous opportunity to participate in this time of growth.  The chamber will continue to be the voice of business and continue to provide leadership in providing a positive business climate in the Smithers district.