Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for a busy start to the New Year with two events – and one of them is new.
One returning event this year is Open Late for Business, which is a popular monthly networking event that showcases a chamber member business.
The other event is fresh for 2015, the chamber’s Lunch & Learn workshops, where people can spend their lunch break in the chamber office and get one-on-one information from an expert in a small group setting.
“When the chamber plans an event, our focus is on education and networking opportunities for our members,†said chamber president Kristine Simpson.
“We are starting off the calendar year with some great events to help business people learn and connect. We are working on a lot of new and exciting ideas for the rest of 2015 too,†Simpson added.
The January Lunch & Learn features on building a business with constant contact, led by Sherri-Lee Woycik.
Woycik will be explaining why email marketing is a crucial part of a business marketing plan and how easy it is to implement it with Constant Contact.
The $10 luncheon is set for Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the chamber, #1 – 5761 Glover Rd., from noon to 1:30 p.m. But pre-registration is mandatory with only 10 seats available.
In the meantime, the January Open Late for Business is being hosted by the Langley Senior Resources Society, at 20605 51B Avenue, on Thursday, Jan. 29 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
This is a free networking event, but again, people are asked to register through the chamber by calling 604-530-6656 or by visiting the chamber website at www.langleychamber.com.
Thanks for giving
G&F Financial Group, which has opened a branch earlier this year in Willoughby, has been given accolades from the United Way of the Lower Mainland for a decade of giving.
The credit union was honoured for donating almost $650,000 to the cause – more than $74,000 ($39,000 from the employees and $35,000 from the board of directors).
“G&F exemplifies what it takes to build a healthy, caring, and inclusive community. We are extremely grateful for their ongoing support and commitment to help people right here in the Lower Mainland,†said Michael McKnight, the United Way’s president and CEO.
On the food front
And on the restaurant front, there are a few new faces popping up of late.
As many already noticed, I’m sure, another Denny’s has come to Langley.
In addition to the operation in Walnut Grove, there’s now another outlet in Willowbrook, in the old Rockford (and before that Moxie) location on Willowbrook Drive.
Also new to town is the Oriental Pearl, which is opening up in the former Old Country Inn turned Sonoma Grill location at the east end of the one-way street in downtown Langley City.
Also on the one-way, but at the west end, Naka Bistro has opened up.
It recently replaced the former Fresh Slice restaurant (or should I call it kiosk – those spaces are so small) in the recently repainted Country Mall.
It’s rumoured to be a Thai restaurant, with a focus on takeout food, but I haven’t had a chance to stop in, just yet.
New neighbours
And it appears we have some new neighbours.
Poco Military and Outdoor Supplies has moved in this week to our complex at 202nd Street and 64th Avenue.
Store manager Logan Airth said the move was made over the holidays. They closed down the former location in Willowtree Plaze on Willowbrook Drive at the end of the year, and opened up in the new and slightly larger location – just two minutes away – on Monday, Jan. 5.
A1 changes glass
Aldergrove A1 Glass has become the inaugural B.C. franchise for Novus Glass.
“I’m very excited about growing the Novus brand in British Columbia and continuing with plans for expansion,†said president Garry Skidmore, TCG International Inc. own Novus Glass.
“Strategically aligning our Novus brand with well-known existing companies isn’t new for us, especially with such a great company like A1 Glass, which is known for its great involvement in the community.
“Our Canadian plans for 2015 include opening additional stand-alone branches, as well as cultivating existing companies that are looking to become a part of a bigger opportunity,†he added.