If the chamber is correct, then last-minute tweaks to provincial recycling regulations are going to spell good news for local businesses.
During a press conference Tuesday, Environment Minister and Langley MLA Mary Polak won brownie points with local entrepreneurs, including the mom-and-pop shop owners, when she helped roll out changes to how and who will pay to recycle packaging and printed paper.
Working with the BC Chamber, local businesses protested regulations that would have apparently seen small businesses face huge increases in cost and a barrage of extra red tape in the efforts to recycle.
The initial proposal, said Langley chamber president Kristine Simpson, would have caused “substantial concern among businesses.†But following extensive consultation, the recent modifications now impact less than one per cent or 3,000 of the province’s 385,000 businesses.
“This is a huge relief to our local business community,†said Simpson. “This change exempts the majority of our local businesses.â€
Kwantlen talk business with chamber
Speaking of the chamber, there’s a plethora of events coming up this month, that offer networking opportunities and more for local business owners and operators.
“We’re delighted to offer so many options to our members,†said chamber president Kristine Simpson. “The topics our upcoming speakers will cover are very exciting and we’re looking forward to their presentations.â€
Tumia Knott will provide an overview of recent business initiatives by the Kwantlen First Nation and Seyem’ Qwantlen Business Group, during the chamber’s monthly dinner meeting.
This month’s event is once again being held at Cascades Casino, on Tuesday, Feb. 18, starting with registration and networking at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is $35 for chamber members, $50 for non-members. Pre-registration is required by calling 604-530-6656 or by email at info@langleychamber.com.
And that’s followed Thursday, Feb. 20 by a networking open house hosted at My Thai Restaurant. The free event is designed specifically for those doing business in Langley City (including Willowbrook and the Langley Bypass), Simpson explained.
“The Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce invites you to be our guest for an afternoon of networking, complimentary appetizers and introductions. Join us to meet your community director and other members of the board of directors,†she said, noting the event runs 4 to 6 p.m., but again pre-registration is required by phone or email.
• Information for upcoming chamber events at www.langleyadvance.com
Wishing I had a propensity for gambling
Too bad I don’t have much of a gambling tendancy, because it sounds like this was the time to explore that bent at Cascades Casino. Let me tell you about three very lucky patrons.