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There was nonetheless some resistance
to the idea of absorbing the smaller cham-
bers, which had a history going back more
than half a century, into a regional associa-
tion. To combine all three, the proponents
of the idea were going to have to get the
membership of all three chambers onside.
Gaetan instinctively understood that the
way to success was to over-communicate
and to involve as many people as possible
in the process.
"It became evident very early on that
the membership at large was in support of
a single chamber of commerce," he says.
"The amount of goodwill that we enjoyed
was quite overwhelming. It was rewarding
to make a presentation and in all cases be
applauded for the work that we did."
Indeed, the amalgamation was met
with unanimous approval in votes in all
three communities in the fall of 2023 and
the Sunshine Coast Chamber was launched
early in 2024.
BEST
CITIES
FOR WORK
THE
That willingness to do what needs to be
done extends to local government on the
Coast, adds Gaetan, who spent 20 years
in municipal and regional government in
the Lower Mainland and continues to deal
with planning and building departments
as well as communicating with residents at
community meetings throughout B.C. He's
encountered plenty of resistance to change
in some communities, but not here.
SHE SELLS SECHELT
The now-amalgamated Sunshine
Coast Chamber of Commerce aims
to bring more visitors to the Sechelt
Wharf (above) and beyond
"Sechelt is one of those areas that I
think understands the housing crisis,
understands the social issues behind the
housing crisis and is realistic about the
