We all want people to have the support they need to find-and fill- in-demand jobs and build stronger futures for themselves and their families.

BC is funding more training to help people gain the practical skills and work experience they need to move toward good-paying jobs, supporting the Provinces Look West strategy, and responding to layoffs in softwood lumber and other tariff-impacted sectors.

In partnership, we’re also delivering hands-on training and real work experience for people facing barriers to employment, and those on income assistance.

Come and learn what provincial employment programs community members can participate in  - as trainees or employers – through our WorkBC centres and three new programs my ministry announced this spring.  And I’d love to hear your stories about how a job and community connections can help people with complex needs.

Doors Open: 7:15 AM

Breakfast & Networking: 7:30 AM

Keynote address by Honourable, Sheila Malcolmson: 8:00 AM

Q & A: 8:20 AM

Audience Questions: 8:40 AM

Event Ends: 9:00 AM
 

Cancellation:
To cancel your ticket for this event, please email us at info@nanaimochamber.bc.ca at least 72 hours in advance.

No-Show:
If you are unable to attend and do not notify us prior to the event, no refund will be issued.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we plan events that support our members and community.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at info@nanaimochamber.bc.ca
 

Presented in Partnership with ICBC and the New Car Dealers Association of BC

Join the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce for an insightful and timely Networking Luncheon featuring Jason McDaniel, President & CEO of ICBC, as he discusses the evolving role of ICBC in British Columbia's economy and communities.

This special event will bring together business leaders, healthcare professionals, insurance brokers, financial institutions, auto industry representatives, government officials, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders for a meaningful discussion on one of British Columbia's most significant Crown corporations.

About the Speaker

Jason McDaniel serves as President & CEO of ICBC, leading one of the province's largest public organizations and overseeing the delivery of insurance and road safety services to millions of British Columbians.

What You'll Learn

During this engaging luncheon presentation, attendees will gain valuable insights into:

• ICBC's role as a Crown corporation within British Columbia's business landscape
• The impact of Enhanced Care on individuals, businesses, and communities
• Current priorities and future directions for ICBC
• Road safety initiatives and community partnerships
• Opportunities and challenges facing the insurance and transportation sectors

The presentation will be followed by question-and-answer session, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with one of British Columbia's key organizational leaders.

Why Attend?

✔ Connect with professionals from a wide range of industries and sectors

✔ Gain first-hand insights from ICBC's executive leadership

✔ Learn how provincial insurance policies and programs impact businesses and communities

✔ Participate in an interactive Q&A discussion

✔ Enjoy a premium networking luncheon with fellow Chamber members and future members 

Event Details

Date: September 24, 2026    

Time: 11 am to 1:30 pm 

Location: Nanaimo Golf Club
 

Registration

Advance registration is required. Seating is limited and expected to sell quickly for this exclusive leadership luncheon.

We look forward to welcoming you for an afternoon of meaningful conversation, valuable connections, and important insights into the future of insurance, transportation, and economic development in British Columbia.

PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL BE UPDATING MORE INFORMATION SOON

Cancellation:
To cancel your ticket for this event, please email us at info@nanaimochamber.bc.ca at least 72 hours in advance.

No-Show:
If you are unable to attend and do not notify us prior to the event, no refund will be issued.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we plan events that support our members and community.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at info@nanaimochamber.bc.ca

 

Thank You, Nanaimo!

What a night! Our 25th annual Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Business Awards—held live at the Coast Bastion on Thursday, May 15, 2025—was a celebration of the people and organizations shaping our community.

Huge congratulations to all nominees and winners, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this year special. We can’t wait to be back next year—bigger and brighter!

About the Awards

These awards honour outstanding individuals, businesses, and non-profits whose work strengthens the fabric and future of Nanaimo.

Selection Process

• Nominations were open February 1–March 15 and are now closed.

• All nominees submitted responses highlighting their achievements, values, and impact.

• A panel of independent judges reviewed and scored submissions through a blind evaluation process.

• The People’s Choice Award was the only public-voted category, with voting open April 1–22.

1. Community Builder: 

• The Community Builder of the Year Award honours a business, non-profit organization, or public sector agency that demonstrates a commitment to the community beyond their usual business practices; has a long-term desire to build diverse, inclusive, and balanced communities; makes a sustainable and tangible impact in the region; and displays a clear commitment to social responsibility..

Sponsored by: Acera Insurance 
Winner 2025: Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation

• The Creative Services award recognizes graphic designers, photographers, videographers, web designers, social media influencers – and anything else in the field that fits in here! 

Sponsored by: The Coast Bastion Hotel 
Winner 2025: Pye Design - Amy Pye  
 

3. Diversity & Inclusion: 

• This award celebrates an organization that demonstrates exceptional dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their business and the broader community. It recognizes champions who move beyond rhetoric, showcasing unwavering support for underrepresented or marginalized groups through tangible actions and enduring initiatives!

4. Downtown Business Impact Award: 

• This award honours a downtown business that has demonstrated exceptional resilience, adaptability, and commitment to excellence while navigating unique challenges of operating on Nanaimo's core. This business has shown unwavering dedication to its customers, employees, and the revitalization of downtown. The award celebrates innovation, perseverance, and the ability to thrive while contributing to the vibrancy and growth of the downtown core.

5. Family First: 

• Honours a business that creates a culture that supports work/life balance. Demonstrates support and care for employee’s parental needs such as job sharing, option to work from home or flexibility when family matters arise. Staff and owners demonstrate an inclusive attitude towards families with young children for both employees and customers.Aids and support to employees with aging seniors.

6. Financial Services: 

• This award is for businesses in banking, finance, investment, accounting, insurance, consulting services, or other professional services will be recognized for their product and service range, industry knowledge, and expertise. 

• The Food & Beverage award recognizes hospitality businesses that consistently demonstrate excellence in food service, quality, and presentation.  Customers feel special and staff feel safe and supported ensuring an equilibrium.

8. Health & Wellness: 

• The Health & Wellness award goes to a favourite business that seems to always go above and beyond, an alternative health care provider, pharmaceutical, natural/homeopath, RMT, physio, or chiropractor with service second to none! 

9. Innovation: 

• The award honours a business that has developed a process, product or service that is original and contributes to profitability and/or market share. This is demonstrated through the use of science and/or technology to create a business that is original or unique; shows a high degree of originality, creativity.

• This award recognizes a company in any industry for excellence as a business who engages in innovative practices, is outstanding as a pioneer in their field and are focused on positively impacting the community through more than their workforce weight.  These business show promise for growth and increased positive stimulus as a community economic driver. 

11. Micro & Home-Based Business: 

• This award recognizes businesses with up to 10 employees.  This includes start ups, entrepreneurs, and businesses who’ve entered the succession movement.  The interruption in normal business activities has inspired many to enter this entrepreneurial business development model. 

12. New Business of the Year: 

• This award is presented to a new business in operation for not more than three (3) years. This business is recognized for its excellence in the areas of management, branding, marketing, product development and quality, staff training and customer service.

13. Not-For-Profit: 

• This award is presented to a registered not-for-profit organization which, through its activities and initiatives creates tangible benefits to individuals and/or the community at large which demonstrates ongoing achievements for the well-being of those it directly involves.

14. People's Choice Award: 

• This is your chance to shine in the spotlight! The People’s Choice Award is open to any business in Nanaimo, big or small; it is recognition for their outstanding service, community spirit, or impact. It’s all about local love, businesses were voted for and the winner will be announced tonight!!

• The Personal & Aesthetic Services award includes anything that you look and feel good. This award reflects spas, hair stylists, nail technicians, personal trainers, tailors, estheticians, make-up artists etc.  

16. Property Developers:

• Property development drives a large part of Nanaimo’s economy and keeps us housed and our businesses in buildings they need.  Big or small, Nanaimo’s developers shape our neighbourhoods and community.

• This award is given to a business that offers excellence in retail through presentation of a unique concept, an intriguing environment, unique products and/or services and consistent delivery of high-value service. 

18. Small & Medium Business:

• Small & Medium Enterprise targets businesses with 11-99 employees.  This award gives recognition of businesses with a vision and demonstrated capacity for sustainable growth, engagement in innovative practices, demonstrating outstanding performance in their field. 

19. Trades & Skilled Labours:

• This Award is for the people who take your dreams and ideas from paper and turn them into reality: contractors, builders, electricians & plumbers, roofers, carpenters

20. Women in Business:

• The Women in Business Award honours a female who is the founder, CEO, President, or Senior Executive of a company who exhibits business leadership and vision; displays a significant commitment to the success of both their business and the region as a whole; serves as a positive role model or mentor for other business people; and exemplifies professional behaviour maintaining an upstanding reputation in the business community and region as a whole.

21. Young Entrepreneur:

• Young entrepreneurs have what it takes to make it in business – a good idea, vision, and understanding of their marketplace and those unique qualities of a successful business operator – passion, drive, energy, and creativity.

MORE INFORMATION TO BE UPDATED SOON

Nanaimo Chamber’s Festive Market at
Nanaimo North Town Centre

The holiday season is coming to Nanaimo North Town Centre!

After the incredible success of our first-ever Fall Market and due to overwhelming demand from our vendors, members, and attendees the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce is excited to officially launch the Nanaimo Chamber Festive Market this December!

Join us for a two-day indoor holiday shopping experience filled with local vendors, handcrafted gifts, seasonal décor, delicious treats, artisan products, festive entertainment, and community spirit.

📅 December 5 & 6, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Nanaimo North Town Centre

From unique handmade treasures and tasty eats to festive experiences for the whole family, this market is all about celebrating local businesses and bringing the community together during the most magical time of the year. 

Our Fall Market reminded us just how powerful community support can be with amazing vendors, packed aisles, smiling families, and an incredible atmosphere all weekend long. We cannot wait to build on that momentum and create an even bigger festive experience this December.

✨ More details, entertainment announcements, and holiday features will be shared soon.

Presented by the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce at Nanaimo North Town Centre.

For Sponsorship opportunities: Rinny Jose, Communications & Events Coordinator, comms@nanaimochamber.bc.ca

Cocktails & Connections - Annual Festive Networking Affair

Let’s wrap up 2026 with meaningful conversations, festive energy, and a celebration of the incredible business community that makes Nanaimo thrive.

Cocktails & Connections is the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce’s signature year-end networking celebration designed around what our members value most: authentic relationships and community connection.

We promise it is not your typical holiday party! 

Join fellow business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and community partners for a relaxed and engaging reception where you can:

✅ Build new business relationships
✅ Reconnect with fellow Chamber members and community leaders
✅ Enjoy delicious hot and cold tapas
✅ Sip on a festive cocktail (your first drink is on us!)
✅ Celebrate the wins, milestones, and partnerships of 2026
✅ Enter our exciting “12 Minutes of Giveaways” happening throughout the evening

A portion of all ticket proceeds from Cocktails & Connections will be donated to a local non-profit organization this holiday season because giving back is part of what makes our business community so special.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen existing connections or meet new faces in the local business community, this event offers the perfect setting to close the year on a high note and look ahead to 2027.

✨ Tickets are limited and this event was SOLD OUT last year.

📅 Date: Thursday, December 10, 2026
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Coast Bastion Hotel | Downtown Nanaimo

🎟️ Ticket Pricing
• Members: $45 + GST
• Future Members: $55 + GST

💼 What’s Included
✔️ Admission to this exclusive year-end networking celebration
🍸 One complimentary drink ticket
🍽️ Delicious hot & cold tapas
🎁 Entry into our “12 Minutes of Giveaways” throughout the evening

MORE DETAILS SOON!