Pattie Pavlov | Special to the 51暗网
Chamber Matters is now into its 12th edition and JPCC is appreciative of the opportunity to share its work and further, as each edition is written, there is now some real understanding of the flexibility journalists must demonstrate when it comes to planning, writing and publishing news and information pieces. This is the second version of this Chamber Matters based on recent conversations and enlightening information.
First and foremost, thank you! Thank you for accepting the challenges of the past few years and most recently the Chetamon Wildfire. Thank you for contributing to the season鈥檚 successes and embracing what is on the horizon. JPCC membership has 鈥渟tepped up鈥� and for that we are so immensely proud to be your voice in all things affecting our mountain town.
With that voice comes responsibility, and that is something taken very seriously. From the Executive and Board to the Administrative Team; each day is dedicated to so many various aspects of supporting your business. The Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce (JPCC) stands ready to assist in your success!
For example, the Jasper Home Accommodation Association (JHAA) has been represented to the Municipality of Jasper, the Provincial and Federal governments and their ministers or Members of Parliament, and while the decision rests with Parks Canada with respect to proposed policies on the operation of Private Home Accommodation (PHA), JPCC feels confident that recommendations continue operations as is for the balance of the 2022 and the 2023 seasons while extensive public consultations are undertaken to reach an equitable and informed decision for our community.
It would be remiss to not say the local economy would suffer extensively as this niche market meets many visitors鈥� needs in so many ways and the residents who operate contribute to the Jasper experience, the economy and indeed to various volunteer organizations.
The Jasper Park Chamber has seen many issues arise and many solved to mutual satisfaction. However, as it undertakes its 71st year of existence, it has not seen the volume of advocacy files currently being addressed.
From paid parking and the PHA items to proposed patio operation policies and the upcoming, highly impactful Summit featuring four key topics 鈥� labour and immigration, housing and land-use development with the overarching topic of tourism sustainability and growth as the main economic driver of Jasper. The goal? To have in-person attendance with two federal ministers: Environment and Climate (responsible for the Parks Canada portfolio) and Tourism.
The Summit, scheduled for February of 2023 will come from an extensive report that contains interviews of stakeholders, operators, non-profit groups and yes, residents. Watch this space as the information is compiled and the trends emerge 鈥� and yes, there are trends already in the mix.
The Executive, Board and Administrative Team recently spent several hours in a strategic planning session and will share our plans with the membership very shortly 鈥� so again, watch this space for the advocacy, event, membership, and communication goals. As always feedback is most appreciated, engagement even more so!
Finally, before this edition concludes, note the Ambassador and Business Awards are upcoming and tickets are available online. The JPCC Facebook page will link you to the event and reservations. JPCC is so incredibly pleased to welcome back this popular (and always sold out) event to an in-person celebration. There are so many achievements to recognize and acknowledge!
OK, one more thing! Raffle tickets for the Robson Sister鈥檚 Annual Halloween Dinner are available at the Chamber office (Robson House 鈥� 409 Patricia Street). $10 can win you an incredible Halloween experience with seven of your beasties, in costume (or not) with a five-course meal expertly prepared by Executive Chef Jamie Hussey, beverage pairings, and served with Zombie precision by our bartender and servers.
Until November, enjoy Dark Skies and Halloween as well as regular informative events like the membership鈥檚 monthly general meeting and of course NETMA! For the last time (at least this time) check out the membership e-newsletter published on Wednesday each week for event details.
Pattie Pavlov is the executive director of the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce.
