The Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce held its Christmas buffet luncheon, catered by Ben Wong’s Restaurant, on Wednesday, December 8th at the Blairmore Legion, where members discussed business and their hopes for the future.
Special guest speaker and Municipal CAO Tully Clifford spoke about his vision for not only business in the Crowsnest Pass, but tourism and general living as well.
Clifford said it is his hope that the Pass will become a destination to visit and to live, and that businesses and administration must work together to get travellers off of Hwy 3 and into town.
“We want to be a ‘place to be’, not a ‘place to pee’,” said Clifford with a laugh.
He noted that special events such as Thunder in the Valley are effective at bringing visitors to town, but that it should also be an opportunity to introduce these visitors to the community and to local businesses.
He said this will be achieved through better branding and collaboration with local business in order to revitalize the business sector and tourism.
“My role is to ensure we’re providing the appropriate support... and services to local businesses,” said Clifford, who has worked closely with businesses and on special events in the past for the City of Solvang, Cali.
He challenged the Chamber to discuss its vision for the future, and to collaborate with the municipality in order to achieve that vision.
“We have our challenges ahead of us,” said Clifford, “but we’re stronger together than we are apart.”
Amanda Gail of the Boys and Girls Club of Crowsnest Pass also spoke at the luncheon, letting other members know about the services the club offers.
“Our goal is to become the premier outdoor club of Canada,” said Gail, noting that, according to national research, children nowadays spend 30 per cent less time outdoors than they did a decade ago.