Happy 10th birthday to the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s Tour of Industry
It is less an event than it is an institution. The Tour of Industry has endured because it facilitates purposeful interaction between community members, local decision-makers and the entrepreneurs that fuel our economy.
It’s dead-easy to get businesses to participate in the tour, despite the not insignificant interruption of accommodating and entertaining the 56 people who traipse through their buildings, because the connection opportunities are invaluable.
The owner/manager completes a questionnaire, providing information about the size of the business, the number of employees, how and why they chose to locate here and the challenges and benefits of operating on the Peninsula. This wealth of material and information is provided to our guests in booklet form on the morning of the tour.
The site visits are much more fascinating than you might think. Our hosts are rightly passionate about their businesses and their excitement is palpable.
The Peninsula Chamber plays a meaningful role, acting as a conduit between business, politicians and the community at large. These disparate groups benefit by having greater interaction, but have few occasions to do so.
The networking that happens on these tours is phenomenal. Numerous productive relationships have been sparked on tours between fellow guests and the business hosts. You never know who on the tour, might have connections or influence that may positively impact your enterprise.
Many of the businesses we visit are competing successfully on the international stage, operating from nondescript locations where few members of the public breach their doors.
The Tour of Industry offers access to operations most people will never see. It is a privileged opportunity and it’s just one of the ways the Chamber is building community through business. The next event takes place Jan. 25, 2019. Check the website for details and to register: