Mission Visitor Guide 2018

MISSION CHAMBER
Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce has stead fast
roots in the Mission business community, dating all the
way back to when the town of Mission was in its first
year of existence.
Celebrating its 125th birthday in 2018, the Mission
City and District Board of Trade was created by Harry
Brown French in 1893. The newly created Board of Trade
immediately took out advertisements in all newspapers
within a 300 mile radius, offering a package of free land,
free water, free power, property tax exemptions and, most
extraordinary of all, the Board also offered to construct
factories, mills or other commercial buildings for potential
industrialists at no cost whatsoever!
The Chamber of Commerce has operated as: the Mission
City & District Board of Trade until 1961; the Mission
City & District Chamber of Commerce in 1970; and the
Mission & District Chamber of Commerce in 1979.
Today’s Chamber of Commerce continues to
serve the businesses of Mission and areas east to the
Harrison River and north to the end of the valley of
the Stave. It is a strong advocate for economic development
in the region and promotes area tourism to
visitors and locals alike.
With a focus on supporting business though advocacy,
benefits and connections, improving economic
development in the region, the Mission Chamber’s membership
has reflected the community. From agriculture,
forestry, manufacturing and retail, the Chamber
The Chamber has provided many memorable community
events, such as: the Business Excellence Awards,
the Soapbox Derby, the Bald Eagle Festival, and the
Fraser Valley Trade Show. In 2018, the Chamber will
celebrate the 35th Candlelight Parade, the largest in BC.
Pioneers then…Pioneers now, the Mission Regional
Chamber of Commerce connects, influences and builds
prosperity in Mission.
1893 The Mission City and District
Board of Trade (BOT) was created
by Harry Brown French, its first
president. To attract residents,
the Board offered packages of
land, water, power, property tax
exemptions, and to build lumber
mills, all free of charge.
1927 After 17 years of negotiation
CP Rail agreed to replace the
original train-exclusive bridge to
accommodate vehicles
1947 BOT Membership becomes the second largest in B.C., giving
us a big voice in regards to municipal, provincial, and federal
policy review.
1946 The BOT suggests hosting a Strawberry Festival as well as
a Soap Box derby to be held in summertime, which draws
hundreds of visitors from all over the Fraser Valley.
1957 The BOT is given approval to establish the Western Canada
Soap Box Derby Association, and so begins the annual
Mission Soap Box Derby.
1963 The Chamber sets up a 24 hour Tourist Bureau in the foyer of
the Bellevue Hotel.
1971 The Chamber becomes the Mission Regional Chamber of
Commerce (MRCC).
1973 The MRCC moves to their present site at St Mary’s Park,.
1984 The First Mission Candlelight Parade is hosted by the MRCC,
featuring “Miss Mission”
2001 The Chamber and Visitors Centre move into a new modern
building at the same location in St. Mary’s Park.
2002 Oyama Sister Garden is created and a long-lasting
relationship between Mission, B.C. and Oyama, Japan is born.
2013 Ron Leger becomes the recipient of the very first President‘s
Award which recognizes an local champion within the
business community.
2014 Mission Chamber participates in the Fraser River
Sustainability Report, urging the Federal, Provincial, and
First Nations governing bodies to collaborate on long term
strategies to maintain the Fraser River port .
2017 The Chamber Government Affairs Committee brings federal
opposition leader, Andrew Scheer, to speak to Members on
pressing issues affecting B.C. and local business.
www.tourismmission.info
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