Two could become one if the last remaining local chambers agree to a merge.
The Trail and District Chamber of Commerce (TCOC) was recently contacted by the Rossland chamber, as well as community stakeholders and leaders to consider extending its footprint, explained Norm Casler, TCOC's executive director.
“This is the first step as we are still in the exploratory stages of this idea,” he said. “We do think it is a great first step and would work very will in the spirit of regional collaboration.”
He said if Rossland members like the plan and decide to join with the Trail organization, then TCOC will call its own meeting of members and stakeholders.
“There are several constitutional items that will have to be taken care of with Industry Canada,” Casler said. “And we want to really make sure we do this right before we can go too far.”
Casler noted there has been discussions about converging the Trail and Rossland branches for a number of years.
“With all of the local municipalities working towards the same, it just makes sense,” he said. We both offer the same BC Chamber benefits, we both offer a tremendous amount of community support. And we all have similar long term goals.”
Members are optimistic, Casler said, and it's a great opportunity for the TCOC, businesses in Rossland, Trail and all the area's communities.
Rossland chamber members are invited to a special general meeting to discuss the possible merger, tonight at 5:30 p.m. in the group's office at 2070 Washington Street.
Requests for comment by the Rossland chamber went unanswered by press time.