Business owners, chamber members and special guests gathered for an afternoon of lunch and networking during last week's Elkford Chamber of Commerce meeting. During the event, each invited guest speaker commented on an optimistic outlook in the future of the Elk Valley economy.
Addressing the group first was Teck's Nic Milligan Manager of Community and Aboriginal Affairs. He spoke of the recent adjustment to production and commented that Teck was doing all it could to make cut backs where needing while trying it's best to avoid impact to labour and jobs. "We have reduced production by up to 20% to deal with this slump at the moment. Also, we have reduced recruiting and have made some other cuts in area to adjust our costs. Although these types of ups and downs are relatively expected in a market, we still have many positive plans, and look forward to positivity moving forward," he said. The second speaker, Geri Brightwell Community Liaison for Invest Kootenay also spoke of a bright economic future and investment opportunities within the Kootenay area.
The Chamber expressed, that despite the lack of a building at the moment, they will strive to continue to be Elkford's business advocate, and regular meetings would be expected quarterly.