New President takes office

March 15, 2006

Local business leader Maria DeVries was named President of Delta’s Chamber of  Commerce during its annual general meeting, Wednesday, March 15 at the Delta Town and County Inn. DeVries becomes President after serving as 1st Vice President for the past two years.

Devries is a 20-year Delta resident who has been active in business and community affairs. She is president of a family owned business and works as a management consultant.

In her inaugural remarks to the members, DeVries stressed that her mandate was to focus on relationship-building and communication. The relationships the Chamber has with its members, the community and all levels of government are the priorities for her year in office.

She wants to concentrate on expanding the Chamber’s membership to include the many businesses and business leaders in North Delta and to increase the involvement of local business women in the activities of the Chamber. She seeks to achieve a good balance of Chamber benefits for small business, the businesses located in Tilbury and Annacis and the many home-based businesses in Delta.

DeVries states "I am known as a passionate advocate for a healthy community in Delta in every sense. I intend to continue in this role as Chamber President."

Delta Chamber Welcomes New Executive Director

The Delta Chamber of Commerce announced its new Executive Director at its annual general meeting, Wednesday, March 15. Outgoing president, Alex Copeland, introduced Doug Hart to the members at the start of the meeting held at the Delta Town and County Inn.

Hart has domestic and international experience in strategic business development, sales and marketing and business turnarounds. He was a Principal of the Osborne Group, responsible for handling interim contract  management assignments. Previously he served as Vice President and Officer of Seaboard Life Insurance/ Industrial Alliance Pacific in Vancouver directing one of the major operating divisions.

In addition to his corporate experience, Hart serves on the boards of Freedom Technologies (VCC) Inc. and the Burns Bog Conservation Society. He is a graduate of the University of British Columbia in Commerce. Hart begins his duties immediately.

Delta Chamber Elects 2006-07 Board

Members of Delta’s Chamber of Commerce elected a new Board of Directors for 2006-2007 during its annual general meeting, Wednesday, March 15 at the Delta Town and County Inn.

Leading the board is president Maria DeVries of Marlor Holdings and her executive committee of first VP Dana Caroll, Mud Bay Wines, second VP Sandra Stoddart-Hansen, Alpha Aviation and secretary-treasurer, Mario Costa, Shpak and Company. Rounding out the committee is past president, Alex Copeland of Envision.

Elected to the 11-person board is Lowell Breckon, Shpak & Company, Gerry Beltgens, Clint Morgan, Delta Container Inc., Tom Gibson, Lehigh Northwest Cement, Rod Winning, Winning Trophies, Elisa Olson, Burns Bog Conservation Society, Peter Podovinikoff, Ian Tait, 2010 LegaciesNow, Bobby Pawar, Frank Wagner, Wagner's European Fabricare, and Kate Harvey.

The Delta Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization with over 500 members. It was established in 1910, and its purpose is to create and maintain a prosperous environment for business, industry and commerce in Delta. The Chamber’s Business Information Centre provides a wealth of resource information for people interested in starting a or managing a business, home-based, service, storefront, franchise, or manufacturing.