New Chamber of Commerce president Mike De Bokx means business.
On May 19, De Bokx was elected as the new president and he plans to be the voice of the Chamber on both a municipal and provincial level.
“I think the Chamber should be an advocate to bring important issues to the local and provincial governments to address the needs of local businesses,” he said.
“Part of any healthy business community is having sufficient infrastructure for the employees. This includes transportation, schools, health care facilities and more. All schools in Airdrie are full to capacity or beyond capacity. This may not be seen as a business item, but it drastically effects the ability to attract new businesses to the community.”
De Bokx said becoming president is a daunting task but he is looking forward to the challenge.
“One of my biggest undertakings will be informing businesses of the greater benefits of being part of the Chamber,” he said.
“We have 450 members and the same 80 to 100 come to every meeting and every event. The others signed up because it was mandated through head office or they joined for the insurance benefits. I want to let people know there is more to us than the odd networking event.”
Another issue De Bokx hopes to focus on is improving resources for small businesses, including those that would like to move from a home-based model to a storefront.
“I think there is more we can do in that regard,” he said. “I want to do something to benefit all businesses in the community, even if they are not Chamber members.”
De Bokx has been a mortgage broker with Dominion Lending Centres for five years and has lived in Airdrie for 11 and-a-half years, after moving from Vancouver.
“I like working with clients and putting together financing so they can get their first home or upgrade as their family grows,” he said.
“It is quite satisfying to help someone make their dreams come true.”
De Bokx also appreciates the flexibility of his job and being able to work from home so he can spend time with his four, soon to be five, children.
“Life is going to be very busy,” he said about taking on the presidency.
“But I love living in Airdrie and I think it is a terrific city. I can’t imagine living anywhere else and I want to make sure it remains that way.”
