Since its founding more than 110 years ago, the primary purpose of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce has been to support and promote local businesses.
Its own website identifies its purpose as striving “to connect, engage and enhance quality of life in our community.”
That mission has always been essential. During the uncertainty and shifting economic climate caused by the tariff policies of the United States, the Chamber’s support for local businesses is even more critical. In times like these, Prince George and our region’s economic resilience should be the Chamber’s top priority.
Neil Godbout, executive director of the Chamber since 2024, shares these sentiments through the Chamber’s newsletter stating: “When we shop local as much as we can, we all win,” and highlighting the importance of a “Team PG approach.”
It’s why we find his latest decision so troubling.
Through a three-year contract awarded without a tendering or RFP process, the Prince George Chamber’s upcoming membership guide — a glossy, full-colour magazine designed to spotlight its business membership — will be produced not by a local firm, or even one in British Columbia, but by a company back east.
We are glad that the business is going to a Canadian company. However, we know there are local options available, including our own publication.
The Prince George Citizen has a long and proven track record of producing high-quality, glossy publications this eastern company will now be delivering.
Leadership at the Chamber are keenly aware of this fact as two key positions are held by former editor (Godbout) and a former publisher of The Citizen. Having produced such products during their time at The Citizen, they know exactly what we, and other BC firms, can do.
So why the out-of-town and out-of-province choice? We can’t speak to this decision as we were not included in the process.
To some, this criticism may sound like sour grapes. We’ll admit it: we would have liked the business. But that doesn’t make the concern any less valid. In fact, it’s precisely because The Prince George Citizen is a founding member and supporter of the Chamber for more than 110 years that we would like to have partnered with the Chamber.
Chamber members have been receiving phone calls and emails from this eastern firm and money from Prince George businesses is being redirected both out of our city and out of our province.
Those dollars could have gone to support jobs here, pay local writers and designers here and promote the very economy the Chamber claims it is here to defend.
With The Citizen’s new local ownership, we’ve worked hard over the last year to source locally. We think supporting local businesses is crucial.
Godbout, as the executive director of the Prince George Chamber, claims the same, but he needs to start leading by example.
When the Chamber chooses to look outside its own community and province for services that are clearly available, it’s telling Prince George businesses that only your membership dues matter.
That is not the message any business wants to hear from organizations asking for their membership, receiving their money, and operating advocacy committees.
Faced with increased trade restrictions and pressures on our forest industry, businesses are rightly looking inward — not to retreat from the world, but to support homegrown expertise, build economic self-reliance, and strengthen local supply chains.
This is not the first time we have faced disruption to the supply chain, and not always due to international relations, such as the Atmospheric River Event of 2021 which isolated Northern BC.
The “shop local” message continues to resonate, especially with those of us in Northern BC who are known for supporting each other.
Local chambers should be at the forefront of that effort. Ours needs to return to its roots.
This isn’t just about one contract or one publication. It’s about trust. It’s about a commitment to enhancing the community.
Can local businesses trust Godbout and the Chamber to prioritize them when it matters?
Every local business, and especially members, should expect their support.
The Chamber’s success is directly tied to the success of its members. It’s an organization that needs to be championing our community above all else.
The Prince George Chamber should be playing a pivotal role in that and leading by example.
Have your say on this with a letter to the editor: [email protected].
