About Us
SCCC HISTORY
Click here to download SCCC History as a 1 page 25 Kb Adobe PDF
1985
In 1985, the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce (British Columbia) Inc. was established through the energy and enthusiasm of a small group of forward-thinking business leaders. P. Brunold, A. Hartmann and P. Schaub recognized the need for an organization to bring together Swiss and Canadian business people in British Columbia who could benefit from a networking forum to strengthen business and trade relationships among themselves as well as between their two countries.
Thanks to tremendous volunteer support, the SCCC has been able to host hundreds of events to facilitate networking, business development and educational seminars and meetings.
1996
In 1996, the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce, under leadership of then President, T. Amgwerd, hosted the Swiss Pavilion at Globe '96, one of the world's largest biennial business and environmental conferences in Vancouver. The Swiss Pavilion attracted more than 3'000 visitors. Our attendance was successfully reactivated in 2008 and preparations for March 2010 are progressing well.
2007 ~ 2008
In 2007, Executive Director, E. Amgwerd joined the Board and through his initiative, was instrumental in restructuring the Chamber and overhauling operations to bring us up-to-date with technology, changing times, membership requests and business requirements. A new Board of Directors was established to include representatives of some of the world's leading organizations as well as taking generational gaps into consideration.
In 2008, we introduced the DIN Series of events, which provide focused networking ability and feature guest speakers on various business related topics.
Our new "e-Publication" - The Swiss Business Focus was launched in 2008, and keeps all of our members in touch with our chambers activity and developments - such as our Chamber's expansion into Alberta in 2008.
During 2007 and 2008, our membership more than doubled, web traffic increased over 30x, members were invited to attend more than 25 events, and event attendance was very healthy.
2009
The SCCC entertains close contact with the Consulate General of Switzerland and other Government offices, as well as Swiss and European organizations in British Columbia and Alberta to enhance the membership's opportunity to establish new business and personal contacts. Our members benefit from business contact opportunities not only in the aforementioned regions but also in the rest of Canada, with NAFTA members as well as in Europe and Asia. The new free trade agreement between Canada and the EFTA members should further enhance trade among these regions.
Our Board consists of 11 volunteer members all of whom are committed to further growing, promoting and developing our Chamber.
Initiatives, leadership & support of our Swiss Consul General, W. Deplazes in Vancouver, have been instrumental in achieving our goals.
NOTABLE EVENTS
Environment focused events
- The Swiss Pavilion at Globe 1996, Globe 2008 and Globe 2010
- The Swiss Solar Taxi Event in 2008
- Metro Vancouver 2010
- Environmental Luncheon and Reception 2010
Events for young professionals
- Career Boosting Events in 2004, 2006, 2007
Olympic Games
- Swiss Olympic Evening 2008
- Olympic Business Breakfast 2009
- Visit of Switzerland's President 2010
- Swiss Sports Innovation 2010
Swiss Gourmet Events
- Swiss Business Cocktails in 2006 and 2007
- Swiss Gourmet Series 2008
Fundraising Events
- Summer Night Receptions in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Information Sessions
- Everything you need to know about HST 2010
Click here to download SCCC History as a 1 page 25 Kb Adobe PDF
Updated September 1, 2010 - AER. E/AMG
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Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce (B.C.) Inc.
Vancouver & Calgary, Canada
Building business links between Switzerland, British Columbia and Alberta