Revelstoke Profiles: Jamie Mayes of the Chamber of Commerce

She moved to Revelstoke from Kamloops and now Jamie Mayes plans to utilize her extensive business background to help benefit and support Revelstoke businesses.

Mayes took over the role of executive director for the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce in March following Judy Goodman’s retirement.

RM: Tell us about your work background?

JM: I come to you from Kamloops where I completed my Bachelor of Tourism Degree at Thompson Rivers University.

During my studies I worked for a small manufacturing/technology company, Scorpion Technologies, on the production line building industrial control grips, joysticks, and pendant controls for heavy duty machinery. This great company afforded me many opportunities; ISO 9001 training, international marketing and trade show experience as well as seeing first hand how to grow a company to the capacity where it has made the Profit 500 list the past two years as one of the fastest growing Canadian companies.

After six years on the production line and marketing with Scorpion I decided to give my tourism degree (specifically my Events & Conventions Diploma portion of my studies) a shot and started working at the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce as the events coordinator. My role was to oversee a variety events that supported our membership: networking/socials, annual awards gala, roundtables, forums, seminars, policy sessions to name a few. I also worked on policy development, something that really ignited a passion for Chamber world and the power of a collective business voice.

Working so closely with the business community in Kamloops I was presented an opportunity to transition over to the Economic Development Arm of the City, Venture Kamloops. I took a role that would allow me to work directly with entrepreneurs on a daily basis.

As the Business Retention & Expansion Specialist I worked with entrepreneurs in the early stages of developing/running their businesses and expansion and development of existing businesses. Overall the goal being to enhance the level of business activity within the city.

I also supported physician attraction efforts for the Kamloops region and worked collaboratively with Thompson Division Region of Family Practice on various GP for Me Projects including a business incubator model, succession planning toolkit and urban locum program.

Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce executive director Jamie Mayes. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

RM: What made you want to come to Revelstoke and what are you looking forward to in living here?

JM: The energy and natural beauty of this mountain community!

There is a great vibe here and so much going on. I am excited to explore the area more and get to know the wonderful people that make Revelstoke so amazing.

RM: Is there anything in particular you’re hoping to do in your time here?

JM: I hope to bring my past experiences working in economic development and Chamber of Commerce to this new position in an effort further support the amazing business community here in Revelstoke.

I believe my broad experience gained working as a Business Retention & Expansion Specialist where I worked with a number of local businesses, start-up entrepreneurs and organizations will benefit the chamber and its efforts, moving forward.

I hope to see the business community and chamber grow in a sustainable and innovative way, while staying true to the essence of what makes Revelstoke so unique.

RM: How do you (if you have time) give back to the community?

JM: In Kamloops I volunteered with the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation for their annual gala event fundraising for much needed infrastructure and equipment for the hospital.

It is an organization I really believe in and I have seen the huge impact efforts of the foundation have made in the Kamloops community and the region.

RM: Who inspires you and why?

JM: Entrepreneurs and business owners! These are the people that put themselves out there in a big way. They have taken an idea, passion, dream and put everything they have to make it come to life.

It takes so much dedication and courage to go into business for yourself and I truly admire the individuals that take this leap.

They help create jobs and invest in the community to further development beyond their own ventures. They bring an energetic spirit to the community which is important to our economic well being and our future.

RM: How do you think the Chamber of Commerce impacts the community?

JM: The Chamber of Commerce helps represent the business interests of our community. In my past experience with the Kamloops Chamber I saw the impact the organization made in the community on a number of levels.

Whether it was bringing people together at a small policy roundtable session to discuss current issues impacting their business and formulating policy or programs around these issues to present to various levels of government, or offering members unique ways to market their latest products and services, or connecting businesses with timely information and resources to further support their operations the chamber was constantly evolving to meet the needs of members.

It’s an organization that helps establish positive relationships with like-minded individuals with a similar motive to grow business and grow a community. The chamber provides members a platform to get connected, get informed, and have a voice.

The chamber works closely with other community organizations to collaborate on efforts that are in the best interest of residents, visitors and businesses. This is done through various initiatives including providing networking and educational opportunities that allow members to grow professionally.

Currently chamber members have access to a number of benefit programs that have been vetted on a national level for best service and rates. These member benefits help businesses lower their day-to-day business costs. Benefits include discounted group insurance, gasoline, merchant services, and office supplies.

The primary goal is to help our member businesses network and grow and ultimately make it a better place to not only do business but also live, work and play.

I am looking forward to hearing from Revelstoke Chamber members to see what opportunities they would like to see support and grow their business.

RM: What are your favourite leisure activities and why?

JM: I enjoy getting out and connecting with nature, whether it be hiking and mountain biking or just sitting on the deck and reading a good book.

I feel like there are so many recreational opportunities here in Revelstoke I am sure I will discover some new passions as I get settled into the amazing lifestyle here.

On a creative level I have always loved arts and crafts and in my spare time enjoy creating items that reflect my interpretation of the world around me. I also have a passion for music, while I am not musically talented myself I greatly appreciate those that are.

Often my travels are spurred by having to go see a favourite artist or band. Whether it is taking a road trip with my dad to go see Tom Petty or the Tragically Hip, or hitting up the Seymour Arm Root and Blues festival with my best friend to enjoy the musical talent of Current Swell and Jon and Roy, or taking my mom (who is quite reserved) to have her first ever electronic dance music experience in Las Vegas at the Omni to watch Armin Van Buuren (lol…I love my mom for being so open to that one!).