The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce invites current and prospective members to attend their 94th annual Chamber Elections Luncheon and networking event Wednesday at the Best Western Plus Westerly Hotel.

This year, nine candidates have stepped forward to let their name stand for election (or re-election) to four available positions on the 2013/2014 board of directors. According to Chamber president and CEO Dianne Hawkins, this is the largest slate of candidates in almost a decade.

"The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce board is comprised of 12 business leaders from our community who will typically serve for a two-year term and provide governance for the Chamber on behalf of its members," explains Hawkins. "We are thrilled to have such a large and diverse group of business leaders interested in becoming part of the leadership team at the Chamber."

The candidates are:

•    Wayne Anderson, Anderson & Co.;

•    Janice Armour, Investors Group;

•    Allison Bligh, Shaw Communications;

•    Kevin East, Ambassador Shuttle Service;

•    Mackenzie Gartside, Verico Select Mortgages;

•    John Gower, Gower Design;

•    Margret Szafron, Prestige Video Transfer (for re-election);

•    Kathy Thompson, Visitors Choice Magazine;

•    Julie Watkins, Valley Home Check.

Anyone is welcome to attend this luncheon, however, only Chamber members may vote. Each member business/organization is eligible for one vote and you must be in attendance as votes by proxy are not permitted. Nominations will not be accepted from the floor.

After the election, a networking activity, lead by Linda Oprica of Ascent Coaching, will be conducted while the votes are counted.

Tickets to the Chamber board elections Lunch are $25 for members and $30 for prospective members. They may be purchased online at www.comoxvalleychamber.com/news-events. Call 250-334-3234 for more information.

— Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce