The Barriere & Area Chamber of Commerce building can be found in the heart of the community across from Interior Savings Credit Union and kitty-corner to the post office. The organization was originally formed in the early 1980’s to encourage local economic stability and growth, promote the community and it’s quality of life, and represent the business community while also providing the means for dialogue among businesses and with the public. The local chamber also serves as the Tourism Information Center for the area.
Barriere resident Bill Kershaw says he has been a member of the organization “off and on over the years. At one point many years ago I was told by chamber board members Carol Patton and Ann Piper, “You better join up or we are closing down”. So I joined up to keep things going and growing.”
Since then Kershaw has consistently served on the board and has been in the president’s chair more than once, in fact that is where he sits today.
“Years ago the chamber became really active as they used to do a lot of what the District of Barriere does, and now the Community Forest,” said Kershaw, “We used to look after the JCP’s [Job Creation Programs] that were taking place.”
He says the Chamber was very active in getting support from Community Futures in 2003 to replace the much needed livestock corrals that were lost due to the 2003 McLure Wildfire.
Over the ensuing years the chamber was able to purchase their own building where they now host the local tourism info center, provide office and meeting room rental space, and most recently have opened the chamber’s own small business called ‘Hidden Gems Gift Shop’. The shop offers the merchandise of approximately a dozen local artists and artisans, including soaps, t-shirts, pottery, jams, honey, herbs, spices, jewelry, handmade cards, sculptures, hand-crafted signs, and more.
Kershaw says it has been a struggle to keep their building viable, but he is encouraged to see opportunities for expansion as more families and businesses move into the area.
“Yes, that’s what I like to see now that we have our little gift shop started up, which was a niche that was open in the market. If we can have that help to supplement ourselves, and maintain a downtown core, that would be great.
“What we want to do is become the leader for the development of downtown. I’ve always dreamed that Barriere downtown would become where we have our offices, where we have our doctors, and others – all right there. And if there is ever a need, we have a prime piece of property that we can possibly develop and utilize by maybe having living quarters upstairs, and our offices and other offices downstairs. It’s always a matter of economics. But the economy is looking better, our little gift store is going well, and not only do we gain people to sell from our store but most of them become chamber members and it increases our membership and gives a broader perspective throughout the business community.”
Kershaw added the business community is growing, and with events like the annual North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo, the numerous events held at the fairgrounds and other activities within the town the community will continue to grow.
If you are interested in joining or learning more about Barriere and Area Chamber of Commerce and their 80+ business members go to: https://barrierechamberofcommerce.com or phone 250-672-9221.
The Barriere Chamber and Hidden Gems Gift Shop is open Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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