Hello CAMRA BC Members!
My name is Ari Dressler and I have the honour of being President of CAMRA BC this year. I wanted to take the opportunity to let you know some of the things we’re planning for the coming year. I also plan to write to you all regularly so that you know what’s going on at the BC level.
This past month, Janna Gabrek (VP), Carmen Castrucci (Secretary), Ryan Baker (Treasurer) and I were acclimated into our positions on the CAMRA BC executive. We’re all very excited to be taking over. All four of us are Vancouver based but we’re making sure our outlook is Province-wide. Already we’ve been hearing CAMRA BC members across the province loud and clear, requesting a BC AGM that’s announced well in advance, that is accessible to as many members as possible so we will soon be setting the date for the 2016 AGM and I hope you’ll all be able to come.
I’m really looking forward to this coming year, there’s so many great things in the works already. This year’s executive is dedicated to reaching out to each branch individually supporting and attending to their unique needs. After all, what works for Powell River may not work for Vancouver, and what works for Vancouver might work for Victoria. We want to see each branch grow and come into it’s own to serve their diverse group of members. CAMRA BC has around 1,600 members, so we’re talking with people in the Tri-Cities, North Shore, the Okanagan and more to see if there’s a possibility of opening new branches. After all, there’s so many great craft breweries popping up all over, changing and shaping the drinking habits of British Columbians. CAMRA BC needs to be there promoting, educating, advocating and enjoying! More branches means more members, means more events and a louder voice for the craft beer consumers.
Did you know that your membership card can be used province-wide, not just in the boundaries of your home branch? As we steadily improve our websites, you’ll be able to see just exactly where your card can benefit you. It even works in Alberta and in the UK where CAMRA began!
I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to better serve the community I love, and I’m keen to speak with as many members as I can directly. If you have any questions, complaints, accolades, please feel free to contact me at pres@camrabc.ca or in person I’d be happy to listen.
Cheers to a great year for all CAMRA BC members!
President Ari