The Similkameen News Leader
Editorial
WE WONDER WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN
EDITORIAL - February 6, 2007
The recent demise of the BEA (Princeton Area Business Enhancement Association) saddened us as we always saw the group being far more than it ever became.
The current momentum built by the group calling itself SOS (Save Our Similkameen) is filling a role we always thought the BEA should have.
Let us explain: The BEA, in our view, should have morphed into a Princeton business-owner/operator driven lobby group tackling a variety of issues of concern to area businesses and the future of those businesses.
Examples that come to mind include being actively involved in the Town Square Project; lobbying Town Council on bylaw issues and enforcement; launching an opposition stance to things - such as a coal-fired power generation plant - that may or may not affect the business community.
Instead, the BEA never seemed to get beyond the misinformed perception of being a Chamber of Commerce wannabe - regardless of how much they claimed they weren't.
We thought the BEA would represent business interests without fear of stepping on political toes or getting lost in hidden agendas.
We are saddened by the passing of the BEA as there was so much potential, but it's membership likely didn't see it as clearly.
Yes, the BEA should have been what SOS is today.
We see SOS morphing into a long-term lobby group representing not only business, but residents as well.
That is why we are so grateful to see a group like this take hold of the community and fight for our community.
