Todd Olynyk is the Sooke branch manager of the RBC bank. In December 2009 he was elected president of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce for 2010.

Todd Olynyk's community leadership message as published in MapleLine Magazine's Winter-Spring 2010 issue (released Feb.3, 2010):

Strong Sooke business equals a strong and healthy community.

I was asked for my input on whether strong local business can affect the health and welfare of the Sooke community. This is something that I think about a lot as an RBC bank manager and as the President of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce. Does strong local business affect the health of our community? The simple answer is absolutely!

A strong business community gives back in many ways. Local business creates local jobs. These jobs employ the citizens of our community. They also create a shorter commute which in turn saves gas and allows for more time spent with family. Less gas equals more money in your pocket and a healthier environment. More time with family is an obvious win that is very precious to all of us.

These local businesses take their revenues and put them back into the community and also create business for others as well. A local grocer buys from a local farmer. A local restaurant needs renovations and hires a local carpenter. A local coffee shop sells the wares of a local artisan. Each time a dollar goes into a local business its effect is felt throughout the community and helps to keep the community thriving and growing.

Local business pays taxes. In Sooke this year, local business will be responsible for $790,214 (collected in 2009) in taxes which will be injected into the community in many forms. It will help keep the public safe and fix the roads when those annoying potholes appear as if out of nowhere. It will provide for programs to keep youth involved in productive activities and give our senior population places to meet and the care they need and deserve. It also keeps our personal property taxes at a much lower level than what they would be without the businesses.

Local business owners support and provide volunteers for the events that we all love to attend. Events like the Sooke Spirit Festival which consists of the Santa Parade, The Christmas Tree Light Up and the Sail Past were all sponsored and supported by local business. These events could not happen if not for the support of Sooke business and all the volunteers they provide.

What the strength of Sooke business can do for the health of our community is really a story without end. We cannot survive without a strong local business community. I for one am grateful for each and every one of these businesses and appreciate all that they do to make us a stronger and healthier community.

~ Todd Olynyk, President, Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce

LEADERSHIP PROFILE ~ MM