Chamber Event Celebrates Teck
48-Year Chamber Member Reopens Interpretive Centre
What happens up on the hill is once again accessible to the public with the reopening of the Teck Interpretive Centre, which coincides with the centre’s 25th year of operation.
From the lead acid batteries in cars to engine parts made of zinc, Teck Trail Operations’ products are involved in our everyday lives, and the centre explains how. Hint: if you’re reading this on your phone, there is indium in your touch screen.
New information panels, signage, exhibits, and interesting “did-you-know” facts tell the story of the company’s 127 years as an industry leader and innovator. As one of the world’s largest fully integrated zinc and lead smelting and refining complexes, Teck Trail Operations produces refined zinc and lead and a variety of precious and specialty metals, chemicals, and fertilizer.
The centre’s refresh is intended to enhance and increase public awareness of the overall scope and scale of Teck today. Launched at April’s Trail & District Chamber of Commerce Business After Business event, the newly renovated space reflects Trail’s diverse operations by expanding on other facets like science and technology, environmental practices, health and safety, fire rescue and emergency response. The recent unveiling brought the local business community together and exemplified how Teck supports local enterprise as Chamber members John Premier of Premier Chef Services, The Pastry Shop, and Wild Smile Events were all hired to help facilitate the occasion.
“Teck has been a Chamber member for 48 years, and they provide a significant benefit to Trail and the surrounding communities,” says Chamber Executive Director Erika Krest. “We were honoured to be a part of the Interpretive Centre’s 25th anniversary celebration!”
Chris Marsh of Clear Sky Consulting and Chamber Executive Director Erika Krest celebrate the Interpretive Centre’s 25th anniversary.
Originally opened in 1998, the centre has helped maintain the company’s connection to the community for 25 years by offering residents and visitors a chance to gain an understanding of the operations through engaging displays and onsite tours, which will begin again at the end of June and are coordinated through the Chamber.
Marlene Noel, former Chamber membership manager and executive assistant, and Teck Trail Operation’s Community Engagement Leader Deb Bain were all smiles among business friends at the Teck Interpretive Centre relaunch, Business After Business event.
“We wanted the anniversary to celebrate Trail Operations’ historical milestones and share information on its evolution and progress in an accessible, relatable, and familiar way,” says Teck Trail Operations’ Community Engagement Leader Deb Bain. “We are proud and happy this large-scale refresh celebrates our past and present contributions to the community and the surrounding area.”
The downtown Bay Avenue location’s new exterior signage promotes the shared Teck and Chamber space, which offers a hub for in-person services and support. The Chamber promotes, markets, and advocates for many of the small and medium-sized, local businesses that Teck relies on for a variety of goods and services.
“What the Chamber does on behalf of the business community and the community at large through a number of activities and initiatives has a really positive effect when it comes to economic diversification and sustainability in this region,” adds Krest.
The co-location’s constant presence mutually benefits both partners, as it enables the organizations to work together to share resources, support local business and showcase the region. The public is invited to check out the newly improved Teck Interpretive Centre, located at 1199 Bay Ave. and open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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