About the Chamber

 

 

 

As we head into 2010, we look forward to a brighter economy in the months ahead. The stimulus input from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments is certainly aiding in the turn around and the mood is changing. Confidence is starting to return and private ventures should follow with growth. The return to “better times” may take longer than we would hope for but will be strong and sustainable. Businesses that have been able to use the slower times to train and educate employees will reap the benefits as things start to turn around. The need to educate must continue however, even as we feel too busy to attend courses. The Guelph Chamber of Commerce (GCC) offers many options for its members to broaden its horizons, whether it is through e-learning, Breakfast Academy, Lunch and Learn, Business after Five, seminars, special events, or involvement with one of our many committees.

The GCC itself has taken a great step forward by obtaining its Accreditation with Distinction through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce which has refined our governance, administration, membership services, policies, and strategic and business planning. This prestigious review is a result of hard work from the Chamber staff and the Board of Directors who should be congratulated for their perseverance and dedication to continuous improvement.

The GCC has also committed to growing its bottom line through expanding program offerings, increasing membership, and controlling costs, even through the slower times. The recent fiscal year end has confirmed that the Chamber has been successful in achieving this major goal. As all businesses do at some time or another, the Chamber, through its Board of Directors chose this time to reflect on areas that are very successful and build on those while taking components that could be improved and making them more effective. The result is a vibrant organization with many new avenues to explore. The different sectors that make up the membership of the Chamber of Commerce are diverse and offer a plethora of knowledge and expertise that can be drawn upon by all members from single employee operations to multi-location corporations.

We invite present and future members to connect to the many benefits and privileges that the Guelph Chamber of Commerce offers. Being successful in the years ahead will depend on the relationships you make and the knowledge you gain.  The GCC is committed to your success through helping you to connect to the best in the community here, across Canada, and around the world.

Andrew Anderson

Chair and CEO

Guelph Chamber of Commerce

2009-2010

 

 

The Guelph Chamber of Commerce helps you to grow your business.  The Chamber opens doors to professional development, government resources, and best practices.  It is the place to be to connect with business, and your business will be measurably more successful if you are a member of the Chamber than if you are not.

Being a member of The Guelph Chamber of Commerce is an essential part of being a good community partner. Being active in the GCC connects you to the community dialogue on important issues, knowing where the community is heading and how you can both contribute to and benefit from Guelph’s success.

The Guelph Chamber of Commerce is an independent, non-partisan organization that prioritizes community-building, existing exclusively for the benefit of the Guelph community. 

The Guelph Chamber of Commerce is committed to being the connecting point to a wider range of community organizations (not-for-profits) and businesses (public, independent) than any other group or organization. Through our provincial and national Chamber networks your business can connect to the broader community.  Beyond that we are active participants at AM Cham, the American Chamber in Canada as well as other international Chambers of Commerce.

If the Guelph Chamber of Commerce doesn’t have an in-house answer to your business question, it represents a resource base of over 800 local businesses that can provide an answer or support  your plans for business growth.  The Guelph Chamber has achieved the Accreditation with Distinction quality standard from the Canadian Chamber, providing business support in Policy and Advocacy, Membership Services, Administration, Governance and Strategic Planning.

The Guelph Chamber of Commerce represents the voice of business contributing to economic growth, profitability, competitiveness and community involvement for all types of businesses and business people in Guelph.