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About the Chamber

Chair's & President's Message

Chair's Message:

 
 
David W. Gray, Chair & CEO, Board of Directors 2008 – 2009
 
BUILDING FORWARD
As a new GCC year gets underway, our goal is to continue to build forward on the strong foundation set in place by staff, volunteer members, and the previous board under the competent leadership of Ramona Ostrander.
 
The efforts of this dedicated group culminated in the re-structuring and re-energizing of who we are and what we do as an organization.  One of the more significant activities was the hiring of a new President and CAO in the person of Lloyd Longfield. Lloyd has certainly hit the ground running.  He has used his community-building and financial acuity, drawn from his many years of experience in a global environment, to move the Chamber forward in a very short time.
 
Looking ahead, we anticipate a strong year under the guidance of nine new board members -- people who have already broadened the sector representation at board discussions on strategic development -- people who have keen insight and the expertise to address the varied needs of all Chamber members.
 
There's no doubt this team will do a great job in both committee assignments and the strategic role of the Board in supporting the alignment of this organization's four 4 core initiatives:
1) Workforce Development
2) Community Energy Plan
3) Supply Chain and Global Networking
4) Cost of doing business in Guelph 

Focusing on these strategic initiatives will ensure we are pro-active in optimizing our competitive edge and cost containment.  It is imperative that the Chamber leads the way on issues that are poised to impact our business community – business large and small, and everything in between. To this end, we are committed to preparing our members for the potential impact of these issues and we pledge to support building the solutions that will lessen any negative impact.
 
Additionally, we will continue to develop a results-oriented relationship with the City of Guelph, and are prepared to grow our presence as the voice of business locally, provincially and nationally.
All in all, this is an exciting time to be involved with the Chamber as a member -- and even more so as a committee member!  You are an integral part of a volunteer organization who can make a difference not only in the business community, but also the greater community of Guelph.  Your input is needed to ensure that Guelph is the best place to live, work and invest.

David W. Gray
Chair and CEO
Guelph Chamber of Commerce
2008-2009

President's Message:

 
Mr. Lloyd Longfield, President and CAO
 
Thank-you for the welcome and encouragement as I assume a new role as President and CAO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce.  To highlight initial goals for the next six months;
 
1.    To focus on enhancing membership value by continuing to provide networking opportunities and education programs working with business to determine needs.
 
2.    To consolidate the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce to be the voice of business in Guelph, connecting with the existing business groups within the City, the three levels of government, and media to establish a solid communications network.
 
3.    To pursue Accreditation with Distinction with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, expanding on Guelph’s role as a founding member of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.  This accreditation will provide a framework of defining existing efforts and developing plans for the future in five key areas:  Advocacy and Policy Development, Membership Programs and Services, Organization and Administration, Governance, and Strategic Planning.
 
4.    To define and leverage advocacy opportunities and joint planning opportunities for local, national and international business development.
 
5.    To celebrate the Guelph Chamber of Commerce’s 140th anniversary of incorporation with reflections on the past and connecting our vision for the future.  The City’s brand of “Making a Difference” and the GCC’s brand of “Moving Business Forward” are very compatible!
 
I look forward to my new role, and especially to meeting the people responsible for helping Guelph be a city of unique opportunities for doing business, raising families, and making a difference.