Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

 

President & CEO's Message

 

What an amazing organization I have the privilege of leading. The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce one of the larger Chambers in Canada, and one of the most notable Canadian Chambers in North America and around the world. One of only three Chambers in Canada to be recognized with a World Chamber Award, which in of itself is remarkable.

 

I’ve had the opportunity of representing our local business community on the international stage as well as throughout Canada and I’ve always been proud of my community and the members of this great organization.

 

The focus of our Chamber is directly on our Members. We know that our success is driven by our members success so we principal that cause ensuring that each of our members knows and has confidence in us helping them, connecting them and guiding them to success. We completely understand that all things come from a successful corporate community. Wealth is built and communities are built through a vibrant and prosperous economic environment. It is precisely why we concentrate our efforts on Small Business.

 

We champion that cause through our advocacy efforts, and leading that charge is our catch phrase, Small Business is too Big to Ignore! Small Business owners and managers are too busy caring for their business to lobby government, fight tax issues, ensure the regulatory environment is fair and equitable and to seek out new opportunities all alone. So, the Chamber is here to help, fight and work to reduce burdens set by government that are unfair. As of 2016, 97.9% of all registered businesses in Canada were defined as “small”, under 100 employees. 70.5% of all people working in Canada, work for one of these “small” businesses, and 87.7% of ALL new jobs created in our Country, are created by “small” businesses. In spite of the fact that Small Business is Too Big to Ignore, most levels of Government do ignore them, most levels of Government cater to the biggest employers, offering grants and bailouts. This is great, and many of these big businesses support the small businesses in our communities, but a small business owner is not a multi-millionaire tycoon. The “average” income for a small business owner in Canada is under $60,000 a year, and they fight everyday to keep their business alive, keep people employed and build our communities. Small Business Owners support local charities, fundraisers and organizations that better our community’s social well-being. The Cambridge Chamber fights for these small businesses everyday, because, Small Business is Too Big to Ignore.

 

I am proud of our Chamber and our Community, building the community through business is the only way it can be done, and moving forward isn’t an option, it is a must. We know our way around the political spectrum, we can connect virtually anyone with anyone else, we can connect you abroad, where you can explore new business opportunities. Our Events and Programs fuel our Mission, to inspire, change and lead in fostering greatness in our community and economic prosperity, to make Cambridge the most envied City to Live, Work, Play and build a business.

 

You will not find a better more friendly atmosphere than at a Cambridge Chamber event, so if you haven’t been out in a while, or are new to the Chamber family, hold on because your ride is about to begin. Call us, email us, or just drop in on us at the Chamber, we’d be happy to help you in any way we possibly can. I look forward to seeing you, or meeting you, and as always, I welcome you to our Chamber Network Family.

 

 

Greg Durocher
President & CEO

 

Vision Statement

To inspire, change and lead in fostering greatness in our community and economic prosperity, to make Cambridge the most envied City to Live, Work, Play and build a business.

 

Audited Report 2019

Every fall the Chamber holds its Annual General Meeting, where all members are encouraged to attend. At the meeting there is a review of the previous year’s highlights and accomplishments, how the Chamber met our vision, mandates and goals, as well a review of the year end financials.