Chamber News

It's been an exciting week - kicked off on Monday with our Membership plaque presentation to Rob Mullowney, COO Belleville Senators - they've been members for two years now but it's taken some time to find a wall (and catch Rob) to bring it by.  (Note - if you need a new plaque or are missing any years - let us know, and we'd be happy to feature a photo of you and your plaque in an upcoming newsletter!)

And then it was on the train to Toronto to attend my first Ontario Chamber of Commerce Board meeting.  I was nominated in April as one of 2 representatives at large from the Chamber Network and it's a great opportunity to share the needs of business as it affects rural eastern Ontario around a table where they develop the policy platforms and advocacy campaigns.  The OCC staff do an incredible job of conducting research, preparing reports and developing key messaging statements that will be directed to the elected officials at Queen's Park.  Now that the Cabinet ministers have been named, the OCC will begin reaching out with "priority" lists for each of them - going back to the requests outlined in the Vote for Prosperity Platform.  

In the coming weeks, the job will be to reach out to both local MPPs - Todd Smith & Darryl Kramp and see how they can help us ensure the message gets across.  It's been some time since there has been an opportunity for these conversations and our advocacy on your behalf will gain some traction.  And so, we remain optimistic the climate for business in Ontario will stabilize in the face of ongoing challenges at the Federal level and potential impact of tariff wars.

And as we move into the Canada Day weekend - hope you'll join us down at West Zwick's park Sunday afternoon - starting at 3 pm with musical entertainment, fun for the kids and a community BBQ at 5 pm.  Of course - this is all leading up to the piece de resistance, the fireworks display at 10 pm!  Happy Canada Day!