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WHAT IS A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE? The Chamber of Commerce idea is a concept found only where private initiative and free enterprise exist. The Chamber of Commerce, as a wholly voluntary institution in Canada, dates back to 1750, in Halifax. In these 250 plus years, Chambers of Commerce have grown from a single-purpose Federation of Traders, who organized to promote trade and cut costs by cooperating in certain operations, to a broad community development association which believes that when men and women of high purpose work unselfishly on problems that they have in common, progress will result. Today, Chambers of Commerce enjoy an excellent reputation for their effective programs. Most important, they have realized a coordinated effort with all of the important community elements necessary to solve many complex problems and to take advantage of opportunities that confront an area such as Eastern Ottawa. WHAT DOES A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REALLY DO? This is a legitimate question, and many people, including those to whom the Chamber is very important, have no real concept of exactly what a Chamber of Commerce is or what it does. There are a lot of misconceptions about a Chamber of Commerce. First of all, a Chamber of Commerce is not a BNI. While many business people join a Chamber in order to build their network of contacts, they cannot expect to be the only person in a particular field of business nor can they expect to get all the Chamber’s business. The role of the Chamber is to represent all businesses in its area. There are those who believe all a Chamber of Commerce does is gather statistics, print nice brochures, visit new businesses, answer inquiries and promote the Eastern Ottawa area as a great place in which to live and work. They are right … but the Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce is much more than that. There are those who see a Chamber of Chamber as just another networking group, … well, the Eastern Ottawa Chamber does provide the opportunity to network with other businesses, but since it represents all businesses in the community it is much more that that. The Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst, a vehicle through which business and professional people work together of the common good of the community. A better community means better business conditions. The Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce works for a better community for everyone. The prime reason for the Chamber’s existence is to do all that is necessary to keep the economy in the area of the former city of Eastern Ottawa at a level where business will risk their resources in our community in the hope of making a profit. Everything else is just a means to an end. This means that “WE” must do the job. The final question is … who is the “WE” that does this? “WE” are “YOU”! The staff, the Chamber members and all of our business and professional friends who are also Chamber members. YOU are the Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. You provide the ideas, the
drive, the goals, the funds and the voluntary services to keep the Chamber
doing what it does. YOU are the Chamber and without YOU, there wouldn’t be
any Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. WHO WOULD DO THESE THINGS IF THE CHAMBER DIDN'T? WHAT DOES THE CHAMBER DO FOR YOU? Here are some examples of the services and benefits you will enjoy when you join your fellow business leaders in the Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce to make our area of the City a fine place in which to WORK, LIVE and PLAY. Voice of Business The Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce is the unified voice of all business interests and represents you at all levels of government. It unites small businesses with larger enterprises of all types and guarantees that all politicians and bureaucrats will hear and consider your problems, recommendations and solutions. The Chamber is the guardian of business. Through membership in the Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, you are also a member of the National Capital Business Alliance and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Watchdog of Government The Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce combats government encroachment of business by seeking to ensure that legislation, both existing and proposed, does not unnecessarily impede on the business community. Community Affairs Volunteer communities of the Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce seek not only to help all businesses, large and small, earn profits from their business ventures but strive to attract new industries to our area of the City as an excellent site for their new venture. The Chamber is an active supporter of the key organizations that also contribute to making Eastern Ottawa a better place to live: The Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre, the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard and Arts Ottawa East. Seminars The Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce organizes professionally conducted, informative, educational seminars to help small business become more competitive and knowledgeable, and to understand new regulations that may impact on their business. Business Contacts The Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce provides frequent opportunities for members to meet and mingle, enabling you to obtain business leads, exchange ideas and introduce your business venture to others while your knowledge is being challenged by an interesting business discussion. These opportunities include breakfasts, monthly luncheons and after hours events. e-Communication The Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce e-Newsletter keeps you abreast of Chamber and other activities in the business community. In addition, the Chamber will provide you with e-Notices about important events. Crime Prevention The Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce can help you to avoid financial losses resulting from fraudulent or deceptive business practices through the Crimestoppers and Commercial Watch programs. Volunteers The Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, with the exception of the Chamber staff, that is all directors and committee members, is managed by volunteers, working without pay. Your membership fee permits others to continue their good work in support of your business interests. Serving on a Chamber Committee or as a Director provides members the opportunity to advance their areas of interest, develop relations with other members and showcase and/or develop their skills. Certificates of Origin The Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, as an exclusive service, processes Certificates of Origin for its members at no charge. Complaint Service The Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce will act as a “middle-man” in complaints against business. Upon receiving a written complaint and at your request, we will write a letter on your behalf in an effort to resolve a problem before it goes any further. Business Credibility Your business is perceived to be a good corporate citizen as a member of the
Eastern Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan Esso Direct Driver Billing program. Member-to-Member Discounts. Visa, MasterCard and Debit Card Discount Program Social Events Please see registration form for fee information. |
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