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Chair's Report
Chair’s Report to the Membership 2024–2025
To our valued chambers and boards of trade across Atlantic Canada,
It’s been a year of collaboration and renewed purpose as we’ve worked together to strengthen the voice and impact of our region’s business community.
I’m proud to say that we’ve made strong progress in enhancing governance—recognizing that today’s boards must be adaptable, bold, and intentional. The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Board is stepping confidently into its role, offering strategic, forward-looking oversight on risk, culture, and long-term direction. This renewed approach enables us to lead with greater clarity, agility, and purpose.
To support this vision, our staff launched a board governance overview for member boards to strengthen their own governance journey. Learn more – click here.
One of our biggest milestones this year has been the development of a new strategic plan, which we’re excited to release during this conference. It’s built around three core priorities:
- Impactful Advocacy & Policy
- Engagement Members & Partners
- Strong Sustainable Organization
We’re already seeing momentum from this work in Q1.
It was also a pleasure to attend the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Conference and AGM in Halifax. The Atlantic caucus showed up strong, submitting seven resolutions for the national policy debate—a great example of the leadership happening across our network. We’re especially proud that over the past two years, every resolution from our region has been approved nationally.
Of course, none of this would be possible without our incredible board and dedicated staff. A huge thank-you to Past Chair Chad Peters for your mentorship and support. To the entire board—you’ve been fantastic to work with. As I hand things over to Margo and the new board, I want to give a special shout-out to outgoing director Paul Langdon for your service.
This past year’s achievements show the power of our collective voice. When Atlantic Canada’s chambers and boards of trade come together under the ACC banner, we make real change happen.
Thank you for your continued leadership, commitment, and belief in building a stronger Atlantic Canada. Together, we’re making a real impact.
Warm regards,
Des Whelan
Chair, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce----
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Treasurer's Report
Coming soon!
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CEO's Report
I am proud to share a year marked by listening, strategic partnerships, and collective business success across our network of 90 chambers and boards of trade. Together, we have strengthened the voice of business, expanded opportunities for our members, and deepened our impact in communities across the region.
In 2024 the staff and I have also worked on a new operational plan to deliver on Strategic Plan 2025-2027. A big thanks to Tracy, Patti and Brandon, for your support and loyalty to the chamber network. You always place members first.
Thank you to our membership for your continued support and commitment. The success we’ve achieved in 2024 is a direct result of your engagement and dedication, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the year ahead.
Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO
- Members
- Advocacy
- Belonging
- Communications and Marketing
- Partnerships and Collaborations
- Events and Meetings
- Programs and Services
Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC)
Becky Davison, Vice President of Marketing for the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, has been elected Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC) for the 2024-2025 term. Joining Becky on the CCEC Board from Atlantic Canada are Director, Julie Corbett, Kensington & Area Chamber of Commerce and Director, Tracy Beaver, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber Executive of the Year Award serves as a recognition of the commitment & exemplary leadership exhibited by executive staff:
- Small Chambers (Under 500 Members): Anthony Azard, Chief Executive Officer of the Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce
- Large Chambers (1,000 Members and Above): Patrick Sullivan, President & CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce
Accreditation Recognition
Accreditation is formal recognition that a Chamber of Commerce / Board of Trade has met the highest national standards of excellence in leadership, governance and operations.
- Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
- New Brunswick
- Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton
- Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce
- Fredericton Chamber of Commerce
- Cap Acadie Chamber of Commerce
- Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- St. John's Board of Trade
- Nova Scotia
- Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce
- Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce
Accredited Chamber Executive designation is a national recognition that acknowledges the experience, knowledge, and achievements of professionals within the chamber of commerce sector.
Level 3- Tracy Beaver, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, NS
- Sherry Martell, Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce, NS
- Xavier Infantas, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton, NB
- Christine Little, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, NB
- Morgan Peters, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, NB
- Wendy Morrell, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, NB
Level 2
- Vanessa Coggan, Sussex and District Chamber of Commerce, NB
Level 1
- Anthony Azard, Chambre de commerce Cap Acadie Chamber of Commerce, NB
- Madeline Biso, Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, PE
- Lisa M Matthews, Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce, NS
Milestone Awards
20 Years - Wendy Morrell, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce
15 Years
- Tracy Beaver, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
- Becky Davison, Halifax Chamber of Commerce
- Wanda Palmer, Mount Pearl Paradise Chamber of Commerce
10 Years
- Cathy Pelletier Chamber of Commerce of Edmundston Region
- Mireille Thibeault Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton
5 Years
- Gilles Beaulieu, Valley Chamber of Commerce de la Vallée
- Vanessa Coggan, Sussex and District Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Award
The Halifax Chamber of Commerce has been honored with the 2024 Inclusive Growth Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes organizations and entrepreneurs throughout Canada that have demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).
The ACC is the Atlantic voice representing businesses across the four Atlantic provinces, we amplify the collective voice of our members and drive policy change. Together, we ensure that the interests of our business community are heard and prioritized, paving the way for growth, innovation, and opportunity throughout the region.
What has the ACC network accomplished?
- Released Policy Priorities
- 9 submissions and letters sent to Government
- 8 policy resolutions submitted to Canadian Chamber of Commerce's annual policy resolution session and 8 resolutions passed!
- Fredericton Chamber of Commerce-Experiential Learning as Educational & Cost of Living Supports for International Students
- Halifax Chamber of Commerce-Adding to CAN's housing supply by strengthening CAN's military
- Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton-Connecting Canada: Improving Air Connectivity for Mid-Sized Airports
- Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton-Streamline trade regulations for increased business between Canada & USA
- Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce-Training & Alignment of Supports for Police Depts. for Investigations of Cyber Crimes
- Chambre de commerce Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce-Comprehensive Re-evaluation of Predator Species Mgmt to Revitalize CAN’s Fisheries
- ACC-Improvements to the Artificial Intelligence & Data Act
- ACC-Addressing the Affordability Crisis by Getting Back to Fiscal Balance and Right-Sizing Government
Diversity and inclusion is valued at the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, driving innovation, fostering equitable opportunities, and strengthening economic growth across the Atlantic provinces. By advocating for inclusive practices, we empower businesses and communities to thrive, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and valued in building a prosperous, united future.
What has the ACC network accomplished?
- Invested in 5 new Canadians and diverse staff to support their employment journey and to bring new perspectives to the ACC
- Staff complete Cultural Awareness Training with My East Coast Experience
- Speaking out on DEI - Enough Talk Just Do It! Article in Atlantic Business Magazine
- Created a new policy to ensure we recruit a diverse board of directors
- Launched new brand/logo
- Refresh of the Market Entry Development Program. Learn more click here
- 17 newsletters shared
- 6,470 unique views on home website
- 21 podcast delivered in Chamber Spaces. Learn more click here
- 10 media interviews
Partnerships and Collaborations
- Insights from Atlantic Leaders
- Wallace McCain Institute
- Unleashing the Canadian Potential Speakers Series
- Chamber of Commerce Executive of Canada
- Halifax Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce
- Dr. Tong Fang, Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Cultural and Economic Transformation
- 11 All Chamber Meetings
- 4 Provincial Advisory Committee meetings per province
- Delivered a successful Annual Conference & AGM in Halifax, NS
- Partnered with Halifax Chamber on the Nova Scotia Leaders Debate
- Met with PEI Chambers
- Chamber Visits: Truro, Clarenville, Bonavista, Moncton, Fredericton, Halifax, Mt. Pearl, St. John's, Charlottetown
- Delivered remarks during the following chamber AGMs: Greater Northern Peninsula, Placentia, Green Bay, Lewisporte, Florence-Bristol
- 8 new businesses signed up for the Market Entry Development Program & 5 businesses graduated. Learn more click here
- Launched a new Board Governance Training Sessions for members. Learn more click here
- Rolled out a suite of resources on strategic planning. Learn more click here
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Business Truth & Reconciliation
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce takes proactive steps to promote reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights within the corporate sector. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92, the Chamber urges its members to embrace the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a guiding framework.
Recognizing the importance of education, the Chamber encourages businesses to provide comprehensive training for management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of residential schools, Indigenous rights, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. Emphasizing intercultural competency, conflict resolution, and anti-racism, these efforts aim to foster a more inclusive and harmonious corporate environment rooted in mutual understanding and respect.
Learn more click here