Antigonish, traditionally known as the "Heart of the Highlands," is a bustling, diverse and welcoming community for businesses of any sector.
The Antigonish Chamber of Commerce works with local businesses to advocate for and inspire a progressive business climate in the region through events, services, and opportunities. Most importantly, the Chamber creates a support network to effectively assist local businesses in driving economic prosperity within the area.
"Our position in the town is to advocate for local businesses, host networking events and to host educational events and seminars with local experts to keep everyone in the business community connected," says Lauren Kaiser, executive director of the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce.
A membership with the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce provides an opportunity to attend essential networking events, professional development and marketing opportunities, insurance benefits and much more.
"The benefits program can really help small businesses that otherwise may struggle with high premiums that can be unattainable," says Lenita Hanson, event committee chair with the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce. "It becomes very cost-effective when you're part of the Chamber group."
The Chamber’s relationships with partners such as Esso & Mobil, UPS and others, provide members exclusive discounts and service opportunities.
Their unique partnership with St. Francis Xavier University brings a wealth of expertise and diversity through its faculty, students, and the Extension Innovation and Enterprise Centre, which focuses on actively tapping into existing assets to develop new enterprise opportunities.
The Chamber’s initiatives and events encourage members to network and engage with guest speakers, trainers and courses that promote growth and development, in alignment with their goal to make it easier and more attractive to do business in Antigonish.
"One of our initiatives from the past year was called, ‘Antigonish by Choice.’ It was a gift card campaign where we purchased $100 or $250 gift cards from local businesses with funds donated from StFX, the StFX Alumni Association, Hawthorne Convenience, and Monastery Petro-Can. The cards were distributed to long-term care staff and hospital staff around the holidays to support local businesses," explains Kaiser.
In addition to purchasing gift cards, Antigonish Chamber of Commerce member and partner 98.9 XFM offered a $500 advertising package as a prize, drawn from a list of businesses who participated in this initiative.
The Chamber also hosts an annual Golf Classic at the Antigonish Golf & Country Club, that aims to bring together the business community for a day of fun and networking.
"Coming out of the pandemic, like everybody else, it's a big step for us, and we're continuously trying to understand where and how we can support all our members in different ways," says Andrew Heighton, President of the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber is reaching out to its members through a survey that will seek to address how they can support the business community, where the Chamber can add value to their membership, and more.
"Having in-person talks with our members and just reaching out to members and letting them know that we are here supporting our business community is important to us,” says Heighton. “We are always open to new ideas and ways of improving."
The Chamber is actively working on being more inclusive and promoting a more diverse business community.
"Ensuring that we have a broad representation of members across all sectors is very important, and I think moving forward, having input from different perspectives will add value for the Chamber," says Hanson.
This upcoming summer, the Chamber is focusing on hosting smaller-scale networking events to engage members and non-members through approachable and fun opportunities.
“We’re looking to host more networking events for our members to get out face-to-face,” says Kaiser. “So they're able to meet our new directors, meet new business people who haven't met people in town because of COVID, and network amongst each other in an easy and approachable way."
The Chamber is also working on a list of events for the summer, such as pop-up events across the region supporting and showcasing local businesses.
"As the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce, we want business folks to see value in becoming a chamber member and letting us be their voice and advocate," says Hanson.
For more information on the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce and its initiatives, visit https://antigonishchamber.com/
Saltwire Network
https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/more/antigonish-chamber-of-commerce-looking-forward-to-future-growth-diversity-and-advocacy-100743276/
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Antigonish Chamber of Commerce looking forward to future growth, diversity and advocacy
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
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Business Truth & Reconciliation
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is taking 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. This entails a commitment to meaningful consultation, fostering respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before embarking on economic projects. Moreover, the Chamber advocates for equitable access to employment, training, and educational opportunities for Indigenous communities, ensuring they reap sustainable benefits from economic development initiatives.
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.
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