SAINT JOHN – There was a significant spike in membership at the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce last with 85 new businesses joined the fold.
“The Chamber’s continuing to maintain relevance in the region for the businesses and continuing to help them move the needle on some of the things in which they’re interested,” said CEO David Duplisea.
He says the Chamber created visibility through its lobbying efforts with all levels of government on tax reform, municipal tax reform and double taxation.
“Those types of issues allow us to interject the business perspective on this and allow us to represent our membership,” Duplisea said.
Hosting the 2019 Canadian Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting last September was another feather in their cap.
“Attracting 450 of Canada’s top business people to Saint John. That raised our visibility as well and got us a lot of exposure,” Duplisea said.
Another reason is a lot of regional cooperation with groups like Economic Development Greater Saint John and Opportunities New Brunswick.
“We are raising the bar for everyone. That speaks volumes. Single messages to government. Single focus on economic development and everybody assisting where they can and that’s showing in a positive way,” Duplisea said.
Duplisea says the Chamber added more businesses from the hospitality sector along with businesses started by newcomers.
Tamara Steele is a reporter with CHSJ/Country 94, a Huddle content partner.
https://huddle.today/saint-john-chamber-grows-significantly-adding-85-new-businesses-in-2019/
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Saint John Chamber Grows Significantly, Adding 85 New Businesses in 2019
Friday, January 17, 2020
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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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