The North Dundas Chamber of Commerce helps to promote the Shop Local message, which is more important now than ever before, thanks to the pandemic. The Chamber came into being after the amalgamation of townships into what is now North Dundas. The goal of the Chamber today is to represent businesses in the area, and foster connections and networks amongst business owners. It encourages local businesses to source from other local businesses when possible. The Chamber is also there to represent business interests to municipal government, and provincial and federal when necessary. The organisation hosts events beneficial to the business community, including the upcoming Covid-19 Relief Program Update to be held on February 26 on Zoom. Joining the Chamber can bring visibility and credibility to your business, while providing a forum for making connections in the township and further afield.
The Chamber of Commerce has suffered under the pandemic. Membership was down 20% in 2020, compared to 2019. So far in 2021, membership is about half of what it was in 2019. The bulk of the work of the Chamber is done by volunteers, made up of local member business owners. Since March, 2020, when Covid-19 shut everything down, business owners have been working hard to try to pivot their businesses to meet demand within the restrictions imposed in response to the pandemic. Some of the business owners who were previously available to sit on the Chamber’s Board of Directors currently don’t have the time or resources. All businesses are welcome. Traditionally, Chambers of Commerce tend to represent bricks-and-mortar businesses, restaurants, agricultural businesses, travel agencies, or the trades; but Artisans and makers are more than welcome. The Chamber would like to see a representation of the many businesses in North Dundas, especially as they start opening up again.
In lieu of a Business Breakfast, the Chamber is presenting a “Bring Your Own Breakfast” Virtual Meeting. On Friday, February 26, the Chamber will present a Covid-19 Relief Program Update. The event runs from 8:30-10 am. Guest speakers are Andrew Seguin, Founder of Seguin Financial, and Doreen Ashton Wagner, Covid-19 Business Relief Advisor of the Cornwall & the Counties Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC). Register by emailing [email protected] by February 25.
