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Communications

2025 Annual Report

From weekly printed newsletters and personal outreach in the early days to today’s digital platforms, our evolution reflects the changing needs of our members while staying true to our purpose: being a trusted source of information and a strong voice for business. This year, we continued to strengthen that legacy by enhancing our online presence, refining our brand, and creating new ways to share stories that matter. As we celebrate our history, we remain committed to helping members amplify their message and navigate an ever-changing digital landscape—because clear, effective communication will always be the foundation of a thriving business community.

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Connecting with our Business Community

2025 Business Research Surveys
Businesses Visited
/10
Average Rating - How Likely to Refer the Chamber
Proposed Strategic Focus Areas

Workforce Development & Staffing Support:

  • Launch a Chamber Talent Hub: A centralized job board or matchmaking service for Chamber members.
  • Partner with schools and training programs to promote internships, apprenticeships, and youth employment.
  • Promote HR workshops on recruitment, retention, and onboarding best practices.

 

Marketing & Visibility Support:

  • Offer social media training, content creation support, and discounted marketing services.
  • Create a “Local Business Spotlight” campaign across Chamber channels.
  • Develop a Marketing Resource Toolkit for members.

 

Advocacy & Municipal Engagement:

  • Host quarterly town halls with city officials and Chamber members.
  • Increase visibility around Chamber wins in advocacy to build trust and awareness.

 

Enhanced Member Benefits & Awareness:

  • Send quarterly benefit summaries to members.
  • Host Member Orientation Sessions for new and existing members on member services and value added programs

 

Community & Sector-Specific Networking:

  • Expand events to underserved areas (e.g., North side, Brooks).
  • Create sector-specific meetups (e.g., retail, nonprofit, trades).
  • Launch a Mentorship Circle program for peer-to-peer support.
What’s Going Well
  • Strong Customer Base: Many businesses report consistent or growing customer traffic, repeat clients, and community support.
  • Sales & Growth: Several businesses noted increased sales, successful events, and positive community engagement.
  • Staffing Successes: Some businesses have good staff retention and access to skilled workers.
  • Chamber Benefits: Group benefits, insurance discounts, and trade show participation are appreciated.
Challenges & Pain Points
  • Staffing Shortages: Difficulty finding qualified or reliable staff is a recurring issue.
  • Economic Uncertainty: Tariffs, inflation, and government policies (especially federal and provincial) are impacting costs and consumer confidence.
  • Crime & Safety: Rising theft, vandalism, and homelessness are affecting business operations and customer experience.
  • Marketing & Visibility: Many businesses struggle with advertising, social media engagement, and getting foot traffic.
  • Downtown Construction: Ongoing construction is cited as a major disruption, especially for downtown businesses.

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