Saint John, NB. In a renewed spirit of regional
collaboration, four of the Saint John region’s most dynamic business networks
are working together to explore how they can enhance the value offered to their
business members.
Representatives from the volunteer Boards of Directors from
of the KV Chamber of Commerce, the River Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Saint
John Board of Trade and the Saint John West Business Association have begun the
process of exploring formalized partnership opportunities. The vision is to
enhance the value provided to members by becoming a stronger unified voice for
business in the Saint John region.
“There is opportunity for our region’s business associations
to more naturally reflect how our members live, work and grow their businesses.
They are not confined by municipal boundaries, so why should we?” says Eric
Poirier, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade. “Our vision is for Greater
Saint John to be the best place in Canada to set up, run and grow a business…
period. Working more closely with our sister chambers is an important step in
making that vision a reality.”
Together, the four associations serve the needs of around
1,000 member businesses employing 35,000 people across Southern New Brunswick.
“The new regional approach has the potential to harnesses the power, expertise
and creativity of this expanded membership network,” explains Jennifer Higgins,
the President of the KV Chamber of Commerce. “We acknowledge that we need a
strong urban economy for the entire region to be successful. Together, we are
stronger!”
A Task Force to examine the opportunity was formed. Made up
of executive committee members from each of the organizations, their mandate
was to explore how collaboration can further strengthen business opportunities
and the influence of the network. Danny Harrigan, President of the River Valley
Chamber of Commerce says he’s been pleased with the collaborative sprit
exhibited, “It’s been a good, frank process. While each of us have continued to
advocate on behalf of our members, we’re increasingly realizing that our
members’ interests are best served through one stronger, bigger
association.”
In addition to looking at such things as partnering on
events, pooling resources, enhancing marketing exposure, streamlining
memberships, aligning key member priorities and overall strengthening of the
network, the Task Force will explore how membership value could be enhanced by:
1.
Expanding the networking opportunities to 1,000 strong while dramatically
improving promotional exposure through an integrated, mobile, online member
directory;
2.
Further reducing business risk for members by enhancing advocacy efforts as one
of the largest and most powerful member‐based business associations across New
Brunswick, while at the same time increasing educational opportunities for all
members; and
3.
Providing members with more opportunities to save money through group insurance
and an expanded and better promoted member‐to‐member benefits program.
Bill Shannon, President of the Saint John West Business
Association says, “Right now we’re focused on hearing from our members and
what’s important to them. Through the process, we will continue to get input
from our members and other key stakeholders. This vital consultation process
will help guide any final recommendations.”
Members have been invited to provide their thoughts and
ideas by Monday, August 26.
David A. Duplisea
Executive DirectorSaint John Board of Trade
Direct: 506-634-4157
Cell: 506-343-0050
