Given pandemic pressures, the rise of online commercial activity and local structural fatigue, a new model of business organization has found a home in Arnprior, with the formal arrival of the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce about a year ago.
Executive Director Kelly Hollihan made a presentation to Arnprior Town Council March 10th to tout the success of the initiative.
The name “Upper Ottawa Valley” may be an anachronism as the UOV Chamber has grown to represent 13 member municipalities across the breadth of the County- with the exception of the Renfrew and Horton Townships.
That expansion in Eastern Renfrew County to swallow the GACC has largely been a success, say Hollihan.
Member businesses can avail themselves of Policy and Advocacy Services, Discounts and Affinity Programs, Marketing and Networking opportunities as well as Education and Grant Programs.
Through advantaging itself of available staffing grants, the UOV Chamber has been able to offer local “pop up” offices, for example, promoting e-commerce opportunities.
Kelly Hollihan notes the membership of the Town of Arnprior, and the municipal Economic Development Officer functions in advisory capacity.
The UOV Chamber offers four signature events on an annual basis, one of which is the renown Business Excellence Awards Gala.
Kelly says the Arnprior Community has not been sluggish in embracing the availability of menu options.
She looks forward to the return of an Annual Mayor’s Breakfast, as well as after-hours events.
By Rick Stow