The Renfrew and Area Chamber of Commerce's 2025 board of directors (several missing) at their spring AGM. (Sherry Haaima photo)
Unlike other local corporate bodies that have transitioned through merger, 125 years later, the Renfrew & Area Chamber of Commerce is still going strong.
As its members get ready to celebrate the milestone at their upcoming annual general meeting, Chamber President Keith Gourley believes the anniversary demonstrates the strength and resilience of the community, shaped in part by the advocacy, education, and networking they provide as the voice of local business.
Finding more ways to build engagement has become especially important to the Chamber as the community rediscovers the many services and businesses across the region, including its members in Adamaston/Bromley, Greater Madawaska, and Horton.
Gourley says the struggles everyone faced during the pandemic made it easier for people to forget just how many options residents can find just a short trip from their doorstep.
Looking ahead, Gourley says that strong growth the chamber has enjoyed over the past few years is proof of how well their members have been able to handle the growing economic uncertainty being felt locally and globally.
How the Chamber continues to grow will be a major talking point as members get ready for what’s next at their networking breakfast and annual general meeting at the Renfrew Golf Club on Tuesday, March 24th.
Attendees will also hear from guest speaker Jennifer Layman from the Forward Thinking Marketing Company, who will give a keynote speech on how you can learn from your competitors to build your business.
Tickets are $30 for members and $35 for non-members, available through the chamber’s website.
(written by Kasey Egan)
GOURLEY: GOO’R-lee