Who We Are
The Stouffville Chamber of Commerce is the most effective grassroots business association in town. Our membership consists of over 360 businesses in Stouffville and the surrounding area, representing thousands of employees.
Through the course of each year the Chamber runs many events for the benefit of our members. These include networking, business and education, as well as recognition events.
We advocate on behalf of business with all levels of government and, with our members, have the common goal of making Stouffville a better place to do business and a better place to live.
The Chamber is the Voice of Business in Stouffville
Much of advocacy work that the Chamber does is “behind-the-scenes”. For this reason, the Chamber is often working on issues for months or even years. We have an excellent working relationship with our elected officials and staff, and as a result, the Stouffville Chamber proudly boasts that it is a proactive, not reactive organization. We help to draft policy rather than simply criticize it.
Mission
At the Whitchurch-Stouffville Chamber of Commerce, we empower our member businesses by providing vital resources, facilitating networking events, and advocating as their influential voice, enabling an environment that promotes growth and success.
Vision
To be the first-choice business association for all companies in Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Purpose
The Whitchurch-Stouffville Chamber of Commerce exists to foster a robust business community, empowering business leaders and serving as a dynamic catalyst for success for businesses of all sizes within the Town.
As a member-based business association, our Chamber has three main goals:
History
The first Chamber of Commerce was created in Marseilles, France in the early 1600s. In Canada, Chambers pre-date Confederation with the Halifax Board of Trade opening its doors in 1750. The first American Chamber started in 1770 in New York City.
Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade are the most effective grassroots business association in the country. With 550 Chambers in Canada and 250 here in Ontario, every Federal and Provincial riding has a local Chamber of Commerce. That means all politicians, whether federal, provincial, regional or local, have a local Chamber to liaise with and answer to for business issues.
The Stouffville Chamber of Commerce was established in 1977 and has grown and evolved into a vibrant organization focused on business excellence and growth.