Peterborough Chamber honoured at National Convention

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce was given two awards on the weekend at the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada, held in Regina Saskatchewan.

​On Friday night Chamber Policy Analyst and Communication Specialist Sandra Dueck was awarded the Employee of the Year award. The award is presented annually at the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada awards dinner. Sandra was recognized for the work she has done to help the Peterborough Chamber amplify issues of importance to business at all three levels of Government. Sandra generates a newspaper column and a three minute television feature every week, covering business issues. The content is then shared widely via the Chambers social media channels. Sandra is also the Co-Chair of the Ontario Caucus, and thus helps lead the policy debate at the AGM, which establishes the advocacy priorities for the Canadian Chamber network for the next year.

Chamber President and CEO Stu Harrison said “Sandra is part of a high performance team at the Peterborough Chamber and we are very proud of her accomplishment!” Sandra Dueck said “All staff members at the Chamber are important contributors to the fundamental work we do, which is strengthening the business community”.

On Saturday Stuart Harrison and Manager of Membership Services Karen August made a presentation to a packed room of Chamber staff and volunteers from across the Country as one of three finalists in the annual Chamber Competition. The Calgary Chamber was awarded Gold, Peterborough Silver, and Burnaby Bronze.

Harrison explained “Each year the Canadian Chamber chooses a different theme for this competition. This year the theme was “Membership in the age of Google” and we were chosen for the strategy and techniques we employ to communicate the business message to both our members and the public at large”. Harrison and August delivered a seven minute presentation which showcased how the Peterborough Chamber has rebranded with the focus on Strengthening Business and increased its efforts to help its members grow.

An accompanying video, compiled by Chamber staff over the last few weeks served as a background for a fast-paced presentation highlighting everything from:
-    The new Power Hour event, featuring all four locally elected leaders
-    The new Business Summit, focussed on professional development
-    The award-winning monthly Peterborough Business Exchange – PBX
-    The creation of the Holistic Group
To the Chambers advocacy efforts including:
-    The Voice of Business newspaper column
-    The Business911 television feature
-    Curated content from the Ontario and Canadian Chamber Policy staff
-    Political round tables
-    The Government Affairs Committee and the Policy Committee
-    The #TeamPtbo brand
To the multi platform techniques the Chamber uses to communicate with its members
-    Chamber Website
-    Main stream media
-    Social media (Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram
-    Member Milestones, The Business Beat, New Member Profiles, Walkie Talkie Teleki videos
-    Re-posting and sharing rich content from our members

Harrison said “We are trying to be intentional with everything we do. All of our efforts should have a direct benefit for our members.” Karen August added “The opportunity to present to our peers from coast to coast was also an opportunity for us to clarify our own goals as a key member of the Peterborough business community.”

​Jim Hill, incoming Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors is attending his first Canadian Chamber AGM. He said “You couldn’t have explained this to me... The creation of an annual advocacy agenda is extremely robust and includes input from across the Country. To be here and witness the high regard in which the Peterborough Chamber and Staff is held is very gratifying. The Peterborough business community is being well served by our Chamber.”

Contact:
Stu Harrison, President and CEO
Email stuart@peterboroughchamber.ca
Cell 705-760-2060

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