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Membership FAQ

What is a Chamber of Commerce?

A Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade is a non-profit, action oriented organization designed to meet the needs of its business members and the community. It is a voluntary organization of progressive individuals and businesses that work together to advance the commercial, financial, industrial, and civic interests of a community.

Please click on subsequent panels to view the answer to each question.

What does a Chamber do?

The Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst — a common vehicle mobilizing enlightened members from all segments of the business community to work together for the common good of the total community. With the aim of achieving economic success, staff, volunteers and business people strive to keep their area’s economic conditions at a level where businesses and residents willingly and enthusiastically risk their capital in their community in the hope of making a profit. Everything else the Chamber does – events, mixers, fundraisers, and meetings – is a means to an end.

Who funds the Chamber?

The Greater Arnprior Chamber of Commerce is funded by the membership along with the assistance of fundraising activities.

Who runs the Chamber?

A Board of Directors, volunteers elected by Chamber members, sets the policies and goals of the organization. It is the responsibility of the Board and the membership to ensure these policies and goals are met.

What do volunteers do?

Volunteers provide the ideas, the drive, the goals, the funds and the voluntary services to keep the Chamber of Commerce motivated and operating.

What is the benefit of membership?

The major benefit of membership is the Chamber of Commerce acts as the unified voice to the areas of businesses, including industry and professional firms. Chambers of Commerce also provide their members with value-added programs available only to members (i.e., comprehensive group insurance and shipping discounts, to name a few). The savings from these programs often offset the cost of membership. Strong membership involvement in its activities will increase the impact and effectiveness of the organization. Chamber of Commerce membership is an investment in the present and future of the individual’s and the community’s welfare.

What is the benefit of a Chamber to the community?

In any community, it is from the profitable operation of business that all other benefits result. Only by succeeding in this fundamental goal can a community provide the jobs and produce the wealth to finance all of the cultural, charitable and various other needs a community is faced with every day. Greater Arnprior Chamber of Commerce has always stood for promoting business; monitoring municipal, provincial and federal governments; and championing managed growth in local economy. By investing in your Chamber, you invest in your own prosperity — both as a business person and as a member of the community.

Are Chamber members all large well-established companies?

Our Chamber has over 100 member companies that employ over 2000 employees, these companies represent a wide variety of businesses sizes from large companies to home based businesses.

Why should I become a Chamber member?

Your chamber of commerce represents the community and its businesses – tirelessly promoting your products and services and protecting your interests. The united voice of Greater Arnprior Chamber of Commerce has proven to be effective and beneficial to businesses and residents of our community.

How much does it cost to become a member?

The dues for a membership is $175.00 annually.

How can I take advantage of the Chamber’s membership benefits?

To take advantage of the many benefits offered by the chamber, simply ensure that your company has an active membership. If you have any questions regarding your membership status or if you would like to take advantage of further chamber benefits, please contact a chamber representative by telephone at 613-623-6817 or by email at info@gacc.ca.

How can I use the Chamber for establishing business leads & contacts?

You can expand your business network simply by attending chamber events. The networking events we establish provide you with the opportunity to develop business relationships with individuals and companies that may require your products or services.

How can I stay informed on what’s happening at the Chamber?

The chamber uses a wide variety of media to ensure that our members are up to date on the many issues concerning business and the community. We utilize our monthly newsletter, our Facebook and Twitter accounts and our website.

How can I assist with the development of Chamber activities and programs?

If you would like to volunteer for the chamber, please contact the office at 613-623-6817 or email info@gacc.ca.  We could always use more help when preparing for our larger events throughout the year.

How do I update my Chamber listing on the Chamber’s internet site?

To update your chamber listing, please contact our office.

Have other questions regarding membership?

If you have further inquiries regarding membership, please contact the Greater Arnprior Chamber of Commerce via email at info@gacc.ca or phone at 613-623-6817.

Thanks to Bruce Bidgood for providing the photograph on this page.