The members of the Board of Directors of the Orléans Chamber of Commerce would like to wish all our members, east-end businesses, community organizations, neighbours, friends and families a Happy New Year. As we prepare for another exciting and productive year, we would like to highlight some of the major successes of the Orléans Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and outline several of the key activities planned for 2018.
In 2017, the Orléans Chamber of Commerce grew by over 40 percent and we now have nearly 240 members effective December 31, 2017. This is primarily due to a very active Board, engaged committee members, strong support from our operations manager and a renewed sense of partnership with other Chambers of Commerce. As a region, our residents and businesses also benefited from the steadfast support and advocacy efforts of all our east end political representatives.
One of the most exciting developments of 2017 for the east end was the confirmation of funding from all levels of government for the construction of Light Rail Transit to Trim Road by 2022/2023. It is no understatement to say that this is a game changer for our community and we are looking forward to reaping many rewards including residential intensification, reduced commute times and more businesses in Orléans and east Ottawa.
In 2017 the Orléans Chamber of Commerce:
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Reached our financial sustainability goal, putting our Chamber on solid financial footing, well-positioned to best serve our current and prospective members.
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Became the first Chamber of Commerce in Ottawa to develop a business and urban planning information database that is now serving as a concrete tool for marketing and outreach to new businesses looking to locate in Orléans/east Ottawa or assist existing area businesses seeking to expand.
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Launched our first professional marketing campaign – Innovative Orléans for Your Business – which reached over 150,000 people. It promoted the diversity of companies present in our community, highlighted our exceptional quality of life and was a valuable tool to attract new businesses.
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Held another very successful annual Business Excellence Awards Gala and our annual Golf Tournament at Anderson Links.
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Showcased innovative area businesses at the 2nd Annual Orléans Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Symposium.
In 2018, we will build on the successes of 2017 through a variety of initiatives to engage and support our members, including:
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Monthly Business Networking Breakfasts at Camelot Golf Course
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Biannual new member appreciation dinners at Host India Restaurant
- 2018 Business Excellence Awards Rising Stars at the Hotel Lac-Leamy, with thanks to title sponsor Pro/Com Realty Corp.
- Launch of our new marketing campaign, Orléans for Your Business
- Annual golf tournament, economic symposium and Christmas party, events which help our members connect, share ideas and participate in shaping the future of east Ottawa economic development.
With an ever-increasing array of businesses and services in our community, we continually have more to offer to the residents of Orléans and our east-end neighbours. Ours is a highly educated, active community which shares in the Chamber’s excitement over new initiatives. One example is the Ski Heritage East Trail, which we were keen to see launched. We share in the community’s gratitude to the volunteer and local leadership who made this possible.
The greatest strengths of our Chamber of Commerce mirror those of the community we serve. We are friendly, helpful, welcoming and offer personal connections, a strong Francophone element and a small town feel. Our commitment to doing things differently and working both with and for our members and the residents of Orléans/East Ottawa are among the reasons we are growing and helping each other prosper.
We will be glad to share details about upcoming business activities, help you register for upcoming events and let you know about our professional development opportunities.
We look forward to continuing to support the Orléans and east Ottawa business community in 2018.
To learn more about the Orléans Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.orleanschamber.ca, email contact@Orléans.chamber.ca, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @OrléansChamber or call us at 613-824-9137.
