Chambers of commerce merge into one group

Merger spurred by pending retirements of two senior managers

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and the Lakefield-based Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism are planning to consolidate into a single, unified chamber to represent businesses across the city and county.

The decision to pursue a merger was recently approved unanimously by each chamber’s board of directors, pending a vote from their members in the fall.

“As the world begins to repair itself, it’s important more than ever that we share a common voice; a common ground together,” Jillian Harrington, president of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce board of directors, stated in a press release.

While the move to amalgamate the two chambers has been mulled in the past, the pending exit of two senior managers presented an opportunity to move ahead with a fresh, shared vision, according to Sherry Boyce-Found, general manager of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

Boyce-Found is planning to retire at the end of the year after serving as general manager for 13 years. The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s president and CEO Stuart Harrison will retire next year after 19 years at the helm.

“The stars aligned. It just

seems like a really good time to think of a new vision for how chamber services can be delivered in the area,” Boyce-Found said.

By joining forces, the chambers say they’ll have strength in numbers — a larger voice that combines the expertise of their respective organizations, and a stronger influence with municipal, provincial and federal levels of government.

A merger will also give members access to a wider range of services, increasing their exposure through social media channels, marketing and advertising, sponsorship and events and new partnerships and collaborations, according to the joint press release.

Improved business fundamentals and a stronger financial footing are additional advantages to the planned consolidation, the chambers say.

If the two chambers merge, a consolidated organization will represent 1,130 businesses — the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce currently represents 830 businesses, while the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism has 300 members.

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s office in Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism in Lakefield will remain open post-merger. The consolidated chamber would have nine full-time staff members.

By consolidating, BoyceFound said businesses will benefit from the combined strengths of both chambers.

“We have tended to focus on municipal-level advocacy work whereas the Peterborough chamber has been able to take a more hands-on approach at the provincial and federal levels. We can come forward now as a combined voice to benefit all businesses,” Boyce-Found said.

Boyce-Found said preserving local identity is a main priority as the chambers pursue a consolidation.

“Whether we are putting on a network event or lobbying city or county council, there is strength in numbers. This is one marketplace and we are committed to strengthening businesses in the entire County,” said Harrison.

“In the end, it’s an opportunity to put a fresh face on a fresh organization,” he said.

So far, Harrison said he’s received positive feedback on the proposed consolidation of chambers from members.

The chambers will hold an information session in September to give members the opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns. The proposed consolidation will then go to a members vote in late September or early October, Harrison said.