The Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce has been serving the needs of the business community in the Chester & Area area since 1935 ( previoulsy know as the Chester Board of Trade). We are a non-profit, non-government organization with 200 plus members comprised of businesses, professionals and community groups/associations who have joined together for the purpose of promoting the Community, Business and Tourism interests of our community.
Rural business operators face significantly more challenges then their urban counterparts. Becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce demonstrates an understanding of the value of working together for the common good. Membership shows that people working together can address their concerns.
The Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce encompasses a large service area composed of the following communities in the Municipality of the District of Chester: Hubbard’s, Fox Point, Mill Cove, Northwest Cove, Aspotogan, Bayswater, Blandford, Deep Cove, East River, East Chester, Chester, Marriott’s Cove, Middle River, Windsor Rd., Canaan, Sherwood, Chester Basin, Chester Grant, Seffernville, New Ross, Forties, Beech Hill, Gold River, Western Shore, Martin’s River and Martin’s Point.
Statement of Purpose
“The Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce fosters a climate encouraging economic development, growth and prosperity; promoting a lifestyle that attracts people to live and work in our communities.”
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 is a means to an end (events, mixers, fundraisers, and meetings).
WHO FUNDS THE CHAMBER?
The Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce is funded by the membership along with the assistance of fundraising activities and some government programs. The chamber has received some assistance from the municipality for projects such as the development of this new web site and tourist brochures. We have also in the past received from Provincial assistance programs support for summer students at the VIC
WHO RUNS THE CHAMBER?
A Board of Directors, elected by the Chamber of Commerce’s members, runs the organization. The Board, serving as volunteers, sets the policies and goals of the organization. It is the responsibility of the President to ensure these policies and goals are met. The Chester Chamber of Commerce maintains and operates the local Visitor Information Centre and has two staff members.
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 (ie. merchant rates; comprehensive group insurance; gas 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 individuals 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.
AFFILIATIONS:
* Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce
* Nova Scotia Chamber of Commerce
* N. S. Economic Development & Tourism
* Tourism Industry Association of N.S.
* Destination South West Nova
* Bluenose Coast
If you are interested in joining The Chester Municiipal Chamber of Commerce you can find out more information by emailing us or if you wish to join, simply fill out our Membership Application Form
