King Chamber launches new banner and Web site at breakfast session
By Bill Rea

Mayor Margaret Black joined members of the executive last Friday in unveiling the new banner of the King Chamber of Commerce.

The new King Chamber of Commerce is up and going, with an executive and even a new banner and Web site.

The Chamber held its first networking breakfast last Friday morning, where the members attending received pep talk from Scott McGammon, vice-president of communications and stakeholder relations for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

President Karl Davis greeted some 65 people, offering words of praise for the board of directors who have put the new chamber together. "I've never seen a group work so hard," he commented.

The King Chamber of Commerce (KCC) was formed Jan. 15, with the merger of the Nobleton Schomberg District Chamber of Commerce and the King Township Chamber of Commerce.

McGammon offered congratulations too, citing the accomplishment of merging the two bodies into "one single voice for business in King Township."

He stressed that Chambers play a vital role in their communities, acting as catalysts for action and unifiers of ideas.

Scott McGammon, vice-president of communications and stakeholder relations for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, delivered a pep talk to the new King Chamber.

McGammon said he has some 26 years experience with Chambers, both from the volunteer and staff sides.

"I commend you for what you've done," he declared. "I know the struggles and I know the opportunities that are ahead of you."

He also stressed the point of there being strength in numbers. "We join together to increase the volume of our voice," he commented, adding if an issue affects one, it probably affects the neighbours too.

A Chamber membership of some 300 means a couple of things, McGammon said. "This makes it a very compelling voice," he observed, adding the Ontario Chamber has a strong voice now because of all the members in its network.

There are some 60,000 businesses represented by about 160 Chambers all over the province, representing every political riding in Ontario. That means people and politicians listen. He added they try to make sure they provide solutions, not just complaints.

Chamber representatives have been able to gain access to the cabinet minister throughout the year, McGammon said. This year, the Chamber was consulted by David Ramsay, parliamentary assistant to premier Dalton McGuinty for input regarding the manufacturing sector. The Chamber sent surveys around to its various members, resulting in input that went to Mcguinty and Finance Minister Dwight Duncan.

"Do not undersell the influence you have of a wide variety of issues," McGammon urged the members, adding some groups like to lobby in the headlines, but the Ontario Chamber prefers to work behind the scenes to influence policy.

As well, he stated the Ontario Chamber needs the support and backing of the local bodies, through completing surveys and making sure they contribute to the input the provincial body offers.

McGammon also said he travels about the province a lot in the course of his job, and believes the message he receives from other Chambers is consistent. They might feel they are alone at times.

"You're not," he asserted, adding there are 160 Chambers in Ontario going through the same things, and 500 across Canada.