The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 130 years in operation in 2019.
A non-profit organization funded by its members, the chamber is considered the “voice of business” for the community.
Its goals include advocating on behalf of members, educating members on issues that impact their businesses, networking with other agencies that impact business locally, and providing services to encourage business growth and success.
The chamber can trace its origins back to 1887, when the first Canadian Pacific Railway reached the city, and a group of businessmen formed an organization dedicated to community welfare and development.
Two years of economic prosperity followed and, on June 25, 1889, a group of 40 local businessmen formed the Sault Ste. Marie Board of Trade, which continues today as the Chamber of Commerce.
To celebrate the milestone, the chamber is holding a special anniversary luncheon on June 25, with guest speakers Mike McQuade, CEO of Algoma Steel, and Trevor McPherson, vice-president of member services for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber is also launching a new website shortly.
