Overview:

We began 2011 on a difficult note with the challenge to re-build the Chamber after a somewhat difficult 2010.  The priorities were to regain our credibility, reverse our financial direction, correct operational issues, reverse the downward trend in membership and ensure that we met our commitments under the City of Belleville Tourism and Events Contract.  We ended 2011 on another difficult note with the passing of Bob Long. However, Bob’s passing should not detract from the significant advances made during the year.  Here is a brief summary of those accomplishments.

 Chamber Membership:

We ended 2011 with a total membership of 557 which represents a 3% growth rate reversing the downward trend we had seen in the 2 previous years.  Membership retention is at 90% which in my view is very desirable.  With the on-boarding of a new membership development coordinator and the continued support of a strong membership committee, I am confident we can accelerate that growth rate in 2012.

 Financials:

We expect to finish the year with a surplus of $7729.00 bettering our budgeted surplus of $6900.00 and increasing our cash reserves to over $70,000.  This was achieved through a conscious effort to manage costs while maintaining our revenue sources.  This marks a significant turn around from our 2010 loss of $28,900.  Of special note, we knowingly exceeded our spending estimate for the Waterfront and Ethnic Festival with the intent to demonstrate to the City our capacity to exceed their expectations with the contract.

 Tourism:

We made several changes in our approach to tourism.  Under the leadership of Ryan Williams, the Bay of Quinte Tourist Council is developing into the region’s tourism marketing arm.  Separately, the Cities of Belleville and Quinte West joined forces in a Premier Ranked tourism project.  The challenge now will be to leverage the learnings from this project into a collaborative approach with the Tourist Council. The Chamber has been and will continue to be an active participant in this initiative.  Additionally, we revamped the Log Cabin into a tourist information centre with a focus on Belleville and Bay of Quinte information.  We also provided internet access to visitors which is becoming a much in demand service.  We are developing our relationship with the City in showcasing the tourism products we have to offer.  We have expanded the Belleville Guide and created new pamphlets listing our accommodations, eateries and trails.  We expect to see tourism continue to grow as a strategic initiative for the city and our chamber members.

 City Events:

By all accounts the four city events we managed in 2011 (Easter Egg Hunt, Waterfront and Ethnic Festival, Fall Festival and Santa Claus Parade) met or exceeded the expectations of the City.  Waterfront attendance was up, the relocation of the Fall Festival to Downtown was successful, and the logistical issues with the Santa Claus Parade were resolved.  We will be negotiating the 2012 contract from a position of strength with a clearer picture on the financial implications these events have on the Chamber.

 Chamber Stature in the Community:

We made a conscious effort to rebuild the credibility and reputation of the Chamber in 2011.  The Government Affairs Committee was restructured to create a mechanism for our members to directly communicate their concerns and issues to us, forming the platform for Candidate debates and feedback to the City. We are now an active member of the BDIA, the Quinte Manufacturer’s Association, Bay of Quinte Tourist Council, the Quinte Business Achievement Awards & Small Business Week Committee and City of Belleville Transportation Committee.  We are regularly asked for the Chamber’s input and advice on a number of issues, including the Mayor’s Task Force on Downtown.  We also chose to attend the Ontario and Canadian Chamber conferences to build our knowledge of issues at that level.  We are now active with the Chamber Executives of Ontario and are working in a more collaborative way with the other Chambers in the area.