The Belleville Chamber of Commerce held its 162nd Annual General Meeting on April 30, 2026, at Aspira Quinte Gardens, bringing members together to review the organization’s 2025 financial position, reflect on a year of advocacy and transition, and elect the Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term.
Members approved the 2025 financial statements, which confirmed the Chamber remains in a healthy financial position following a year of transition; the shift away from coordinating City events was replaced by the delivery of Career Conversations as part of a pilot provincial initiative through Ontario Career Lab.
In her annual report, CEO Jill Raycroft highlighted the Chamber’s continued work to be the voice of business at all levels of government. The Belleville Chamber successfully advanced three policy resolutions at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce AGM, each receiving approval ratings of more than 96 per cent. These included resolutions related to standardizing Ontario Building Code interpretation, eliminating Section 7 of Regulation 851 related to Pre-Start Health and Safety Reviews, and restoring health care and housing systems through the “Returning from Crisis to Care” resolution.
The Chamber was also recognized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce with a Certificate of Achievement – Honourable Mention for its Hidden Costs of Community Safety advocacy campaign.
“The Chamber’s role is to bring forward the realities facing business and translate those concerns into practical policy solutions,” said Jill Raycroft, CEO of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce. “This past year has shown the strength of our members’ voices through the Government Affairs committee and our connection to multiple sectors as we continue to build relationships around advocacy. We enjoy the social aspects of our gatherings at mingles and breakfasts, but these events serve a greater purpose to help us hear what is happening on the ground.”
Secretary and Past-President, Chris Auger, presented the slate of directors, representing 10 returning members with the addition of two new members, for a total of 12. The bylaws require a minimum of 11 and up to 16 members.
Members elected the 2026–2027 Board of Directors by ordinary resolution and proceeded to the Executive appointments of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
The 2026-27 Executive is represented by Sandi Ramsay as President, Dean Tindale as Vice-President, Lisa Comerford as Secretary, and Heidi Nemish as Treasurer. All directors present participated as His Worship, Mayor Neil Ellis officiated the Board of Directors oath.
Members also approved new member applications by special resolution, welcoming 35 businesses and organizations that joined the Chamber between May 2025 and April 2026.
The AGM also marked the launch of the Chamber’s new website at www.bellevillechamber.ca, designed to create more opportunities for members to connect, participate, and share information. Updates to www.findlocalbelleville.ca, the Chamber’s interactive local directory map, are also planned.
The meeting concluded with the unveiling of the 2026 Partnership Banner, recognizing members who have invested in the Chamber’s “Here In Spirit Every Time” partnership opportunity.
