Since its inception in 1864, the Belleville Chamber of Commerce gathers to welcome our incoming Chamber President at the Annual President's Dinner.
After many years of incorporating the formalities of the Annual General Meeting and keynote speakers, the Cornerstone Awards were incorporated to celebrate members for their Vision, Founder, Citizenship and Mentorship; sharing the real-life stories of the people who've helped build our community are a true inspiration.

Every year is different and the incoming President has the option of choosing a theme.  In 2026, we welcome the Ontario Career Lab as our theme partner, capturing the enthusiasm of our career coaches and reflecting the every day priority of our incoming President, Sandi Ramsay, CEO, Centre for Workforce Development. 

In a "high school yearbook flashback", guests were encouraged to think back to "what they wanted to be when they grew up" and let us guess by their dress what those dreams might have been, or come in their every day work wear.  

Enjoy this video featuring the presentation and acceptance of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award with Peter Kempenaar.

The Cornerstone awards recognize members who have exemplified citizenship, founding, mentoring and vision and helped our community prosper.
The COMMUNITY PARTNER award is presented to a person or organization that has been a valued partner with Chamber initiatives and they receive the honorary "Key to the Cabin".
The VISIONARY award is presented to a Chamber member who has seen an opportunity to revive or create something unique or unprecedented.
The FOUNDER award is presented to a Chamber member who has built a business from its beginning or expanded an existing business that enhances the reputation of Belleville as a place where business can come to grow.
The CITIZENSHIP award is presented to a Chamber member who has embraced the spirit of the community by their selfless acts and support to causes that improve the lives of Belleville’s citizens.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a person who could be recognized for their Cornerstone attributes as a culminating acknowledgement of how they have contributed to Belleville (and beyond).

Each September, the Belleville Chamber of Commerce tees off for one of the most popular days on our events calendar: the Annual Golf Tournament! 

The tournament is more than just a round of golf. It's a celebration of the community spirit that makes Belleville such a great place to do business, while also giving back to our community. In recent years, the tournament has partnered with a non-profit member turning a great day on the links into an opportunity to make a real difference.

This tournament has a history of selling out, so we encourage early registration!
Golfers enjoy a full day of fun with pre-game socializing, lunch, on-course activations and contests for golfers of all skill levels followed by dinner including prizes, raffle draws, silent and live auction competitions and a great swag bag to take home.

Don't golf? Join us for dinner and enjoy the post-game fun!
And you can always volunteer...

This beloved tradition brings together Chamber members, local businesses, and the broader Belleville community for a day of friendly competition, great food, and meaningful connections.

Each October, the BCC is proud to join its regional partners: the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce and the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce — in celebrating Small Business Week across the Bay of Quinte region! All events except for the Quinte Business Achievement Awards Gala event are FREE to Chamber Members!

Together, the three chambers coordinate a week-long series of events, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs and small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy. The week is open to the entire regional business community and offers something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned business owner, just starting out, or simply looking to connect with others who share your drive.

One of the most popular events of Small Business Week is the Belleville Chamber's own "Not a Trade Show" Business Expo.  Rather than a traditional trade show format, this unique event gives business owners the opportunity to deliver a three-minute pitch about their business to a room full of peers, followed by dedicated networking time.

New rounds begin on the hour throughout the day. I's a fast-paced, energetic, and genuinely fun way to get your name out there and to discover what your fellow business owners are up to.

The recorded sessions are now available from YourTV, shared on our BCC YouTube Channel, and select segments even air on television!
With many thanks to our sponsors for making this day possible - 
SaveOnEnergy - Elexicon, Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board, Belleville IQ, Centre for Workforce Development, PoQ (Pentecostals of Quinte)