What does a Chamber of Commerce do? Serves as the front door of the community – providing information to visitors, residents and businesses on a daily basis Promote local businesses Represent business on business-related issues Sponsor local business events The goal of the Chamber is to achieve economic success, striving to keep Belleville’s economic conditions at a level where businesses and residents willingly and enthusiastically risk their capital in their community in the hope of making a profit. Develop and organize programs and services, which assist to make Belleville a better place in which to live, work, and play.

How is it funded? The Chamber of Commerce is funded almost exclusively by the membership but also with the assistance of fundraising activities. There are approximately 620 members currently; it is expected to be at 640 by the end of the year (7% increase over last year) The membership fee depends on the size of the business. The Chamber also contracts its services out to the city in two ways: - Visitor Information Services - Run three events: Waterfront Festival, Fall Harvest Festival, Santa Clause Parade

Why does the Chamber matter? In any community, it is from the profitable operation of business that all other benefits result. Only by succeeding in this fundamental goal can a community provide the jobs and produce the wealth to finance all of the cultural, charitable and various other needs a community is faced with every day. In simple terms – Belleville is what it is today because the Chamber has been fueling its economy for 150 years (originated approx. 1864). The Chamber is central to a city’s success. It is the heart of the city, so to speak. President Mitch Panciuk again:

Chamber of Commerce in the News Most recently in the news on August 15 th when the Belleville Intelligencer reported that Jim Treviling of CBC’s ‘The Dragon Den’ would pay a visit to the area on Sept 6 at the Belleville Chamber of Commerce lunch. On July 23 rd, Colin McKay of the Intelligencer said: “The Belleville District Chamber of Commerce’s (BDCC) organization should be commended for doing an excellent job of promoting, organizing, and running family events. The BDCC has become an active public participant for the citizens of Belleville. At the same time they have delved quietly, lobbying behind the scenes, into the political arena to become the voice of business.”

Contact the BCC Bill Saunders: CEO ( ext. 4) Luc Fournier: Membership Development Coordinator ( ext. 2) Rosi Ouellette: Visitors Information Services Coordinator ( ext. 1) Mitch Panciuk: President of BDCC & Owner/Operator of Boston Pizza Belleville ( )