Community Bank Darling Square’s Post

🚀 Exciting News: The Whitchurch-Stouffville Chamber of Commerce is now the Greater Stouffville Chamber 🌟 I am thrilled to announce a transformative new chapter for the Chamber as it proudly unveils a revitalized identity: the Greater Stouffville Chamber with our empowering new tagline, "Unlock Greatness." 🎉 This is now my sixth corporate rebranding across the for-profit, academic, and non-profit sectors and it never grows old. This specific journey began when the Chamber’s board set out to elevate the Chamber, enhancing its prominence, and raising the bar for the business community. Conversations with Mayor Iain Lovatt and passionate local business owners fueled this transformation, all sharing a vision of a thriving future for the Stouffville region and the pivotal role the Chamber must play. The new name signifies more than just growth and expansion; it embodies a commitment to fostering excellence and innovation. The Greater Stouffville Chamber is a Chamber of Connections, Impact, and Opportunity, dedicated to supporting the greatness within our community. 🌟 The modern, inclusive logo reflects the vibrant diversity of businesses it serves. With the multi-coloured spokes of different sizes in the logo’s wheel representing Whitchurch-Stouffville's hamlets, it also showcases the Chamber’s diverse membership - from small businesses to global enterprises across a myriad of sectors. This new visual identity is a perfect blend of professionalism and approachability, ready to forge smart connections and unlock greatness! 🔗 As the Chamber transitions to its new brand, there is an excitement about the opportunities this change brings to support, connect, and grow its membership. 🎥 Watch the brand video below to see the Chanber’s vision and community spirit in action and check out its new website at https://lnkd.in/gMGkwTKJ 🌐 This transformation is more than a name change; it's a commitment to unlock the untapped potential within the Greater Stouffville region. Whether you're a longtime member or just joining, your role is crucial as the Chamber embraces this new era. Together, you’ll embrace the community and achieve incredible accomplishments! 🌟 Here's to unlocking greatness in the Stouffville region and a bright future filled with opportunities! 🌟 #UnlockGreatness #GreaterStouffvilleChamber #Innovation #CommunityGrowth #BusinessExcellence Trajectory Brands Inc. Addison Marketing Solutions

What better way to celebrate chamber of commerce month than to support your local chamber! How do you do that exactly? Here are 6 ways that you can contribute to connecting business, community, and education! #chamberofcommerce #Chamberofcommercemonth #supportlocalbusiness

How the Kirkwood-Des Peres Chamber of Commerce Supports Local Businesses | Interview with Chris Ley In this insightful interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Chris Ley, Executive Director of the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce. We explored the vital role the Chamber plays in fostering a thriving local business community. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or simply curious about how chambers operate, this discussion offers a deep dive into the value of connection, collaboration, and community support in the Kirkwood-Des Peres area. Key Highlights: ✅ Networking Opportunities: The Chamber creates a space for businesses to form meaningful connections. From monthly networking events to special initiatives, local professionals benefit from opportunities that drive growth. The Chamber also supports businesses in Warson Woods, Glendale, and Oakland, extending its impact beyond Kirkwood and Des Peres. ✅ Community Engagement: Acting as a bridge between businesses and the community, the Chamber organizes impactful events like festivals, parades, and community projects, helping businesses integrate and contribute to the area’s vibrant culture. ✅ Chris Ley’s Passion for Community Building: Chris shares how the Chamber is more than an organization—it’s a community. By joining, businesses become part of a collective mission to strengthen the local economy and make the Kirkwood-Des Peres area a great place to live, work, and grow. If you’re a business owner in the area, or interested in connecting with the local community, this interview is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Watch the full video to discover how the Kirkwood-Des Peres Chamber of Commerce can help you achieve your business goals! 💡 What’s your favorite way to connect with your local Chamber? Share in the comments! Follow me for more insights on local businesses, real estate tips, and community highlights! Kirkwood - Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce #ChamberOfCommerce #KirkwoodDesPeres #LocalBusinessGrowth #NetworkingOpportunities #SupportLocalBusiness #CommunityEngagement #EntrepreneurshipJourney #SmallBusinessTips #BusinessCommunity #LeadershipMatters

Chambers of Commerce are more than just networking groups—they’re powerful drivers of local growth. A recent report by Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and The Harris Poll highlights their impact: ✅ Driving Local Economic Growth (West South-Central): 51% of people in the region say their local chamber helps attract visitors, boosting local businesses. Additionally, 47% view their chamber as a key player in workforce development, connecting talent with job opportunities. ✅ Building Trust in Local Businesses (West South-Central): 17% of people say chamber membership dramatically improves their perception of a business—this is the highest rate in the country. ✅ Supporting Business Success: Nationally, 65% of business owners say their chamber advocates for policies that benefit them, while 62% credit their chamber with helping their business grow. More highlights on the report: https://bit.ly/4eJsAz0

Spotlight On: Bill Russell, CCE, IOM, President & CEO, LAKE NORMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 3 min read April 2024 — In an interview with #Invest:, Bill Russell, president and CEO of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, talked about the #events and tools it offers to support its members. He also shared the initiatives that the #chamber has implemented to support female and minority #business owners and the advantages that #NorthCarolina offers compared to other states with #tax disadvantages and more stringent business regulations. READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/eaXYkW_X

Did you know that August is #NationalBlackBusinessMonth? Yep! Here in the Atlanta area, about 20% of the businesses are Black-owned. "Metro Atlanta is the nation’s hub for Black-owned businesses, with the highest proportion of Black-owned businesses than any other metro in the country." What can you do to show your support to Black-owned businesses this month and beyond? It's simple- show up and shop, eat, drink, play, and appreciate these establishments. Not sure what Black-owned businesses are in your area? A quick Google search will help in identifying several different establishments that you can support.

Today, October 16th, is Support Your Chamber of Commerce Day! When local businesses succeed, the entire community benefits. Take a moment to recognize the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce's efforts in supporting businesses, creating jobs and building a stronger economy. What is your favorite event or program hosted by the Castle Rock Chamber? Share your story below and inspire others. #ChamberStrong #SupportLocal #CastleRock #DouglasCounty #SmallBusinessLeaders #SmallBusiness #CastleRockChamber

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is more than just a network of businesses—it’s a vital partner in shaping a thriving, resilient, and prosperous community. By connecting local businesses, advocating for our unique region, and driving meaningful progress, the Chamber plays an essential role in fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in the Santa Maria Valley. The impact of the Chamber extends beyond businesses—it benefits the entire Santa Maria Valley community. By strengthening local businesses, the Chamber fuels job creation, attracts investment, and promotes tourism, all while preserving the charm and character that make the Santa Maria Valley special. As a member of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, your business will gain access to: • Targeted Networking Opportunities: Build meaningful connections with other local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. • Advocacy for Our Region: A strong, united voice on key issues affecting the Santa Maria Valley’s economic health and future. • Business Resources: Workshops, marketing tools, and access to insights that can take your business to the next level. • Community Engagement: Opportunities to be part of initiatives that directly benefit the Santa Maria Valley. • Increased Credibility: Membership signals your commitment to the community and boosts your reputation among customers and partners. Becoming a member of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is more than a business decision—it’s an investment in the future of our region. Together, we can strengthen the Santa Maria Valley, support local businesses, and create a community where both businesses and residents can thrive. If you’re ready to make an impact, reach out to the Santa Maria Valley Chamber today. Let’s grow and thrive together! #SantaMariaValley #ChamberOfCommerce #LocalBusiness #CommunityImpact #BusinessGrowth

What can I say about Bruce that won't sound like a sterilized "professional respect" post?! Well, let me lean into a more personal perspective. I've known Bruce for a long time. I can't even remember when we met, but I know he's MC'd, facilitated and hosted more conference sessions and events I've attended than I can count. He's always been one of the most skilled, smooth and most at ease in the role, front-of-house personalities I've worked with. ...and that voice is like butter! 😅 He's a real pro. None of these many experiences really speak to why I'm so fond of him, however, that's best captured in a 2 part, more recent story. When I was going through the hiring process for my role at the South Island Prosperity Partnership Bruce was part of the team that I presented to as the last step. As a bit of context, when I walked into the room to do my presentation, I was a bit taken aback by the size of the group, and particularly that Bruce was there. Presenting to a group is never easy, even for someone like me who has done it so many times... and the additional pressure of this being the final step of an interview, for a leadership role, THE leadership role, at an organization and with a team I'd fallen hard for through the (lengthy) hiring process, and realizing that my slide show was on a different computer than the one I came with, and without my slide notes, and now Bruce is there?! Gah! Nerves. The presentation went well - I suppose, I got the job right?! Even though it wasn't a banger by my high standards, it was pretty solid. Phew! I survived the anxiety and I know I usually shine brightest in a free flowing discussion. Time for the post presentation Q&A session. All going well, I'm killing it... and then it comes to Bruce's turn to ask a question. He says, "Explain SIPP to a 6th grade class". Uhhh... errrr... I reframed the question into an answer about tailoring your message to your audience and deked my way through a stilted, if not completely clumsy answer... but I felt good about it and he seemed to accept it as satisfactory. Sidenote, I thought about it all the way home after, and texted him a more thoughtful response about neighbours from all professions and walks of life coming together to build a better neighbourhood together. That felt better. Phew! ...but that's not the story here, just some colour and context. The story here is how he's treated me since I arrived south of the Malahat. ...away from the place and people who have been my home for over 2 decades, where I'm well known and respected for my work, commitment to, and investment into my community and region. It's not easy to uproot your life, personal and professional to take on a new challenge, especially when you don't know who's who in the zoo, and don't have your supporting network of friends, confidants, mentors, or family to fall back on. All the things, places and people you know... (out of characters! Story continues in comments 😉)...

Happy Chamber of Commerce Week! Want to show some love for the incredible work your local chamber does? Here are a few simple ways to make a big impact: 1. Shop Local – Supporting chamber member businesses strengthens our entire community! 2. Follow and Share – Follow your chamber on social media and share their posts to help spread the word about upcoming events and programs. 3. Attend Chamber Events – From community celebrations to networking events, your participation shows support and connects you with local businesses. 4. Give a Shoutout – Know a chamber member business you love? Tag them and your chamber in a post to say thanks for making our community great! 5. Drop by with a Treat or Thank-You Note – Surprise your chamber team with a sweet treat or a note of thanks! They work tirelessly to make our community a better place, and a small gesture can go a long way. Every small action helps chambers keep doing big things for our local economy. Let’s show our appreciation and keep our communities strong! #ChamberOfCommerceWeek #SupportLocal #ArkansasChamberStrong