Governance

The By-laws of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce have been updated to reflect compliance with the Board of Trade Act, Part II and were approved by the Membership in January 2024.

The Governance committee made recommendations to the Board, submitted to the membership for approval that included some significant changes to the annual practices of the Board of Directors.

These changes include:

- The removal of appointments and/or ex-officio directors.
- That Directors to be elected annually for a one-year term up to six terms.
- That the term of office commence May 1st and end April 30th.
- That the financial statements be presented at the AGM to be held in May
- That the election of the President, Vice-President & Secretary take place at the AGM (2nd Quarterly Meeting of Members).

As such, nominations to the Board of Directors and Committees of the Board shall be open through March/April and confirmed through election if required by the end of April.

Our Vision is to be recognized as the Voice of Business in promoting and nurturing a prosperous Belleville community.

Our Mission is to help your business prosper — by connecting you to the community, representing your needs to all levels of government, and sharing your contributions and milestones with each other.

We pursue this vision through proactive leadership under three core tenets:

BCC aims to be the trusted resource that businesses and governments turn to on issues affecting Belleville's economic climate. Through strong member engagement, we ensure local business voices flow effectively to the people making decisions that matter.

- Leverage provincial and federal Chamber network relationships to share information and resources.
- Engage members on issues requiring representation and advocacy.

BCC is committed to growing and retaining a membership that reflects the full diversity of Belleville's business community. A stronger membership base means a stronger voice for everyone.

- Maintain a 90% retention rate through consistent communication, enhanced networking, and greater member exposure.
- Grow our membership through active recruitment, a presence within the broader business community, and celebrating member milestones like grand openings and anniversaries.

BCC holds itself to the same high standard we encourage in our members. We are committed to efficient operations, strong governance, and a board structure that makes the most of our directors' skills and networks.

- Demonstrate sound non-profit governance in all decisions and reporting.
- Invest in the tools, systems, and staff development that help us serve members better.

Strategic Plan last reviewed: 2025

2025 was a year of momentum for the Belleville Chamber of Commerce. From a packed event calendar to 51 ribbon cuttings across the region, our members showed up — and so did we. Here's a look at what we accomplished together.

- 663 people attended our eight Chamber Breakfasts.
- 1,008 people joined us across 11 Mingles and Patio Pop-Ins.
- 65 businesses participated in Small Business Week's 'Not A Trade Show'.
- 31 members gathered at our AGM luncheon

- Coordinated 51 grand openings and ribbon cuttings across the region.
- Attended the Canadian and Ontario Chamber Conferences on behalf of our members.
- Partnered in the Quinte Business Achievement Awards, celebrating regional excellence.

Our President's Dinner & Cornerstone Awards were attended by 169 people, celebrating our 'Disney-Bound' theme. Our 2025 Cornerstone Award Recipients were:
- Citizenship Award: Dr. Aruna Alexander
- Founder Award: Jeff Cox, Carl Cox RV
- Mentor Award: Amber Darling
- Visionary Award: Lisa and Rob Hallsworth
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Bernie Ouellet
- Legacy Award: The Raycroft Family

Our Golf Tournament, held in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Hastings & Prince Edward, was a sold out event that brought members together on and off the course for a great cause.

This is a basic text element.