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  • Chamber announces appointment of new CEO

    The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Shannon Merrifield as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective Feb. 24, 2025.

    As CEO of the Chamber, Merrifield will guide its strategic direction and spearhead initiatives to promote economic growth, drive innovation and enhance the business environment in the Saint John region.

    Fresh off her most recent role as Director of Operations at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, Merrifield brings with her over 20 years of strategic leadership and entrepreneurship, including previously owning and operating three businesses in the Saint John community. She also brings a wealth of non-profit experience to the Chamber, having Chaired the Board of the New Brunswick Museum, Co-Founded Fusion Saint John, and is currently the Co-Director of 100 Women Who Care, Greater Saint John. Merrifield previously served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors from 2016-2018 and will draw on this experience as she advocates for the needs of the region’s business community.

    “Shannon’s strong leadership and entrepreneurial experience will position the Chamber to support its more than 600 members and continue our progress in championing our business community. The Board is confident Shannon will lead with collaboration to support both our members and the economic growth of our region,” says Fraser Wells, Chair of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce.

     “I am honoured to be leading the team at the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce,” Merrifield says. “The Chamber has been a strong advocate for the Saint John business community for over 200 years. I’m looking forward to passionately supporting our 600+ members to help businesses in our region prosper and to realize our larger vision of making Saint John the best place in Canada to start and grow a business.”

    The Chamber’s interim CEO Carole Cunningham will return to her position as the Director of Events and Administration upon Merrifield’s start. The Chamber is grateful for her steady leadership over the past three months and for her longstanding dedication to the organization.

    The Chamber is excited about the future under Merrifield's capable leadership and is confident that her vision and expertise will propel the organization forward.

  • Business Truth & Reconciliation Business Truth & Reconciliation

    The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce takes proactive steps to promote reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights within the corporate sector. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92, the Chamber urges its members to embrace the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a guiding framework.

     

    Recognizing the importance of education, the Chamber encourages businesses to provide comprehensive training for management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of residential schools, Indigenous rights, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. Emphasizing intercultural competency, conflict resolution, and anti-racism, these efforts aim to foster a more inclusive and harmonious corporate environment rooted in mutual understanding and respect.

    Learn more click here