Year In Review 2024

Our members are at the heart of everything we do at the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. Throughout 2024 staff worked hard to have as many touch points with members as possible. Our member's passion, innovation, and dedication, drive the success of our Atlantic Canadian business community. By supporting our 90 members, we strengthen local businesses, foster connections, and create a thriving environment for business to succeed.

Together, we make a lasting impact!

Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO

Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC) 

Becky Davison, Vice President of Marketing for the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, has been elected Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC) for the 2024-2025 term. Joining Becky on the CCEC Board from Atlantic Canada are Director, Julie Corbett, Kensington & Area Chamber of Commerce and Director, Tracy Beaver, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber Executive of the Year Award serves as a recognition of the commitment & exemplary leadership exhibited by executive staff:

• Small Chambers (Under 500 Members): Anthony Azard, Chief Executive Officer of the Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce
• Large Chambers (1,000 Members and Above): Patrick Sullivan, President & CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce

Accreditation Recognition

Accreditation is formal recognition that a Chamber of Commerce / Board of Trade has met the highest national standards of excellence in leadership, governance and operations.

• Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
• New Brunswick
  • Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton 
  • Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce 
  • Fredericton Chamber of Commerce 
  • Cap Acadie Chamber of Commerce
  • Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce 
• Newfoundland & Labrador
  • St. John's Board of Trade
• Nova Scotia
  • Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce 
  • Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce 
  • Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce 

Accredited Chamber Executive designation is a national recognition that acknowledges the experience, knowledge, and achievements of professionals within the chamber of commerce sector.
 
Level 3

• Tracy Beaver, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, NS
• Sherry Martell, Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce, NS
• Xavier Infantas, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton, NB
• Christine Little, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, NB
• Morgan Peters, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, NB
• Wendy Morrell, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, NB

Level 2

• Vanessa Coggan, Sussex and District Chamber of Commerce, NB

Level 1

• Anthony Azard, Chambre de commerce Cap Acadie Chamber of Commerce, NB
• Madeline Biso, Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, PE
• Lisa M Matthews, Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce, NS

Milestone Awards

20 Years - Wendy Morrell, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce

15 Years

• Tracy Beaver, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
• Becky Davison, Halifax Chamber of Commerce
• Wanda Palmer, Mount Pearl Paradise Chamber of Commerce

10 Years

• Cathy Pelletier Chamber of Commerce of Edmundston Region
• Mireille Thibeault Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton

5 Years

• Gilles Beaulieu, Valley Chamber of Commerce de la Vallée
• Vanessa Coggan, Sussex and District Chamber of Commerce

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Award

The Halifax Chamber of Commerce has been honored with the 2024 Inclusive Growth Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes organizations and entrepreneurs throughout Canada that have demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).

The ACC is the Atlantic voice representing businesses across the four Atlantic provinces, we amplify the collective voice of our members and drive policy change. Together, we ensure that the interests of our business community are heard and prioritized, paving the way for growth, innovation, and opportunity throughout the region.

What has the ACC network accomplished?

1. Released Policy Priorities 
2. 9 submissions and letters sen to Government
3. 8 policy resolutions submitted to Canadian Chamber of Commerce's annual policy resolution session and 8 resolutions passed!
   • Fredericton Chamber of Commerce-Experiential Learning as Educational & Cost of Living Supports for International Students
   • Halifax Chamber of Commerce-Adding to CAN's housing supply by strengthening CAN's military
   • Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton-Connecting Canada: Improving Air Connectivity for Mid-Sized Airports
   • Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton-Streamline trade regulations for increased business between Canada & USA
   • Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce-Training & Alignment of Supports for Police Depts. for Investigations of Cyber Crimes
   • Chambre de commerce Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce-Comprehensive Re-evaluation of Predator Species Mgmt to Revitalize CAN’s Fisheries
   • ACC-Improvements to the Artificial Intelligence & Data Act
   • ACC-Addressing the Affordability Crisis by Getting Back to Fiscal Balance and Right-Sizing Government

What has the ACC network accomplished?

• Launched new brand/logo
• Refresh of the Market Entry Development Program. Coming in January 2025!
• 17 newsletters shared
• 6,470  unique views on home website
• 21 podcast delivered in Chamber Spaces. Learn more click here
• 10 media interviews

Diversity and inclusion is valued at the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, driving innovation, fostering equitable opportunities, and strengthening economic growth across the Atlantic provinces. By advocating for inclusive practices, we empower businesses and communities to thrive, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and valued in building a prosperous, united future.

What has the ACC network accomplished?

1. Invested in 5 new Canadians and diverse staff to support their employment journey and to bring new perspectives to the ACC
   • Check out Fionna's experience
   • Check out Aminat's experience
2. Staff currently completing Cultural Awareness Training with My East Coast Experience
3. Speaking out on DEI - Enough Talk Just Do It! Article in Atlantic Business Magazine
4. Created a new policy to ensure we recruit a diverse board of directors

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce values financial stewardship and maintaining a well-ordered financial framework, recognizing that sound fiscal management is the foundation of long-term success and stability. Just as businesses must responsibly manage their resources to thrive, we advocate for governments to uphold the same principles. A fiscally disciplined approach ensures sustainability, fosters growth, and builds trust—essential elements for a prosperous community and robust economy. By championing these values, we aim to inspire accountability and promote a future where both private and public sectors thrive together.

What has the ACC network accomplished?

The ACC is projecting a small surplus in 2024.

What has the ACC accomplished?

• 11 All Chamber Meetings
• 4 Provincial Advisory Committee meetings per province
• Delivered a successful Annual Conference & AGM in Halifax, NS
• Partnered with Halifax Chamber on the Nova Scotia Leaders Debate
• Met with PEI Chambers
• Chamber Visits: Truro, Clarenville, Bonavista, Moncton, Fredericton, Halifax, Mt. Pearl, St. John's, Charlottetown 
• Delivered remarks during the following chamber AGMs: Greater Northern Peninsula, Placentia, Green Bay, Lewisporte, Florence-Bristol

What has the ACC network accomplished?

1. 8 new businesses signed up for the Market Entry Development Program & 5 businesses graduated. Learn more click here
2. Launched a new Board Governance Training Sessions for members. Learn more click here
3. Rolled out a suite of resources on strategic planning. Learn more click here