Annual Report 2024

To our valued chambers and boards of trade across Atlantic Canada,

It’s been a year of collaboration and renewed purpose as we work together to strengthen the voice and impact of our region’s business community.

I’m proud to share that we’ve placed a strong emphasis on enhancing good governance - recognizing that today’s boards must be adaptive, bold, and intentional. Being resilient by design, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors is embracing its role in providing forward-looking oversight of strategy, risk, and culture. This renewed governance approach enables us to lead with greater confidence, agility, and purpose. 

To support this direction, staff have launched a complementary board governance training for member boards to enhance their governance journey. Learn more click here.

A big milestone this year has been the development of a new strategic plan, which will be released here at our conference, this plan is guided by three strategic directions:

1. Impactful Advocacy & Policy
2. Engagement Members & Partners
3. Strong Sustainable Organization

We are already experiencing results in Q1. 

I also had the pleasure of attending the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Conference and AGM in Halifax, where the Atlantic caucus made a strong showing. Chambers throughout our region submitted seven resolutions for the annual policy debate. A testament to the active policy leadership across our network. We are especially proud to report that over the past two years, every policy resolution submitted from the Atlantic region has been approved at the national level.

None of the above would be possible without my amazing directors.

Thank you to Past Chair Chad Peters for your support and mentorship as I took the helm, and to the board, you have been awesome to work with.  As I had things over to Margo and the new board, I want to thank the following outgoing directors Paul Langdon.

This past years achievements prove the power of our collective voices as one under the ACC banner. When Atlantic Canada’s chambers and BOTs come together, we drive meaningful change on the national stage.

Thank you for your continued engagement, leadership, and commitment to building a stronger Atlantic Canada. Together, we are making a real impact.

Des Whelan, Chair

Good governance is the cornerstone of a thriving environment. At the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, we value good governance because it fosters transparency, accountability, and trust—essential elements for attracting investment, driving innovation, and ensuring sustainable economic growth. Strong governance practices empower businesses to make ethical decisions, manage risks effectively, and build lasting relationships with stakeholders. By advocating for and supporting good governance, we help create a stable and predictable environment where businesses and communities can prosper together.

What has the ACC accomplished?

• Sharing Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) resources and courses
• Invested in a Board Membership from ICD in 2025
• Launched a new Board Governance training program or members. Learn more click here

I am proud to share a year marked by listening, strategic partnerships, and collective business success across our network of 90 chambers and boards of trade. Together, we have strengthened the voice of business, expanded opportunities for our members, and deepened our impact in communities across the region.

This past year, we launched innovative programs and formed key alliances that are driving meaningful change. Our collective efforts have not only fueled local economies but have also positioned our network as a leading force in shaping a more dynamic and inclusive business landscape. 

The staff and I also started work on our new operational plan.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment. The succwiess we’ve achieved in 2024 is a direct result of your engagement and dedication, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

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

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 complete 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.

INSERT AUDITED FINANCIALS

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

• 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

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