Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, non-government, volunteer-governed organization representing the business community of Truro and Colchester County. The organization was established in 1890, as the Truro Board of Trade with 37 charter members. The Chamber is a membership-based organization, where dues from members provide sustainable revenue. Fundraising events, special projects and commission from member insurance programs top up the revenue sources.
Membership has continually grown over the years, reporting a 94% retention rate among members in recent years. The Chamber hit a milestone in 2022, exceeding 500 members. Year-end reports noted 517 members, a 22% increase from the previous year. Interestingly enough, 75% of the membership base employs 10 people or less, a true representation of a small-business community. The Truro & Colchester Chamber is the second largest Chamber in the province, second only to Halifax Chamber of Commerce.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has been the principal voice of the business community in this region for 133 years on matters of economic, political and social importance. The Chamber is also a member of the Atlantic and Canadian Chambers, collaborating with both of these organizations in policy debates and seeking better conditions for businesses. The current strategic planning cycle concluded in 2023 and the Chamber has now embarked on another strategic planning exercise. A steering committee consisting of Matthew Mossman, Eric Tanton, Christian Thompson, and Sherry Martell worked with Consultant Yvonne Thyssen-Post of Thyagrissen Consulting Limited in creating this strategic plan.
The organization operates through a volunteer Board of Directors, elected by the membership, and is responsible for developing policy and strategic direction. The composition of the Board of Directors at the time of the compiling the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan is as follows:
- President: Eric Tanton, Scotia Wealth Management
- Past-President: Matthew Mossman, Bell Media
- 1st Vice-President: Kim Boomer, LIBCAN
- Treasurer: Cyndi MacLean, MacQuarries
- Solicitor: Jennifer Hamilton Upham, Patterson Law
- Directors:
- Carole Fisher, Ditch Doctor
- Vonda Hazzard, NovelTea Coffeehouse, Bakery, Bookstore & Gifts
- Kenisha McMaster, Kenisha’s Cleaning Company
- Doug MacInnes, Wilson’s Heating
- Heidi Sponagle, Inn on Prince Hotel & Conference Centre
- Jeremy Nichols, Commercial Safety College
- Glen MacKenzie, AEL Millwirght Services
- Christian Thompson, Truro Nissan
Chamber staff carry-out the day-to-day operations of the organization. Current staff listing is as follows:
- Sherry Martell, Executive Director
- Lisa Matthews, Office & Membership Coordinator
- Chelsea Weatherbee, Events & Special Project Coordinator