FAQs

 

Chamber 101

What is a Chamber of Commerce?
What do Chambers of Commerce do?
Why are Chambers of Commerce important?
Why should I belong?

Swift Current & District Chamber of Commerce

If my employer is a member of the Chamber does that make me a member?
How do I get my user name and password?
How do I update my company’s directory listing?
How can I take advantage of the Chamber's Membership Benefits?
Where do I find information about Swift Current & District Chamber membership?
Why become a Top Investor in the Swift Current & District Chamber?
Who finances a Chamber of Commerce?
How do I get involved in the Chamber?
How can I find out who else is a member of the Chamber?
How can my company be included in the Member Spotlight?
Can we include the Chamber logo on our website? Where can we get this?
We are hosting an event; will the Chamber blast my event out to their members for me?
I am starting a small business, what resources are available to me?
My company published an article in our newsletter that we would like to share with members; can this be included in your member newsletter?
We are having a ribbon cutting at our new office, can the Chamber participate?
Can your savings programs really provide my business or organization a significant discount?
What is a Letter of Introduction?
Can you help me fill the position of_________________?
How do I obtain visitor information on Swift Current?
Direct Benefits

 

Chambers of Commerce 101

What is a Chamber of Commerce?

A chamber of commerce is an organization of business and professional people whose goals are to promote their commercial interests, build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in their community, region, province/territory or country.

In Canada, chambers of commerce have existed for over two centuries. In fact, with roots dating to 1750, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the first Chamber of Commerce established in North America. Shortly after the turn of the 19th century, boards of trade were formed in the cities of Saint John, Quebec and Montreal. From these beginnings, the movement grew and now represents more than 500 active chambers of commerce and boards of trade in communities across the country.

In Canada, the terms “Chamber of Commerce” and “Board of Trade” are interchangeable and synonymous. There is a general trend towards the use of “Chamber of Commerce” as this term is the only one used in most other countries.

What do Chambers of Commerce do?

Chambers of Commerce bring businesses together to lead and build vibrant, sustainable communities. While the missions of individual Chamber of Commerce vary, they all tend to focus to some degree on fostering trade and industry, stimulating civic development and promoting, generally, the welfare of the community and its surrounding areas.

Some of the products and services that Chambers of Commerce offer include networking opportunities, advocacy, business advice, benefit programs and professional development.

Why are Chambers of Commerce important?

Chambers of Commerce are vital to the economic viability of the communities they serve. They advocate for public policies that will foster a strong, competitive economic environment—one that benefits the businesses and families in their towns and across Canada. Chambers of Commerce rally support for initiatives that will create jobs, provide tax relief for individuals and businesses, and improve the quality of life in their communities.

Chambers of Commerce also play a key role in the development of local businesses. Through the benefit programs, networking opportunities, professional development and business resources offered, Chambers of Commerce are important vehicles for business people to grow and promote their business.

In Canada, Chambers of Commerce that belong to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce form a powerful network that represents the views of 192,000 businesses at the municipal, provincial/territorial and national levels of government. Together, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce network is the voice of Canadian business—a voice that is sought by government, opinion leaders and the media.

Why should I belong?

Membership in your local Chamber of Commerce is a wise investment because it helps you protect and promote the best interests of your business. By becoming a member of your local Chamber of Commerce, you join a national network of more than 420 Chambers of Commerce, connecting 192,000 businesses of all sizes, in all sectors of the economy and in all regions of the country.

Membership in the chamber network empowers you to shape public policies that will ensure your business’s prosperity.

Membership also allows you to grow your business by opening doors to new opportunities with other business owners, by providing you with benefit programs that can improve your business’s bottom line and by offering you professional development activities.

Membership in your local Chamber of Commerce also gives your business credibility. Research has also shown that being active in your local Chamber of Commerce is an effective strategy for businesses to use in communicating that they use good business practices, are active in the community, care about customers and are reputable.

 

Swift Current & District Chamber of Commerce 101

If my employer is a member of the Chamber does that make me a member?

Yes as our memberships covers the entire business (inclusive of employees). If your employer is a Chamber Member you can utilize the Chamber as well.

How do I get my user name and password?

If you are at the member login screen and have forgotten your user name and password, click Forgot Your Password to have the information e-mailed to you. If you still have trouble, contact our office at 306-773-7268.

How do I update my company’s directory listing?

Please contact our office for login credential information.  Email us at assistant@swiftcurrentchamber.ca.

How can I take advantage of the Chamber's Membership Benefits?

To take advantage of the many benefits offered by the Chamber, simply ensure that your company has an active membership. If you have any questions regarding your Membership status or if you would like to take advantage of further Chamber benefits, please contact a Chamber representative.

Where do I find information about Swift Current & District Chamber membership?

Send us an email to have a representative from our staff contact you to answer additional questions you may have or to help you develop a plan for getting a return on your membership investment.

Who finances a Chamber of Commerce?

The Chamber is a business and incurs costs in conducting its operation as in any other type of organization. These expenses are met primarily through membership fees derived from its numerous members. Members share a mutual desire to achieve a better community for all its citizens. Membership in the Chamber is an investment in the present and future welfare of both the individuals and their community.

How do I get involved in the Chamber?

First, become a member. Assuming that is done, take advantage of our member marketing resources and begin networking with other business professionals in your business region.  The Swift Current & District Chamber has monthly networking events as well as committees for which you can volunteer. Check the events calendar for further details.

How can I find out who else is a member of the Chamber?

Our Membership Directory is published each year containing names, addresses, phone and fax numbers, website addresses, and contact names of all of the members for the current membership year. A listing in the Membership Directory will help increase your profile as well.

Can we include the Chamber logo on our website? Where can we get this?

Absolutely! You can download a variety of Chamber logos and assets from our website using your user ID and password.  You may also email our office at info@swiftcurrentchamber.ca for an EPS file if you would prefer.

We are hosting an event; will the Chamber blast my event out to their members for me?

You bet! Email blasts may be sent out on behalf of members who are in good standing.  We do require all information in a proper format otherwise an additional fee may be administered.  Please contact the chamber office for more information.

I am starting a small business, what resources are available to me?

Visit our Small Business Toolkit.

We are having a ribbon cutting at our new office, can the Chamber participate?

As long as advance notice is given, the Chamber would love to help you celebrate your business opening, milestone celebration and more. 

Can your savings programs really provide my business or organization a significant discount?

In most cases, yes. We pool together our businesses (over 300) and their respective employees (over 5,000) to receive the best possible savings for a variety of products and services (e.g. office supplies, health insurance, payroll/credit card services, and supplemental benefits). At the very least, every member is encouraged to receive a quote from our Chamber partners.

What is a Letter of Introduction?

Simply put, the Swift Current & District Chamber’s CEO, Karla Wiens, will provide an endorsement letter to a target company or contact of your choosing – introducing your product, service or company. If you do not have a list of potential prospects, we would be happy to help through our research or member services department.

Can you help me fill the position of_________________?

Yes, we can provide suggestions, guidance, direction and connections.

How do I obtain visitor information on Swift Current?

To obtain visitor information, please contact Tourism Swift Current at 306.778.9174 or visit their web site at www.tourismswiftcurrent.ca.

Direct Benefits

The Swift Current & District Chamber of Commerce through our association with the Saskatchewan and Canadian Chambers of Commerce offers the following affinity programs to reduce our members' cost of doing business:

• Free listing in the Chamber's Annual Membership Directory

• Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plans

• Preferred Visa and MasterCard Discount Merchant Rates

• Esso Program