About the Chamber

Vision, Mission, Motto, Core Strategies

The Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce is the leading business organization in Barrie, representing 1,250 businesses that employ approximately 11,500 people in the Barrie area. The Chamber provides numerous services, including business retention and attraction, programs and events, member benefits to improve members' bottom line, solutions to members' workforce challenges, government advocacy, and more to create and sustain a positive business climate for our community, including demonstrating a commitment to small business assistance and economic inclusion.

Vision Statement: To be the Leading Business Support Organization in the Greater Barrie Area

Mission Statement: To Encourage a Sustainable Business Environment by Supporting Members through Services, Events, Resources, Education, and Advocacy

Motto: Connect, Communicate, Collaborate

Core Strategies: The Chamber Board of Directors developed nine core strategies and will develop any other strategies that will achieve our overall vision and mission. These strategies are below for your reference (listed alphabetically).

• Advocate
  • identify our members views and areas of concern on legislation, government policies or practices
  • lobby on behalf of our members
  • build our existing affiliation with the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce to strengthen our lobbying efforts and communicate results to the membership where relevant
  • utilize other Chambers of Commerce and affiliations
• Communicate
  • enhance the Chamber of Commerce profile in the community
  • provide a new member orientation program
  • enhance communication at membership events
  • request increased member input on issues and knowledge of results of our lobbying efforts
  • continue to use, develop, evolve and implement communication devices as required including the Chamber Connection, internet, brochures releases, newsletters and any other device that will enhance knowledge, understanding and involvement of the Chamber of Commerce in our community
• Community Partnerships
  • establish/continue relationships with Tourism Barrie, Downtown Barrie, CFB Borden, Economic Development Department, Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre
  • supporting our community’s overall economy by presenting a united front
  • combining strengths of local organizations
  • form new and creative partnerships that will promote our business opportunities for our members
• Continuous Improvement & Organizational Effectiveness
  • solicit from our members ideas for new products, services and benefits
  • measure results of organizational effectiveness
  • determine member satisfaction
  • conduct surveys, focus groups, etc.
• Market/Promote
  • increase the visibility of the Chamber of Commerce
  • publicly celebrate our successes
  • promote the Chamber of Commerce as the business organization of choice
• Networking
  • create an environment where members have the opportunity to grow through interaction with other businesses
• Provide Benefits & Services
  • investigate further opportunities for member services
  • provide group insurance, business directory, discount advantage program, preferred merchant credit card rates
  • provide full-time professional staff resources to assist member inquiries
  • offer sponsorship opportunities
  • enhance networking opportunities and referrals
• Strategically Participate In Community Activities
  • promote community recognition by partnering in community events that will heighten the Chamber's profile (e.g. Canada Day, Santa Claus Parade, Kempenfest, etc.)
  • strengthen existing community activities
  • identify new community/business initiatives
• Sustainability
  • To educate and promote sustainable growth and conservation practices in environment, energy and economy, by engaging the Barrie community