Spring….is just around the corner! 

Having just attended the February 2010 CEO Conference in Richmond Hill (February 3-4-5) there is a “buzz” in the Chamber world about 2010 being a strong recovery year. 

2009 behind us, most Chambers felt a drop in advertising, sponsorship and membership growth. So far, 2010 is pacing nicely to see a successful recovery. 

Over 50 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade from all over Ontario were in attendance at the CEO Conference and we were warmly hosted by this years President, Kelly Darnley of the Caledon Chamber of Commerce. Kelly’s message to the group was: 

“The February CEO Conference was a great success! I am sure each of us has their own view of what stood out but for me it was and always is the camaraderie of the group itself. I believe that is the driving force behind the repeat attendance. However, as a professional development organization, I did take home great information on social networking and government grants. The bear pit sessions are, as always, a reminder to me that we are all “Chambers Without Borders” and sharing is a best practice. On behalf of all who attended, I want to thank Stuart Harrison (Peterborough) and Leslie Walker (Richmond Hill) for all the hard work that went into putting the Conference together. The Canadian flag in our registration kits was especially timely – GO CANADA!” 

Commerce Advertising & Marketing sponsored a personal “Speakers Corner” booth where the Conference delegates could record a video testimonial about their experiences and involvement with CEO. These will be posted shortly on the soon-to-be-released CEO website that is also sponsored by CAMI. 

Between learning about branding, social networking, grant writing and sales training, the CEO Conference message to us was to step up to the challenge of getting ahead of the curve in your business communities.   

The next CEO Conference is scheduled for November 2010 in The Niagara Region…a beautiful part of Ontario with abundant culture, restaurants and wineries…not to be missed.  See you there! 

Laurie Nadeau

General Manager

Commerce Advertising & Marketing