A voice for an integrated and prosperous business community that fosters economic development and advocates on behalf of its members. We do this to promote sustainable growth in the Orillia district.

 

VISION STATEMENT

Fostering prosperity for your business - your community.

 

WHAT IS THE CHAMBER?

The Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary, non-profit association consisting of over 640 members. From this membership a board of fourteen directors is elected who meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month. The City of Orillia & Townships of Ramara, Severn, and Oro-Medonte have the opportunity to be represented by appointees to the board. To further strengthen communication links with other community groups there are also appointees on the board representing Georgian College, Lakehead University, OPP, Casino Rama, Doctor Recruitment and Retention, Community Development Corporation, Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Manufacturer’s Association, Construction Association, Downtown Orillia Management Board and the Real Estate Board. The mandate of the Chamber of Commerce is to provide both tangible and intangible benefits to our members in particular, and our community as a whole.

There are numerous standing committees working with and for our membership. These committees, which include directors, members and the community at large are: Post Secondary Scholarship, Business Achievement Awards, Business After Five, Golf Tournament, Perch Festival, Governmental Affairs, Santa Claus Parade, Youth and the Performing Arts Spring Luncheon, four Strategic Plan Goals committees to work on implementation details of the Strategic Plan and others that may arise from time to time.

 

MEMBERSHIP DOESN'T COST... IT PAYS!
CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Membership Directory & Buyers Guide
All Chamber members receive one alphabetical and one product and services listing in the directory as a membership benefit. Additional listings and advertising are available at reasonable rates. This is a business publication that potential customers read, use and trust. Additional copies are made available to visitors, sales people and out of town businesses. The Directory is also placed in local hotel rooms and with the procurement departments of the OPP General Headquarters and Casino Rama.

Internet Business Directory
We have invested in providing our members with an internet presence in the form of listings, similar to our Business Directory and Buyers' Guide, on our website. Each member is listed under the product and service category(ies) that they have chosen for their business.

Group Insurance
The Chamber group insurance program was developed for Chambers of Commerce throughout Canada as a program to offer their members. There was a genuine need, for small to medium sized businesses in particular, to be able to offer their employees, and in fact themselves, the benefits of medical, dental, life, long term disability and travel insurance at a reasonable cost.

Advertising
There are a variety of advertising opportunities for Chamber members. For example, in the Membership Directory, Newsletter, Perch Festival booklet, Orillia Area Guide Map, sponsorship of various seminars and other events, the Port Pouch, Special Events Listings, etc. We also take members' brochures to trade shows to assist with cost recovery.

Annual Post Secondary Scholarship
In 2006, the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce announced the introduction of a $1,000.00 annual post secondary scholarship to be awarded to an Orillia high school student. This Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the development of our community's young people. This scholarship helps reinforce that commitment. Our member's children and children of their employees are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Student must be completing or have a minimum grade 12 diploma. They must also be enrolling in a full-time, post secondary degree or diploma program at a post secondary institution in an accredited undergraduate college or university, trade or professional program.

Networking Opportunities
Business After Five is an after work social activity for members hosted by another member at their place of business. This is a tremendous opportunity for members to get together and network, as well as learn more about other businesses.

Volunteer Appreciation Party is organized by Chamber staff to thank our committee volunteers and board of directors for all the time and energy that they have put into our various events and committees throughout the year.

Seminars and Business Breakfasts held throughout the year are most importantly a learning experience, that also offer members a tremendous opportunity to network with their peers.

Business Achievement Awards & Annual General Meeting - The receipt of a Business Achievement Award is highly regarded in the business community. Members have the opportunity to nominate themselves or another business throughout the year. It is not necessary to be a chamber member to receive an award. Once again, it is a tremendous networking opportunity with over 200 attendees.

The Chamber Annual Dinner is the premier event of the Orillia Area business community. In excess of 360 guests attend to enjoy networking with their peers with the added benefit of a high profile guest speaker or entertainment befitting the occasion.

Golf Tournament - This social event sells out quickly and is enjoyed by all. It takes place in early June with the tournament followed by a fabulous meal. Once again, this is another terrific networking opportunity.

Master Card Fee Discounts
Chamber members are offered a discount rate of 1.89% on their TD and First Data Merchant Services and Bank of Montreal master card processing.

Visa Card Fee Discounts
Chamber members are offered an electronic deposit discount rate of 1.75% on their TD Visa card processing.

Esso Discount
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Esso/Imperial Oil are pleased to offer members a 3% reduction on fuel with every fill up. Members will save money on every fuel purchase, whether you buy it across the street, across town or across the country! To apply, contact Barbara at the Chamber of Commerce office 326-4424 or email barbara@orillia.com and she will forward the application to you.

Discount Long Distance
This cost saving program offers chamber members free installation of the long distance lines that they require for their business as well as their homes. Long distance savings range from 35% to 70% depending on usage.

Newsletter
The Chamber newsletter is published six times per year and is distributed to all members, local politicians, area media and some other Chambers in Ontario. It includes information on our chamber activities, relevant business information, news from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and member advertising.

Committee Involvement
The Chamber has many committees that appeal to a variety of interests. Some of them include Perch Festival, Santa Claus Parade, Governmental Affairs, Christmas in June, Golf Tournament, Business Achievement Awards, and Business After Five. Other committees are struck from time to time as the need arises. The committee members do a terrific job and without them we would not be able to accomplish nearly as many events, seminars and other activities as we do. Let the office know if you are interested in participating!

Member to Member Discount
If offering a discount is appropriate for your business please register. As members renew their annual membership we will send them a membership business card for the year. They can show the card at participating businesses and realize a discount of some nature. The program is designed to encourage local shopping, save members money and stimulate networking. A listing of participating businesses is inserted in each issue of our newsletter.

Membership Labels
We will print a set of address labels for you for a fee of $50.00 plus GST. Contact Bernice at 326-4424.

Promotional Flyer Distribution!!!
Sending your business flyer with the newsletter is a great way to get your message out to other members. Collating fee is $100.00 plus GST. All you need to do is supply us with 650 copies of your flyer. Contact Barbara at 326-4424.

E-Mail Broadcasts
Another way to send your business flyer is electronically through email. The fee for this is $100.00 plus GST. All you need to do is email the file you want sent, no larger than 300 KB and printable to no larger than 8 ½ X 11. We are limited to sending out 3 per week so it is recommended that if you have a particular date in mind you reserve it early. Files are to be sent to Barbara at barbara@orillia.com.

 

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILITIES