THUNDER BAY — As the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce ends off 2022, they will move into the new year focused on building stronger business through advocacy, engagement and empowerment activities.
“That expansion of the program will allow so many more businesses that weren’t eligible in the first few years to be able to access the workforce through that program,” Robinson said. “Particularly with the Ontario chamber, we put forward some policies around supporting biomass and we know that those conversations are moving forward in a positive direction,” she explained. “At both levels, we talked a lot about mining and the need for government support and collaboration and funding to help to build the mining infrastructure that is so necessary.
On the municipal front, the chamber is excited about the zoning bylaw changes that were approved by Thunder Bay city council, something that the chamber had been working on since 2018. Earlier this year, 76 businesses were nominated for the 2022 Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, with 12 business owners walking away with awards. Another successful chamber initiative, now in its second year, is the Choose Thunder Bay First campaign. More than 160 retailers have become involved, with a presence on social media and mainstream media, which helps spread the message to shop local.
“That is something that is uncertain at this point and definitely a concern for businesses that are seeing increased costs,” she noted.