PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

As we enter the Chamber year of 2009-2010, I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that face our business community. While there is no question that the current economic climate in the world today is not very comforting, our community remains active, strong and open for business. With the many capital projects going on in our community and throughout the province, Fredericton is not only destined to weather this storm, but is positioned to become even stronger with regards to continued business growth and development.

It is with great pleasure to be named the President of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. I want to take this opportunity to thank those who have become a member of this organization and for your continued support for the Chamber. This is your Chamber, and your membership is a key part of continuing economic success for the greater Fredericton Area.

We have much to be proud of in years that have passed. Any success, however, is the result not of anyone person's efforts, but of those of many people working together, towards a common vision. During this year, our vision is to continue to bring value to our members and be the voice of business for the Greater Fredericton Area. This is an exciting time to be a part of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. We are not only the winner of 6 consecutive Chamber of the Year awards named by the Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce (APCC), but we are also a growing business membership with over 900 members, making us the largest Chamber in New Brunswick. The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce brings value to our members through high quality events and services, while acting as a leading advocate for business issues. As the voice of the Fredericton business community, the Chamber seeks to enhance a strong business climate; we are committed to advancing existing business and attracting new opportunities while influencing public policies.

We have a dedicated and focused board of directors this year that will lead committee groups on our advocacy efforts with participation across the three political landscapes of Municipal, Provincial and Federal Governments Affairs on issues that affect you and the business community. We encourage all our members to take part by volunteering, attending our events and to allow your voice to be heard on the issues that affect your business. Also, we are very proud in our efforts on our Economic Development Committee and the established partnerships with our friends at Enterprise Fredericton, Team Fredericton and Business Fredericton North. Our Physician recruitment committee shows to be very promising and our sessions on Productivity Matter have been receiving accolades as well.
I would like to welcome back all our returning board members for another busy year. I also welcome our newest board members to our award winning team, and look forward to working closely with each of you during the course of the year. I also like to personally thank Dale Dunphy for his leadership and dedication this past year serving as President. I look forward to working another year with Dale as he fulfills his last duties under the Past President role. His experience and wisdom will prove to be invaluable to our organization over the course of this year. Furthermore, I would like to congratulate our CEO Anthony Knight on a great year while taking home the CEO of the Year at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in Quebec City for municipalities under 100,000. I look forward to working with Anthony and the highly competent staff the Chamber while we continue on with this success.

While we have a challenging and exciting year ahead of us, I’m excited to be entering the role as Chamber President for the 2009-2010 year. If you are currently involved with the Chamber, I look forward to working with you. If your not currently a member or involved, I encourage you to join today. The payoff and rewards are well worth the effort. The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, we are “the voice for business.”

Lee Winchester
2009-2010 President
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce