History

Initially established as a Board of Trade in 1889, the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce has provided direction and support to our rapidly growing industrial, corporate and residential population for over 115 years. In 1949, the name was officially changed to the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and later to the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, primarily to avoid confusion and improve communication with our American neighbours.

Like our community, the Chamber of Commerce has seen many changes over the years beginning with a membership of 33 in 1889 to over 830 in 2009. While the names and faces change, the business of the Chamber to work in the best interests of our community has not.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce is organized for the following purposes:

• to enhance and advance the commercial, industrial, civic and general trade interests of the City of Nanaimo and its surrounding area;
• to undertake an active leadership role in the community by initiating, coordinating, and developing programs for the benefit of the business community;
• to encourage communication between private and public sectors, business and labour;
• to be a representative of the business community and speak on behalf of the business community to municipal, provincial and federal governments.

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