Page 7 - INSIGHT MAGAZINE - NoBleed_Neat

Along with this incredibly cool and unique space comes some Speaking of membership, did you know the Cambridge Chamber
unbeatable programming to help you and your team get of Commerce has NOT increased its membership fees in more
onside, get ramped up, and get excited for what comes next. than 25 years? Talk about an inflation stopper, wow! That is what
Programming at The Link is being created and space is very serving business means to us.
limited, so you need to get in early and make sure there is a seat We will always find ways to support you and now we are looking
for you. Our Program Manager, Amrita Gill, is already developing for your support to continue the work we do. So please share
new and different ways for us to connect with meaning, passion, your expertise with us and book a pod at The Link or come in
and as always, with inspiring ideas. and get help from organizations and businesses that are here for
you. Even better, drop in and enjoy a coffee, latte, cappuccino,
espresso, or my personal favourite, a Mochaccino. Hey, I might
even buy you one. See you soon at The Link, 750 Hespeler Rd.,
the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

Greg Durocher
President & CEO
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

The doors opened Oct. 1 and we already have some committed
entities setting up shop at The Link, but there may still be room
for you and your organization. Do you serve only small and
medium-sized business? If so, send me a note and maybe, if all
the checkmarks are in place, we may just have a spot for you at
The Link, but you need to hurry. Yes, there is a cost because we
are not a “funded” organization and our support comes from our
membership.

ABOUT THE PROFILES

Small business operators driven to succeed These profiles reflect that courage as our participants share
Small businesses continue to be the backbone of our their stories of how they came to be where they are today.
While some started out in business at a very young age and
economy. According to Statistics Canada, in 2022 businesses others decided to suddenly take different career paths, all
with less than 100 employees provided employment for 10.7 have no regrets and have found great satisfaction – even
million – nearly 63% of all employees in Canada – compared during times of uncertainty.
to the 21% of businesses with 100 to 500 employees. In
Cambridge alone, small businesses with less than 10 Thank you, Mano and Baldeep, Rocco, Brian, Michelle, Frank,
employees employ about 70% of the labour force. and Vanessa for sharing your inspiring journeys.
Numbers like these clearly show the importance small About the cover:
businesses bring to all communities, which is why we thought Vanessa Stevenson, General
it was only fitting to celebrate the achievements of a few Manager of Homewood
Chamber Members in recognition of Small Business Month in Suites by Hilton Cambridge/
this edition of Insight. Waterloo, graces our Insight
Although the businesses they operate may be vastly different, cover after the hotel was
they all share the same drive to succeed, which is very selected during a draw at
representative of the entrepreneurial spirit that continues our Business Expo 2023 in
to thrive in our community. They also have all taken a certain May at Bingemans.
amount of risk, even when doubted by others, and weren’t
afraid to take that ‘leap of faith’ which is something most
small business operators are more than familiar with. The promotion called for Expo participants to enter their
It takes a certain amount of courage to take that leap, but name in hopes of having their photo and business profiled
in our fall edition. Congratulations to Vanessa and her
thanks to them our community is a more vibrant place where dedicated team.
residents can truly prosper.

www.cambridgechamber.com Fall 2023 7