Who We Are

The Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership driven organization that helps businesses connect with each other. With more than 300 members, we are a growing, dynamic organization which acts as the voice of business in the Yarmouth area. We are a platform by which business owners can influence public policy; locally, provincially and federally. We are a part of the largest business association in the county through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, which represents over 170,000 companies across Canada representing businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and we are your local voice.

Although we are first and foremost an advocacy group, we are also here to support your business in any number of ways and constantly evolve our efforts to best support the business community. We encourage our members to engage with Chamber staff and directors, the more you get involved the more you will get out of being a member.

Policy

We are the voice of local business – a network of like-minded individuals whose goal is to further the interests of you; our members. We work with members and local governments to develop pro-business initiatives in an effort to create an environment to help you succeed.

If you ever have issues with taxation, red tape, by-laws, etc. – we are the first place to call. We have close working relationships with the town and municipality and can work on your behalf to find answers.

Marketing Opportunities

We provide a means for you to get your message in front of other business owners and employees. We offer the opportunity to;

  • Place ads in email messages to members
  • Provide social media content
  • Event sponsorship opportunities
  • Advertising on our website
  • Featured Listings in our Members Directory
  • and more.

Events

Your Chamber meets regularly, providing networking opportunities, guest speakers and educational seminars, business awards and more.

Chamber Affinity Programs

Chamber membership can also help save a business money through one of the value-added benefits programs available. Programs vary from discounts on professional services and products to access to free business tools and the very popular Chambers Plan, group benefits plan. These additional benefits can be a real benefit to new business on a limited budget as well as established companies looking for ways to maximize their profit margins by decreasing costs. Some examples include;

  • Access to the Chamber Group Insurance Plan (Employee Health & Benefits);
  • Discounts on Enterprise Car Rentals;
  • Savings of 3.5c per litre on Esso gasoline;
  • Savings of up to 30% from both UPS and Purolator Courier;
  • Point of Sale discounts via First Data
  • AND so much more!

Improved Public Image

Joining the chamber and becoming a participating member has benefits that are difficult to measure. One of those benefits has to do with public perception. When a prospect or customer sees that you’re affiliated with the chamber, they’re more likely to perceive you as a trustworthy, community-minded business. In other words, membership is like a badge of honour that sets your business apart from non-chamber members.

Professional Development

Throughout the year we provide access to a number of professional development opportunities. The topics vary greatly and we are open to all suggestions. We have partnered with the Province of Nova Scotia to also offer free 10 week training programs. This training is open to owners and staff of any member business.