Chamber plans to refresh its brand

By Mark Squibb/October 28, 2022

The Conception Bay Area (CBA) Chamber of Commerce is looking to grow its membership, and the Board of Directors are hoping that a rebranding will help do just that.

Julia Bloomquist, who was named executive director earlier this year, presented members with an overview of the chamber’s plans during the group’s annual general meeting held at Tiny’s Bar and Grill in Paradise on September 29.

A new strategic plan, Bloomquist said, will serve as a road map, and will provide guidance and focus, and set targets and timelines for the board.

“There was a big reinvigorating of the board,” said Blomquist. “We had a few new members join in the last year and a half and the board was eager to strengthen the chamber, grow membership and revenue to build and sustain chamber services and employment. And there’s huge potential. We currently have about 140 members. Including home-based businesses, we probably have around a thousand businesses in this region.”

Members completed a survey last March, with recommendations divided into two categories: ‘Foundation’ and ‘Value to Members.’

Part of strengthening the foundation includes building stronger relationships with Paradise, Conception Bay South, and the communities of Conception Bay Centre — and with the Mount Pearl – Paradise Chamber of Commerce

“The Mount Pearl – Paradise Chamber also serves this region,” said Bloomquist. “So, there’s the potential to diversify some of our offerings to make sure we’re reaching different folks.”

She added the Chamber will strive to convince businesses that there is value in being a member of both chambers.

The Chamber also hopes to grow revenue through events, increased membership, sponsorships, and other funding.

At the board level, the Chamber hopes to review and update the board’s terms of reference, and establish committees, such as finance, communications, and events.

“So, what we need to do is reflect the diversity and unique opportunities within each of the three municipalities within our growing region – Paradise, CBS, and CBC,” said Bloomquist. “And there is a potential that we could consider a brand refresh and clearer messaging to convey this.”

Bloomquist said refreshing the brand might cut back on some confusion

“I think referring to Conception Bay can be confusing,” said Bloomquist. “There has been a lot of confusion for our members in Paradise. So, we have an exciting opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Conception Bay South and Conception Bay Centre, but also to convey to Paradise that we are there for them.”

The Chamber hopes that strengthening the value of membership will also draw new members.

“A big piece of the strategic plan is strengthening what we already have,” said Blomquist.

Recommendations for strengthening membership included hosting more events for learning, networking, and celebrating doing business in the region; building the online membership directory; listening to members and potential members to understand what is on their minds and advocating on their behalf with all levels of government; promote and share member stories and information; and feature new members in special ways.

But before looking ahead to the future, the Chamber took some time to look back on the past, as chairperson Margo Soucy highlighted some of the highlights of the last year, including the ‘Shop Local Grow Local’ initiative funded by ACOA which highlighted local businesses, the expansion of the board by three new members, and partnership with Downtown CBS, amongst others.

Thomas Williamson also provided members with an overview of the 2021 financials. The Chamber logged $139,550 in revenue against $64,257 in expenses. Much of that revenue, around $80,850, was in the form of government grants and subsidies, while membership fees accounted for around $32,987. The lion’s share of expenses, some $50,498, went to wages and benefits.

Typically, the AGM is held in April, but the Chamber hosted this year’s AGM in the fall to catch up. The next AGM is expected to go ahead again in April 2023.