Business as usual – again

Chamber chair Tracey Olivier rewards Karen May with life membership. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

It might have been, in Kelly Bouzaid’s words, a “tumultuous year” but the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce finished it financially healthy and committed to advocacy.

In her chief executive’s report to the 34th annual meeting last week, Bouzaid said there were uncertainty and challenges but a Meet the Mayor event last month and the annual member satisfaction survey reflected optimism and positivity.

“Our work has primarily been in crisis management and economic recovery but it is great to be returning to a more business as usual environment with our eye focused on business development and vitality,” she said.

The chamber hosted 36 in person and five online events during the year and now has several relevant workstreams and advocacy projects it was committed to for next year.

Chair Tracey Olivier said business owners and the community went through the mill.

“We still grew membership and we were still able to hold our head high financially.

“We had to become a little ruthless in not doing anything that wasn’t necessary as everyone faced not only business strain but personal strain too,” she said.

The board concentrated on supporting the team to create positive connections, community engagement and collaborative advocacy.

At the meeting, Colonial Antiques’ Ken Sheldrick was presented with a certificate acknowledging his retirement after nearly 50 years.

Karen May was also made a life member of the chamber for her 20 years of membership, loyalty and strategic partnership. Tammee Wilson was added to the board after an election.

Chamber chair Tracey Olivier thanks retailer Ken Sheldrick for his 50 year contribution. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

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