The Executive Director, Judy Marshall, joined the Chamber two years ago. “The Chamber’s success is due to our team approach to include board members, staff and members themselves who support each other,” she said. “The staff view members as customers and do whatever they can to truly listen and make them feel welcome and important.” Members are encouraged to be involved with the Chamber, provide both positive and negative feedback and participate actively with committees and focus groups.

Judy brings a wealth of experience to the Chamber as she has worked in the non-profit sector for twenty years in management positions and, prior to that in public relations. She is passionate about the Chamber and what it can do for local business. “Over the next year,” she said, “there will be increasing concentration on educational opportunities through the Aurora Chamber Learning Exchange.” The Chamber views education as an important component of membership and expects that participation in education as well as events will steadily increase.

Judy believes that the Chamber’s Mission and Vision statements accurately reflect what the Chamber represents. The mission of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce is to move Aurora business forward and the vision is Aurora business people living, learning and thriving together.

During our conversation Judy noted that members not only seem concerned about their own personal success but about others as well. “Again, she indicated, “another example of the team effort – if my neighbor is successful, I will be as well.”

There are many advantages to becoming a Chamber member - expand your personal and business connections and participate in the many events and networking opportunities. Members can receive discounts on services, access group insurance and recruit new members to ensure the Chamber has a stronger voice for local business

The Chamber encourages member involvement and there are plenty of opportunities. One of them is volunteering on a committee that focuses on finance, marketing and member services and the annual Home Show, golf tournament and Business Achievement Awards. The Chamber will be putting an Advocacy Committee in place this fall and there has been a lot of interest in forming a Women’s Business Group. The Chamber publishes a newsletter 10 times a year, circulates e-blasts every Friday and has a website at www.aurorachamber.on.ca. Visit soon.

The Chamber is always seeking new ways to improve and serve their members and is always open to suggestions. If you are interested in joining please visit their web site at www.aurorachamber.on.ca, call 905-727-7262 or drop into the Chamber office located at Yonge Street and Industrial Parkway South.