Frequently Asked Questions

Show/Hide All Answers

What is a Chamber of Commerce?

^TOPA Chamber of Commerce is a business organization dedicated to the economic growth of the community it is in.  The Chamber represents the needs of the business community, acts as a watch-dog for the actions of Government and assists businesses in day-to-day operations by offering networking opportunities, and other cost saving marketing and operational tools.

How big is the Chamber movement in Canada?

^TOPJust about every city in Canada has a Chamber of Commerce -- or a Board of Trade.  The two names are synonymous and are governed under the overall direction of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, centered in Ottawa, Ontario.  You can find a Chamber of Commerce in communities as small as 1,500 people.  The Chamber movement represents more than 100,000 businesses all over Canada and is the largest and most effective tool for businesses in Canada to lobby government and non-government organizations.

What is the difference between the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce and the Yukon Chamber of Commerce?

^TOPThe Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce deals with issues more specific to the City of Whitehorse while the Yukon Chamber of Commerce deals with issues that are Yukon wide and inter-provincial.  The Whitehorse Chamber represents local businesses in Whitehorse while the Yukon Chamber represents businesses in the communities as well as businesses in Whitehorse.  Both Chambers work closely together on issues that affect all businesses in the Territory.  The Whitehorse Chamber is a member of the Board of Directors of the Yukon Chamber and vice-versa.

What does the Whitehorse Chamber do?

^TOP

The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce provides effective representation of your business interests to all levels of government in the Yukon.  The Chamber also sits on local committees and boards to ensure the business perspective is included in the decision making process and lobbies on behalf of the business community to ensure fair and effective legislation for businesses in Whitehorse.  The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement is to promote and improve trade and commerce to contribute to the economic, civic and social well being of Whitehorse.

On a more social level, the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce offers events such as Luncheons and Business After Hours to provide exposure of your business and networking opportunities with other local businesses.  Invited guest speakers will inform members of new developments, current issues, business tips and more.  The Chamber also provides communication to its members through use of the monthly newsletters, e-mail notices and website updates.

Finally, the Chamber offers its members services that assist in the profitable operation of their business through reduced operating costs.

 

What are some of the services offered by the Chamber? In no particular order the Chamber offers:

^TOP

• Reduced advertising rates and special advertising opportunities with the Yukon News.
• Special Chamber rates with Visa, MasterCard and Interac through local banking institutions.
• ESSO rebate on the purchase of gasoline.
• Networking through our newsletters, website, Luncheons and Business After Hours events.
• Referral services for member's businesses.
• Business Profiles and links to other businesses on our website.
• Health benefits package for small business through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance Plan.
• Advocacy at the various levels of government for business issues.
• Helping establish Economic Development priorities for the City and the Territory.
• Developing lines of communication through our website.
• Assisting the Business Community in benefiting from the 2007 Canada Winter Games.
• Sitting on many committees and boards representing the needs of the business community.

As well, the Chamber is involved in many other activities such as working with the WCB on their Safety and Prevention Initiative, the Department of Highways on the Urban Visitor Sign regulations, Downtown Planning and Waterfront committees, and many other initiatives key to the business community.

Why should I join the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce?

^TOPAs mentioned the Chamber is one of the most cost effective tools for your business.  Our membership rates are based on the number of employees within your organization, and for most businesses the ROI is considerable.  We offer networking opportunities, referrals, cheap advertising opportunities, accessible information and updates on our website, special “members only” access to sections of the website, support if you need to approach the City or Territorial Government, and many other benefits such as our Group Insurance Plan, banking Merchant Rates and the ESSO gasoline rebate.

How can I join?

^TOPSimply call the Chamber office at 867-667-7545, or e-mail us at business@whitehorsechamber.ca.