The Voice of Business Since 1909

Our Objective
To serve our membership and be the recognized leader in influencing and affecting change for a favourable business climate in our area.

Our Main Goal
To improve trade and commerce and the economic, civic, and social well-being of the district.

Our History
The Fort Frances Board of Trade was formed by Mr. James Paul and incorporated under the Boards of Trade Act in 1909. The organization came to be called the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce in around 1928 and remains registered under that name today. Over the 98 years of its existence, the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce has been active in a wide range of activities relating to the various social and economic needs of the district.

We exist to make our community a better place to live, work, and play.  We provide an avenue for the business people in our community to create a positive business environment. We also provide the local business community with a vehicle to promote their region to the outside world - either for tourism or business investment. We then serve to help people find their way when they arrive.

We are headed by a volunteer Executive and Board of Directors who are elected annually. In addition to the elected representatives, the Board reserves seats for appointees from the Town of Fort Frances, Economic Development Office, AbitibiBowater, Business Improvement Association, and Couchiching First Nation. At the present time, we employ a Chamber Manager - Dawn Booth and Community Development Officer - Cassandra Parise as well as a Tourism Ambassador during the months of July and August.

We have a membership of 170 businesses throughout the Rainy River District. This membership has been steadily growing over the past few years and is anticipated to continue in this fashion.

Our Board of Directors meet monthly to help formulate and review various policies, proposed actions, programs and projects so that the best interests of the Chamber and community can be accomplished through concerted action. The Board also provides the personal leadership, enthusiasm and support necessary to help coordinate and build an effective organization geared to solving community problems and to evaluate and act on issues which come before them.

President Christine Denby addressing Chamber Membership November 2007	Guest Speaker, Mayor Roy Avis General Membership Meeting November 2007
John Harrison, AbitibiBowater General Manager updating Chamber members on the Bio-Mass Boiler Project April 2007