Dear Editor,
As President of the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce, I wish to convey my thoughts to the business people, their clientele and all those that believe in the strength of an economic group. I was recently invited by a local organization to present the action plan of the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce. It is always with great pleasure that I accept this opportunity to advocate the Chamber, and to discuss the activities and actions to promote business development in the Pontiac.

This meeting first and foremost confirmed what a Chamber of Commerce means to me. In my opinion, it is an association of engaged citizens, voluntarily joining their experiences to promote and defend individual and collective interests. But this organization can only be what its members wishes it becomes. The board of directors facilitate meetings and take the appropriate decisions to ensure sound management of the association, within the limits of the mission that has been agreed upon at the general assembly of the members. A member has recently declared being a “client” of the Chamber of Commerce, consequently, we, as administrators, need to give him value for his money. Maybe he isn’t wrong. But again, the board must receive a clear mandate from the general assembly.
What are the members of the Chamber of Commerce looking for in this organization? Because a chamber of commerce can have many missions: that of working to advance the economic and financial issues in the region, that stimulating the growth of our members’ businesses by facilitating exchanges amongst our members and the community, that of acting as a defender of the interests of our members, that of effectively communicating its work to its members and the community, that of offering training and opportunities to explain different legislative changes in regards to their businesses. Which do you choose? All of the above? Why not?
Hence, we need you, your ideas, your enthusiasm, your involvement. Besides growing our community, you will discover the pleasure of working with exceptional business people, that contribute to the successful functioning of the Pontiac.
In conclusion, I wish to reiterate my interest for the Pontiac region and its financial success. I was raised here and I made the decision in my twenties to devote a part of my professional life to this area with no regrets. I wish with all my heart that you will also accept this invitation to participate.
Looking forward to meeting you at our next activity.

Mireille Alary, Notary
President of the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce