The Chamber of Commerce is guided by a Strategic Plan which is developed and managed by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by a structure of Committees and Task Forces.
These groups rely on the expertise, perspective and community experience of Chamber Members to guide decision-making, develop new Chamber initiatives and, from time to time, to advise Chamber staff on operational issues.
Participation in Committees and Chamber Task Forces is open to all Members and is a great way to gain experience with the Chamber’s mission and governance structure in advance of joining our Board.
Our governance structure includes Committees of the Board. We also operate Chamber Task Forces on an as-needed basis.
As a Member-driven organization, our goal is Member participation. If you are interested in becoming involved in a Chamber Committee or Taskforce, please send us an email to chamber@tbchamber.ca
Policy & Advocacy Committee
Mandate
The Policy and Advocacy Committee supports the achievement of the Chamber’s strategic objectives by:
- Identifying issues at all levels of government that affect the local business community;
- Informing and educating Chamber members regarding policy issues and initiatives;
- Developing informed/evidence-based policy recommendations and/or resolutions as required, including for consideration at the annual meetings of the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce; and
- Providing support for the Chamber in advocating to Federal, Provincial and Municipal government.
The Board of Directors must approve any policy position before it is considered adopted by the Chamber.
When evaluating issues for the establishment of Chamber policy or a Chamber position on an issue, the Committee will consider the following:
- The impact of an issue on the local economy.
- The need to provide objective and timely information to all levels of government to assist in their decision making.
- The need to impact more than one Chamber member.
– Last Updated September, 2016
Finance Committee
Mandate
The Finance Committee is advisory to the Board of Directors in nature. The objective of the Committee is to assist the Board &/or President in meeting their responsibilities through review of reports and Board Policy options related to the governance of financial and asset matters.
The Committee assists the Board in ensuring the adequacy and effectiveness of financial management, financial reporting, internal controls, management information systems, and governance of risk policies.
Responsibilities
The specific duties of the Committee fall into four primary areas including:
- Financial Advice/Policy Options
- Financial Management and Reporting
- External Audit
- Special projects
– Last updated September, 2013
Governance Committee (by Board appointment only)
Mandate
The Governance & Nomination Committee shall be a standing committee of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) Board of Directors, responsible to oversee all governance activities and processes of the organization.
Purpose/Role
- To assist in ensuring that the Board is able to govern the Chamber effectively, and that the corporation fulfills its responsibilities under all applicable legislation in a manner consistent with best practices for organizational governance.
- To oversee all governance matters of the Chamber including but not limited to creating, reviewing and recommending revisions to by-laws and policies of the Chamber, other than the financial policies that are under the jurisdiction of the Finance Committee, unless otherwise directed by the Board.
- To establish, monitor and evaluate Board processes and development.
- To oversee and administer all activities of the Nominating Committee in accordance with Section 4 of the Chamber By-laws
- To ensure compliance with existing by-laws and policies and make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding potential governance conflicts identified by the committee or the Board.
- To engage in educational activities to enhance knowledge and familiarity with governance processes and legislative requirements
Updated & approved by the Board: March 10, 2026
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
Objectives
The Chamber of Commerce Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee works to create a more diverse, inclusive and equitable business environment that drives economic growth through the following activities:
Economic Reconciliation Resources: Provide resources that help businesses respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #92.
Promoting Awareness and Education: Facilitate and promote opportunities to educate and celebrate matters relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the business community including seminars and discussions that raise awareness and highlight best practices.
Community Engagement: Foster relationships with diverse communities within the region. This can include partnerships with local organizations, participation in community events, and supporting initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the local business environment.
Policy Development and Review: Establish and review policies to ensure they promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the Chamber and among Member businesses. This may include creating guidelines for recruitment, retention, and promotion that support a diverse business community.
Measure and Report Progress: Set measurable goals and regularly assess the Chamber’s progress towards achieving them. This can involve collecting data on member demographics, conducting surveys to gauge member sentiment, and reporting findings to Chamber leadership.
Promote Inclusive Culture: Work towards creating a Chamber culture where all Members feel included and valued. This can involve celebrating cultural events, recognizing diverse contributions, and encouraging inclusive behaviours among Member businesses.
Approved by the Board of Directors, June 24, 2025
Education, Training & Skills Development Task Force
Mandate
The Education, Training & Skills Development Task Force fosters dialogue, promotes initiatives, recommends and implements strategies that create awareness and facilitates active engagement between representatives of educational institutions and the business sector in Thunder Bay. The Task Force also serves to provide advice to Chamber administration on member training & skills development opportunities.
Objectives
- Advance the education, training and development of businesses, organizations and individuals in order to enhance the economic development of Thunder Bay and region.
- Support career-oriented programming (such as internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing and other activities) that will create a job for every citizen and support the continued establishment of a skilled labour force in the region.
- Review, monitor and discuss employment, labour and workplace legislation as it relates to education and training; assist in the identification of current and potential regional issues; and forward recommendations and strategies to the Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce pertaining to such developments.
- Educate, inspire, promote and encourage the citizens of Thunder Bay to value free enterprise, understand the role of business and economics, and to develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills. This includes facilitating the sharing of knowledge between the business leaders of today and the business leaders of tomorrow.
- Develop well researched and balanced positions on education and training issues that are relevant to the business community.
Member Experience Task Force
Mandate
The Member Experience Taskforce is committed to enhancing the overall experience of Chamber members and strengthening engagement within the business community. This committee plays a vital role in welcoming new members, supporting existing members, and ensuring businesses feel connected, informed, and valued as part of the Chamber network.
Objectives
The Member Experience Task Force’s role is to nurture connection and engagement among members by offering welcoming, meaningful interactions that foster a sense of belonging within the Chamber network including:
- Connecting with new and existing members (e.g., welcome calls, plaque presentations, milestone recognition, congratulations, etc.).
- Serving as an Ambassador to help new Members feel included at Chamber events.
- Reinforcing the benefits of membership to new, existing and potential members (e.g., Chamber Plan, Chamber Perks, insurance discounts, etc.).
- Providing testimonials and collecting member success stories.
- Celebrating excellence by supporting nominations for the Chamber Business Excellence Awards.
- Promoting Membership visibility provide members with window decals when they are missing so their customers and peers can see they are part of our trusted business network.
- Sharing insights and ideas to improve member programs and enhance Member benefit messaging.
SHIFT Young Professionals Network
The SHIFT Young Professionals Network is an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce that strives to bring the under 40 demographic together to socialize, mobilize, and realize personal, professional, and community development by supporting young professionals in fulfilling their goals while making a positive impact in the community.
SHIFT is an incredibly diverse group of young people representing many professions and backgrounds. From business owners, entrepreneurs and trades people; to students, health specialists, and government employees, the uniqueness and connectedness of SHIFTers sets us apart. Every SHIFTer shares a common value that we believe in what’s next for Thunder Bay and we want to help drive the community forward.