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.
Meetings
Meetings of the Policy and Advocacy Committee are held as needed to address issues in a timely manner.
– 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
Financial Advice/Policy Options
Review policy decision options and implications for the Board’s consideration related to:
- Financial and asset limitations policies.
- Investment limitations policies and, where applicable selection of the appropriate investment management firm(s).
- Capital projects outside the President’s expenditure limits.
- Ensuring that the Board has comprehensively addressed governance of risk in its policies on other related matters as requested by the Board.
Financial Management, Oversight, and Reporting
Review and provide comments for the Board related to:
- Monitoring Reports on financial and asset limitation policies including monthly financial statements.
- Financial management policies.
- Compliance of accounting procedures related to the Board’s financial limitations policies.
- Achievement of the financial aspects of the President’s Ends Interpretation and Business Plan.
External Audit
Serve as the Board’s primary contact with the External Auditor(s) to:
- Review the audit proposal, scope, and costs and recommend to the Board the appointment of external auditors annually.
- Meet with the external auditors as needed but at least twice annually.
- Review the Auditor’s Report, including Management Letter and Internal Control recommendations and provide feedback and insight to the Board.
- Evaluate the performance of the annual auditor(s) assessing whether the independent audit of TBCC was performed in an appropriate manner.
Special Projects
- Undertake financial-related projects from time to time as requested by the Board of Directors and/or the President
– Last updated September, 2013
Governance Committee (by Board appointment only)
Mandate
Reporting to and directed by the Board of Directors, the Governance Committee oversees all governance activities and processes of the Chamber. The Committee is responsible for the development and completion of an annual committee work plan to be approved by the Board. The Governance Committee will also review and provide direction to the Board from time to time on other items as may be identified outside of the annual work plan.
Structure
This Committee is chaired by the Chamber President and comprised of the Chair of the Board of Directors, one Executive member and two members of the Board. Additional members will be considered by the committee as required.
– Last updated September, 2016
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.
Resources & Finances
The Taskforce will provide its own resources for keeping minutes. Meeting notices will be distributed through the Chamber office. Funding for any/all activities will require pre-approval from the Board of Directors.
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.
Task Force Membership & Responsibilities
There is no limit to the number of members on this Task Force.
Any representative of educational institutions/agencies in Thunder Bay and any individual from within the membership of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce can be a member of the Committee. Invitations for membership will be offered by the Chair of the Task Force.
At least one representative on the Task Force shall be a member of the Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. This individual will act as a liaison between the Task Force and the Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
One member of the Task Force shall be an employee of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. This person’s role is to act as a liaison between the Task Force and the staff of the Chamber of Commerce.
Governance
Taskforce Chair: The Taskforce shall (annually) elect two Co-Chair from within its membership. One Vice-Chair will also be elected.
Sub-Taskforces: The Taskforce may create sub-taskforces who shall report to the Taskforce.
Terms of Reference: Will be reviewed on an annual basis and amended as required. The Education Committee will continue to exist at the approval of the Board of Directors.
Reporting: Copies of the minutes from each meeting shall be forwarded to the Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. Annually, the Taskforce’s Strategic Plan will be forwarded to the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
Conflict of Interest; The Taskforce will be governed by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Conflict of Interest policy.
Meeting Schedule: The Taskforce shall meet monthly between September and June.
Prior to meetings, there will be a formal call for agenda items with the agenda and meeting materials circulated in advance.
It is the Chair’s responsibility to arrange for the taking of meeting minutes and developing agendas.
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.
Meetings
The Taskforce will meet 4-6 times per year. Meetings will be scheduled to align with upcoming Chamber events, creating opportunities for the Task Force to serve as Ambassadors for new members. Taskforce meeting notices, agendas and background information will be coordinated by Andrew Lucking, Member Relations Coordinator.
Reporting
Terms of Reference will be reviewed annually and amended as required. Copies of the minutes of each meeting will be provided to the Board of Directors. An annual workplan for the task force will be forwarded to the Chamber’s Board of Directors for approval.
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.