For the second consecutive year, the Huron Chamber of Commerce has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing chambers of commerce in Canada.
The Chamber has been ranked as the third fastest-growing chamber in Canada by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada. The Huron Chamber is also the only chamber in its category to place in the top five for two consecutive years, reflecting sustained membership growth and growing engagement from businesses and organizations across Huron County.
“This recognition is meaningful because it reflects the confidence local businesses and organizations are placing in the Chamber,” said Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce. “Growth is not just a number on a list. It strengthens the Chamber’s ability to advocate, to convene, to share useful information, and to create practical opportunities for members. The larger and more engaged the Chamber becomes, the more effective it can be on behalf of businesses across Huron County.”
The recognition comes during a period of significant expansion for the Huron Chamber. In recent years, the Chamber has grown beyond its historic base in Goderich and now serves members across all nine municipalities in Huron County. Today, Chamber members are located in every municipality in the county, including businesses, non-profit organizations, employers, entrepreneurs, and community partners from towns, villages, rural areas, and main streets throughout the region.
The Chamber’s work is centred on connecting community leaders and helping bring the right people into the right rooms at the right time to discuss issues that matter. That includes advocacy on local and regional business priorities, events that build relationships across sectors and communities, workforce development initiatives, timely member communications, and the translation of economic and labour market information into practical context for Huron County employers.
“As someone who has been involved with chambers of commerce in both Canada and the United States, I have seen firsthand the important role they play when they are active, focused, and deeply connected to the communities they serve,” said Ken Zelazny, Chair of the Huron Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “The Huron Chamber is delivering a level of service and engagement often associated with much larger organizations. Businesses across Huron County clearly recognize that value and are choosing to invest in and support the Chamber’s work.”
The Chamber’s recent growth also reflects a broader understanding of what membership can offer. For many members, the value of belonging is not limited to a single event, discount, or service. It comes from being part of a larger network that supports business success, community development, and a stronger regional economy.
As an independent non-profit organization, the Huron Chamber receives no government funding. Its work is supported by membership, sponsorship, events, and partnerships. Maintaining that independence allows the Chamber to speak clearly and constructively on issues affecting local businesses, employers, and communities.
“An active Chamber matters because business conditions are shaped by many factors, including workforce availability, infrastructure, regulation, housing, energy costs, and local economic development,” Carmichael said. “Our role is to make sure those issues are understood in a Huron County context and that the voice of business is part of the conversation.”
The Huron Chamber of Commerce continues to welcome new members from across the county. Any business or non-profit organization located or operating in Huron County is eligible to join, regardless of size, sector, or municipality.
Membership information is available at huronchamber.ca.
The Huron Chamber of Commerce is one of Canada’s fastest growing Chambers, connecting community leaders since 1990. Representing businesses across Huron County, the Chamber focuses on growing the local economy, supporting business success, and strengthening our towns and villages. As an independent, non-profit organization, the Chamber advocates for business and community interests, facilitates collaboration, and convenes stakeholders to develop and support a vibrant and thriving county.
