Committees

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce has many committees covering a wide range of interests and topics. Chamber members who wish to network and meet other Chamber members and who want to be part of a team to design and deliver programs for the betterment of business are just the people we need. Also, committees are designed to enable members to contribute to the development of Chamber Policies as well as to increase their own awareness of community projects, proposed legislation and how it affects their business.

Any chamber member in good standing is welcome to participate in any of the Chamber’s events, committees and divisions. Please register with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (if applicable, a fee for lunch may apply).

Ambassadors

Committee Description:

Strengthens the Hamilton Chamber by encouraging new members to become involved in Chamber activities; develops and promotes networking and business opportunities for Chamber members such as the monthly Business After Business and Member Orientation Breakfasts.

Meets 3rd Wednesday of the Month @ 12:00 noon

Chair: Suzanne Bauman, Cowan Insurance, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Business Development 

Committee Description: 

To monitor and support growth and development of business in Hamilton; to develop programs, in co-operation with other stakeholders to encourage development of international business opportunities and strategic alliances as they arise; to help improve the competitiveness of local companies with specific emphasis on small business activities, needs and areas of concern; to encourage adoption of environmentally sustainable business practices and promotes business opportunities in the environmental industry sector; to continue to monitor and support growth and development in Hamilton's downtown core; to promote access to and expansion of venture capital sources to facilitate the development and marketing of Greater Hamilton's Businesses; to provide a forum to educate and update about community happenings. 

Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month @ 12 noon

Chair: Gerry Murphy, Downtown Hamilton Business Improvement Area,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Chair: Kathy Drewitt, Downtown Hamilton Business Improvement Area  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

January Presentation to BDC by Hamilton Water

Business Development Committee Presentations 2011-2012

Environment & Energy

The Environment and Energy committee will not be meeting during the 2012-2013 season.  We should be getting started again in September 2013.  Thank-you to everyone who has expressed an interest in the committee.

Committee Description: 

To develop advocacy positions and recommendations on environment and energy issues that both enhances the interests of commerce and the quality of life in Hamilton and advances the Chamber’s triple bottom-line commitment – social, environmental and economic – to sustainable development. 

To educate Chamber members and promote their interests on environment and energy issues, including, but not limited to, energy and water production and consumption, air and water quality, and wastewater, storm water and watershed management, so the community is able to retain a sustainable foundation for commerce and attract new business to Hamilton. 

To broaden and enhance local discussion and dialogue on environment and energy issues by working collaboratively with other interested individuals and community networks, recognizing that the collaborative efforts will respect the Chamber’s core values. 

To establish and maintain an environment and energy action plan for the Chamber through setting specific priorities and reviewing and reporting on matters relating to government legislation affecting environment and energy issues. 

Chair: TBD

Presentation by Brian Montgomery, March 13, 2012

Hive

Committee Description:  The mission of the Hamilton Hive is to provide an all-in-one, up-to-date resource for young professionals from across the economic landscape that are looking to start or advance their career and life in Hamilton and to assist in building young professional networks in Hamilton.

Chair: Melissa Height, Serious Monkey

Human Resources

Committee Description:

The Human Resources Committee focuses on providing value to members by:Sharing information with members regarding employment, labour and job creation, workplace legislation and best HR practices; providing an advocacy role to represent members on current issues and employment legislation that effect business and workforce needs, through the development of Chamber HR policies that can be used to lobby local, provincial and federal governments; creating a learning environment through special events, activities, expert speakers and workshops, whereby members have the opportunity to improve their knowledge base and develop new skills to strengthen their business; ensuring a venue for engaging committee members, encouraging involvement and providing networking opportunities that will assist members to grow their businesses and build on each other’s successes.

June HR Meeting  - Healthy Lifestyles

Meets 1st Wednesday of the Month @ 8:00 a.m.

Co Chair: Denise Doyle, YWCA Hamilton, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Co Chair: Rosy Montini, YWCA Hamilton

HR Committee Presentations

Innovation Technology

Committee Mission:

We will harness the experience, credibility, as well as the intellectual and leadership capacities of our committee members to mobilize community stakeholders in support of the Hamilton innovation agenda.  Where appropriate, we will align ourselves with the vision, mission, goals and objectives of our collaborative partner organizations.

We will develop and execute a marketing game plan, through which we will report on best practices and share local success stories to the community at large, by employing social media, the Chamber website, focused events and the local media.

Committee Vision:

We are the voice of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce for advancing innovation and technology development in Hamilton.

Meets 2nd Thursday of the Month @ 8:00 a.m. at McMaster Innovation Park

Chair: Keanin Loomis, Innovation Factory, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

LRT Task Force

Committee Description: 

The LRT Task Force is comprised of 1 or 2 representatives from each of the Chamber’s other committees and is dedicated to

• Assessing Hamilton’s LRT project from a business perspective i.e. provide input to and assess the return on investment of LRT in Hamilton
• Providing input on how LRT is a strategic infrastructure investment for Hamilton
• Providing input and perspective on funding options for LRT in Hamilton
• Providing input on costing options for LRT in Hamilton
• Engaging Chamber members and the business community to provide input to the LRT project including facilitating meetings; forums; discussion groups
• Assessing the interest of Hamilton’s business community about the LRT project

Meets 4th Wednesday of the Month @ 8:30 a.m.

Chair: John Ennis, CAA, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

LRT Presentation

Transportation

Committee Description:

Identifies and recommends actions to improve air, water, road and rail transportation systems serving the Greater Hamilton area. Supports the growth, development and promotion of Hamilton Airport and encourages the completion of the Mid Peninsula Trade Corridor.

Meets 1st Tuesday of the Month @ 8:00 a.m.

Chair: John Ennis, CAA, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Related Links:

• Hamilton Chamber Public Policy Positions
• Hamilton Chamber 5 Year Strategic Plan
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce Resolution Booklet
• Ontario Chamber of Commerce Resolution Booklet