The Hastings and District Chamber of Commerce (hereafter called the “Chamber”) was started in Hastings in the 1980′s with local business owners. The Chamber was registered as a Federal Charter with the Government of Canada on March 6th, 2002 and has remained a certified charter since then.
Between August 2004 and April 2009, Chamber operations and activities were put on hold in Hastings. This was due to the development of the Hastings Village Marina, which consumed a considerable amount of time and commitment by Chamber Executive and Members to ensure a successful launch of first class marina facilities in the Village of Hastings (see History Section for an overview of the establishment and development of the Hastings Marina).
During this time, Dennis Savery, local businessman and Past President, continued to maintain the Hastings & District Charter every year in anticipation of a future need.
Public Announcement
“In response to an expressed need in the community and the recent economic recession, the Hastings & District Chamber of Commerce has been reactivated effective April 16th, 2009.”….
Dennis Savery, President
After much discussion among previous members, local residents, and business owners, it was agreed that the Chamber needed to be revived for the benefit of Hastings and the local community. On April 16th, 2009, after a 5-year hiatus, the Hastings and District Chamber of Commerce was officially reactivated. With the reactivation came the election of new officers, the opening of a new office, and a new member recruitment drive. Slowly and with much determination, a new vision and a new direction has emerged for the Chamber and the Village of Hastings.
…” I believe Hastings and the surrounding area needs a Chamber which is focused entirely on its economic welfare. This means we will be better able to boost the local economy and promote the benefits and attractions that Hastings has to offer.”…Dennis Savery, 2009
…With the economic times and the stress that has been put on businesses locally, we thought we’d band together again to try to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”….Dennis Savery
“The Chamber of Commerce…symbolizes innovation, prosperity and forward-thought” (OCC, 2011).
Provincial Affiliation
The Hastings & District Chamber of Commerce supports and is supported by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). We have remained a member in good standing since its inception. The OCC is a federation of approximately 160 community Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce collectively representing 60,000 businesses throughout Ontario. See the Links section for information regarding the OCC website and contact information.
You are Invited to Join With Us
If your business or community group is looking for the kind of recognition, action and forward-thinking that the Chamber offers, please contact the Chamber for a membership application form.
We need your continued support for the benefit of Hastings.
Together we can “turn our influence into real impact”.