Beaver Staff
Napanee and District Chamber of Commerce announced it would be suspending all operations as of Feb. 1.
Citing the findings of a thorough evaluation of the current business climate, the NDCC ‘s board of directors voted unanimously to dissolve.
Founded nearly 25 years ago, the NDCC was deemed redundant following the growth of social media, digital promotion and virtual community building, which allowed businesses a different avenue for promotion. In their press release, the chamber noted NDCC’s members no longer relied on them the way they once did.
The release went on to state NDCC’s directors undertook a complete evaluation of the organization’s operations and financial position in 2019, including a thorough business continuity review. The key takeaway from these exercises was that the Chamber could not proceed with business in 2020 in a way that was responsible both fiscally, and to membership. After much discussion, the board determined that the most responsible outcome would be to suspend the Chamber’s operations indefinitely, and place all retained assets in trust. Members who are within a paid membership window will be reimbursed a prorated amount based on time remaining before renewal date; dues for 2020 renewals will not be collected.
Recent NDCC involved events included the Take Over, Women With Momentum and the Napanee Business Awards.