Chamber members in favour of name change

Submitted by Misty Santos

It’s official and unanimous. In October, our members voted 100 per cent in favour of our new name: the North Durham Chamber of Commerce.

After 111 years of serving local businesses, this milestone marks far more than a name change. It symbolizes over a century of evolution, resilience, and commitment to growing with the times. Changing the name of a not-for-profit that’s been part of the community fabric for more than a century isn’t quick or simple. In fact, it’s taken me the entirety of my seven months as the executive director to wrap things up from when the project started last summer.

I feel the unanimous vote matters. It tells a powerful story about who we are as a business community: forward-thinking, unified, and ready to

embrace the future. Our members recognize that our strength lies in connection, not separation. By expanding beyond three individual municipalities to a cohesive North Durham identity, we’re choosing collaboration over silos, and shared prosperity over division.

We understand that every business, large or small, thrives best when supported by a strong, dynamic, and diverse network — and that’s exactly what this new chapter represents.

Our roots run deep. In 1914, we began as the Port Perry Businessmen’s Association. In the 1920s, we grew into the Port Perry Board of Trade. Later in the 20th century, we became the Scugog Chamber of Commerce.

And now that tradition of growth continues as we expand into the North Durham Chamber of Commerce — a regional leader representing the collective voice of business across North Durham.

Growth has always been part of our DNA. It’s historical. It’s forward-moving. It’s unstoppable.

Today, we stand as one of the fastest-growing Chambers in Ontario — a reflection of our region’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and our members’ long-standing commitment to progress.

To every business owner, innovator, and community builder — we invite you to join us. Be part of this exciting new chapter. Together, we’ll continue doing what we’ve done for 111 years:

grow with the times and build a stronger North Durham. As always, my email is open: ed@northdurhamchamber.ca

Misty Santos is the Executive Director, North Durham Chamber of Commerce