The Bulletin... by mail: Information from the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade

November, 2014

The Bulletin... by mail: Information from the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade

Six decades of service to local business

See ‘Partners’ page 2...

For the past 60 years, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade has been the

vehicle through which local businesses connect, cooperate, and create opportunities for growth and success. Since its inception, this organization has been dedicated to the development of our community and the enhancement of our local economy.

The first incarnation of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade began in the hopeful era of poodle skirts, soda fountains and drive-in restaurants that emerged out of the ashes of the Second World War, a war in which Ajax played a key role as a centre of munitions manufacturing. The Corporation of the Town of Ajax was founded in 1955 following the dissolution of the Improvement District of Ajax. That same year, a group of interested business people who realized the need for a Chamber of Commerce within the new

town came together to make it a reality.

The first recorded executive meeting of the Ajax Chamber of Commerce was held on February 26, 1955 and on October 25th of the same year, the newly formed chamber held its inaugural dinner and charter night in the original Recreation Centre, then known as Rotary Hall.

It soon became apparent that the Ajax Chamber of C o m m e r c e would play an essential role in the success of the new municipality.

In fact, on December 8th, 1959, after a

yearlong trial, it was decided that the Industrial Association would amalgamate with the Chamber of Commerce on a provisional basis as its industrial section. It was felt that the two organizations could be far more effective in their aims and beneficial to the town as a unified body. There was also discussion at this meeting about the need for a first class hotel in Ajax.

It was true 30 years ago and remains true today

The Bulletin... by mail: Information from the Ajax-Pickering Board of TradeThe Bulletin... by mail: Information from the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade

Partners in your success for 60 years...Continued from on page 1The Ajax Chamber of Commerce would experience ups and downs throughout the 1960s and, in 1966 construction began on Pickering Nuclear. All was not well, however because membership numbers

started to decline near the end of that decade.

In 1970, the executive informed the member of its intention to disband the Ajax Chamber of Commerce due to the decline in membership and active member involvement but that didn’t last long as the Chamber was revived in 1973. It seems that the commissioning of Pickering Nuclear A Station between 1971 and 1973 gave the local economy a much-needed shot in the arm.

The Ajax Chamber of Commerce grew rapidly after this revival and in November 1978, the group expanded to include the businesses of the then Town of Pickering and, accordingly, changed its name to the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade in recognition of this expansion.

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Ajax and Pickering continued to grow at an ever-increasing pace and various members of our business c o m m u n i t y took their turns serving on our council and v o l u n t e e r i n g their time on our committees.

In 1994, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade hosted its First Annual Business Excellence Awards in order to provide the local businesses of Ajax and Pickering with a platform for much-deserved recognition. The board has hosted the Business Excellence Awards every subsequent year and, in 2014 the organization marked 20 years of celebrating excellence in business.

Over the years, the board has stood out among its peers in the Chamber movement winning several awards for its Eco Business Program and, most recently, being recognized for its advocacy work on the transportation file by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Today the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade employs a staff of five employees and is located in Pickering Village, Ajax at the corner of Old Kingston Rd. and Elizabeth streets. The board boasts a membership of over 650 local businesses and hosts in excess of 50 events every year. We are proud of the work we’ve done together and the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade looks forward to the next 60 years of working for you and your business.

Watch your inbox!Although much of this edition of the

Bulletin…by Mail is a trip down memory lane, we would be remiss if we didn’t take this opportunity to remind you of some things that will require your attention. By the time you are reading this, you would have received email notifications from the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade letting you know that a) you now have a member login on www.apboardoftrade.com and b) it’s time to renew your annual membership!

Member Logins

Your unique login will allow you to take control of your brand on our online directory. For example, if you have an enhanced listing, you can now edit your own online bio, upload your logo, change employee contact information and more! You can also now view your account with us and review previous and outstanding invoices and more. Check your email for instructions and contact us at the office if you have any questions.

Membership Renewals

Renewing your Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade membership has never been more convenient. You can pay directly via the invoice in your email inbox. Remember to renew promptly to avoid interruption of your valuable membership benefits. Remember, we aren’t sending paper invoices, so if you haven’t seen the email renewal invoice by the end of November, be sure to call the office at (905) 686-0883 or email Nicole at admin@apboardoftrade.com.

In honour of our 60th anniversary, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade will

be using a special commemorative logo throughout 2015.

The 60th Anniversary logo variation was designed by graphic designer and APBOT member, Sarah Evans of Sevans Designs

In addition to the logo, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade will be marking this special milestone throughout the year by bringing special materials to events, planning a celebration and more. The

Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade shares its birthday with both the Town of Ajax and the Ajax-Pickering Hospital. Our longstanding service to Ajax and, later, Pickering is a great source of pride. As a membership organization it is a pride

we share with each and every one of our members.

Our organization would not have been able to succeed over the past six decades were it not for the dedication of the many volunteers who have, in their turn, donated countless hours of their time and plenty of expertise to help shape us into the professional organization we have become.

We hope you enjoy celebrating 60 years of success with us throughout 2015.

APBOT to mark 60th anniversary with commemorative logo