Our mission
For every business within the CBRM to be a valued member of our Chamber and to work together to build a thriving, confident community where business needs to be.
Be a catalyst for growth
Our Chamber is a catalyst for business growth by listening to and advocating for our members’ needs.
Create stronger businesses
We create a stronger business community through collaboration, networking, advocacy, and education.
Cultivate positivity
We cultivate positivity by changing the conversation about business in the CBRM.
Challenge the status quo
Our Chamber pushes for change and encourages innovation amongst our membership.
Our values
To empower businesses to thrive in the CBRM.
We always act in the best interest of our members.
We are committed to supporting sustainable business growth.
We embrace change and welcome ideas that nurture our economic future.
We demonstrate inclusive, non-partisan, objective leadership.
We create opportunities for collaboration and networking between businesses and the community at large.
Our team
Connect with us and make the most of your membership! Our goal is to connect you with the right people and opportunities to support you in your success. Contact us at any time with your questions, comments, or concerns.
Melissa Vickers
Director of Operations
Megan Penney
Member Relations CoordinatorOur Board of Directors
Our volunteer board is made up of local business people that offer a wealth of knowledge from a diverse set of professional backgrounds and provide the Chamber with support in our advocacy efforts.
Craig Boudreau
J. Francis Investments (Chair)
Shelley Bennett-Trifos
Trifos Design Consultants (Vice Chair)
Paula MacNeil
Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation (Past Chair)
Nona MacDermid
Flourish Management Consulting (Treasurer)
Sean MacDonald
Manley Law
Michelle Wilson
Sydney Downtown Development Association
Dr. Peter Kerr
Cape Breton University
Douglas MacLennan
Lindsey Construction
Rochelle Hatcher
Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council
Sabrina Vatcher
YMCA of Cape Breton
Natasha Morris
TD Canada Trust
Chuck Ogley
District 11 TaxiOur history
1911
The Chamber was incorporated as the Sydney Board of Trade with a membership of 38. The unified communities of Glace Bay, New Waterford, Dominion, Sydney, North Sydney, Sydney Mines, and Louisbourg, provided a strong voice for Cape Breton professionals going forward.
2002
The Industrial Cape Breton Board of Trade became the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce in order to modernize our image and bring the organization in line with other business organizations in North America.
2018
The Chamber renamed itself the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce, to encompass the region in its entirety, and embarked on a four-year strategic plan which included a rebranding. You will find the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce office at 50 Dorchester Street in Downtown Sydney, but the organization represents all areas of the CBRM.
2021
Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce remains a private-sector led, not-for-profit, non-partisan organization. We aspire to be a catalyst for business growth by listening to and advocating for our members’ needs. This means creating a strong business community through collaboration, networking, advocacy, and education.