To our valued members;
It is a privilege to return for another term as Chair of the Niagara Board of Trade & Commerce. I’m proud of this organization, grateful for the people who keep it moving, and excited about what we can accomplish in the coming year.
Running a chamber comes with many of the same challenges our members face in their own businesses. There are plans to move forward, relationships to maintain, and daily responsibilities that need attention. Without an administrator, those responsibilities fall to a volunteer board whose members are also running businesses and managing their own commitments.
There have certainly been some trials and tribulations. We have felt the strain of limited time and resources, and we haven’t always been able to move as quickly as we would have liked. I want to thank our directors and members for their patience, their contributions, and their continued belief in what NBOTAC brings to our business community.
I’m happy to say we now have Steve Simkus in place as our administrator. Steve brings experience, a strong understanding of business, and a willingness to get things done. Having a dedicated person supporting our members and coordinating the day-to-day work gives us the capacity to follow through on more of the ideas we’ve been discussing.
We are also welcoming four new directors to our board. Their perspectives and experience, alongside those of our returning directors, will help shape NBOTAC’s direction over the coming year.
Our focus is on growth and meaningful member value: welcoming more businesses, strengthening connections, and developing programs that respond to what our members need. You can look forward to new opportunities to learn, connect, share your expertise, and become more involved.
Your input will help guide that work. Tell us what would make your membership more valuable, what challenges you’re facing, and where you see opportunities for our business community. I also encourage you to consider joining one of our committees: Operations, Finance, Policy & Procedures, Events, Marketing, or Membership. Committees are stronger with member input, and your experience and ideas can help shape the decisions, programs, and services we deliver. Whether you’ve been a member for years or have recently joined, there is a place for you to contribute.
We have a stronger team in place and plenty of work ahead. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can build together.
Sincerely,
Debi Katsmar
Chair
Niagara Board of Trade & Commerce
debi@nbotac.com
