About the Chamber
The business voice of the greater Muskoka Lakes region
The Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the Muskoka Lakes and area business community. A non-profit, Member-driven organization, the Chamber is governed by a 12-Member Board of Directors with input from over 350 members.
Networking, Differently. The Chamber offers a variety of opportunities for business to engage in events ranging from in person and virtual workshops to Business After Hours events.
The Chamber offers services and products to its Members and the broader business community, including:
- Promotion of Member businesses
- Informational and networking events
- Member benefits (great health, dental, travel and more)
- Member to Member discounts and programs
- Business development workshops and grant support
- Policy and advocacy locally with the Township of Muskoka Lakes and provincially and federally through its membership in the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce serves the greater Muskoka Lakes region and Wahta First Nation, and organizations doing business within the Chamber’s geographic area. Download our 2020 Muskoka Lakes Chamber Annual Report
AWARDS: In 2021, the Muskoka Lakes Chamber was honoured with the 2021 Power of the Pivot COVID Award from the entire Ontario Chamber Network for exemplary support of its Members during the pandemic.
About our Board of Directors
If you are a Chamber Member or employee of a Chamber Member in good standing and interested in serving on our Board of Directors, simply send us an email telling us why you would like to join us and attach a resume or short biography so we can get to know you better. Please review About our Board of Directors page first to learn about Eligibility Criteria and more.
VISION
Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce endeavours to improve economic prosperity in the greater Muskoka Lakes region through connectivity, education, and advocacy for our Members
MISSION
Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce serves the greater Muskoka Lakes community, driving economic prosperity by connecting with our Members to benefit, promote and support their businesses and non-profit organizations.
Board of Directors
Randy Heyd
Chair
Northpoint Group
Ruthann Brown
Ruthann Brown Real Estate
David Krocker
Rosseau Lake College
Cal White
The Wahta Station
Blake Johnston
Secretary-Treasurer
Cranberry Marsh Construction Ltd.
Sally Moyer Kent
Township of Muskoka Lakes Liaison to the Chamber
Want to Join our Board of Directors?
Chamber Members in good standing and with at least one year of Membership are invited to apply to serve on our Board of Directors. To know what’s involved and what you need to do to apply, please download our Board Director information here >
Interesting in serving on our Board of Directors? Applications accepted now for 2024.
Chamber Members in good standing and with at least one year of Membership are invited to apply to serve on our Board of Directors. Serving your business community is rewarding and can help deepen your connections as well. To learn what’s involved and what you need to do to apply, please view our Board Director information here >
History
The Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce traces its history back to 1961 when the Bala and District Chamber of Commerce was incorporated. It became more active in the early 1980s when it started as an association for Bala and area businesses.
In 1990, it became the West Muskoka Chamber of Commerce. In 1999 a FedNor grant made it possible to hire Jane Templeton on a part-time basis. Jane’s role grew and she continued on as General Manager for 17 years until 2016. Membership grew as well from a few dozen members to almost 300. In the mid-1990s, the Port Carling business community began considering joining the Chamber.
As the Chamber had been serving a wider business area of Muskoka Lakes for several years, the membership changed the name to the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce in 2003. The Chamber’s year round office is located in Bala Pines Plaza at 3181 Muskoka Road 169 in Bala. A second, seasonal Visitor Information Centre was operated in Port Carling for several years as well. As of 2021, the Chamber membership had grown to over 340 members.
In 2021, the Muskoka Lakes Chamber won a coveted Ontario Chamber of Commerce Award: The Power of the Pivot Award for excellence in its pandemic response.
Timeline
1961: Bala District Chamber of Commerce incorporated in April 1961 by J. Baker
Early 1980s: Bala and Area Business Men’s Association formed
1985: Name changed to Bala and Area Business association
1987: Membership fees were $25.00 with 51 members
1990: Changed to West Muskoka Chamber of Commerce (WMCC). Visitor information booth built at Windsor Park
1992: Helped develop Hardy Lake Provincial Park and active in setting up Bala’s 125th anniversary
1993: Bala, Wales twinned with Bala, Muskoka
1999: Jane Templeton hired as Tourism Promotion Coordinator. Chamber website developed.
1999: First ever “Business after Hours” held and “Heritage Walking Tours” created
2001: Chamber created first ever Bala Farmers’ Market
2002: Chamber took over Santa Claus Parade
2003: Changed name from West Muskoka Chamber of Commerce to Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce
2003: Chamber awarded $30k grant to build broadband business plan, creating the Muskoka Lakes-Wahta Community Broadband project
2003: Chamber logo produced
2004: Chamber grows to 12-member board of directors, with by-laws and had 50 volunteers
2005: Produced the first ever Visitor Guide and Member Directory. Developed Seasonal Accommodation inventory project.
2007: Township purchased the Duke House and a Visitor Information Centre was established there
2008: Chamber moved into their present office space in the Bala Pines Plaza
2009: Chamber starts an annual Christmas Market in Port Carling
2013: Chamber joins Canadian Chamber of Commerce
2013: Finalized the ‘Choose a Chamber Member First, Keep it in Muskoka’ Campaign
2014: Hosted first ‘Spotlight on Muskoka Lakes’ Event
2016: Jane Templeton retired after 17 years; Norah Fountain begins as Executive Director
2017: Chamber joins the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
2018: Chamber hires FedNor Intern Katelyn Broad as Events and Communications Coordinator
2019: Chamber (in partnership with Gravenhurst Chamber) hosts the 107th Annual Ontario Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and Convention (the smallest Chambers ever to host this event) in Minett
2019: Chamber awarded Ontario Regional Economic Development grant for Workforce Development Project
May 4, 2021: The Muskoka Lakes Chamber recognized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce with an Ontario-wide COVID-19 award, the “Power of the Pivot Award” for exceptional value delivered by a chamber directly related to the pandemic response.
2023: Membership grows to 400
Testimonials
Business is better with friends in our Chamberhood! Our community is strengthened by the bonds of friendship and mutual success among our members. We are proud to share some kind words from both our esteemed friends and dedicated members who have experienced the benefits of being a part of our thriving network.
Joining the chamber was probably my best decision since I started my business. Thank you for being so great at connecting businesses and cheering them on. When you presented your Business Case I thought, “Wow! I JUST joined, and I have already felt and experienced all of the things they promise Members. Incredible.” I really look forward to continuing to be part of the best chamber of commerce in Ontario.
We know you guys are always sending people in our direction, and for that we are grateful.
You always over-deliver and we are so grateful for your ongoing support and kindness too!
Thank you for making me (and every Member) feel valued and not just another number.