About Us
Like many communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, and before the formation of Chambers of Commerce, a Businessmen’s Association represented the interests of Stephenville’s business community. Compared to Chambers of Commerce, the Business Association resticted its membership to businesses. Recognizing the need for broader representation, Stephenville residents set out to form a local Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber would operate differently from the Businessmen's Association. It encouraged membership from an wide array of area citizens. Associations, corporations, societies, firms, and individual citizens concerned about the overall social and economic welfare of the Bay St. George region were welcome and encouraged to participate.
Using the services of a field worker from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce who was working to form groups across Atlantic Canada, Mr. Leo Bruce and other Stephenville residents formed the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce in 1955. It was the first chartered Chamber of Commerce in Newfoundland and Labrador. The popularity of Chambers of Commerce quickly grew and spread across the province.
The history of the Bay St. George Chamber of Commerce is rich in the spirit of enterprise. The present Chamber operates in much the same manner as its predecessors. The focus is, as it has always been, to encourage and promote the economic growth and prosperity of the region.