On November 27th, 2025, the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce gathered with members, community partners, past presidents and present board of directors to celebrate an incredible 75 years! This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the work being done to support local business and help shape the future of Quinte West. Current President, Bev Woods, spoke candidly to a packed room at the Trent Port Marina:
Distinguished guests, members, and friends,
My name is Bev Woods, and it is an honor to stand before you this evening as the 2025 president, as we celebrate a truly extraordinary milestone—75 years of the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce serving as the voice and advocate for our local business community. I would ask that the current directors please join me up at the front and for other past directors and presidents to join us as your name is called.
With us tonight are also many of our past presidents: Brent Parsons; Matt Doty; Amber Darling; Cindy Dow; Derrick Morgan and Mike Cowan along with past and present directors including Jeff McKerracher; Andrew Fothergill; Cory Armstrong; Katie Sherratt; Sarah Wolters; Eileen Brown; David McCue; Al Flieler; David O’Neil and Dianne Campbell.
Since its incorporation in 1950, the Chamber has been a cornerstone of economic development in our region. In those early years, local business leaders came together with a shared vision: to create an organization that would strengthen commerce and foster growth. From supporting small family-owned enterprises to welcoming major employers, the Chamber has played a vital role in shaping the economic landscape of Quinte West.
Over the decades, we have witnessed remarkable progress—the expansion of industry in the 1960s, the rise of tourism and hospitality in the 1980s, and the transformation brought by technology and innovation in recent years. Through every era, the Chamber has stood as a trusted partner, advocating for businesses, building connections, and ensuring that our community thrives.
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Major Milestones over the past 75 years include
1950 – Chamber of Commerce incorporated to support local businesses and economic growth.
1960s – Advocacy for industrial expansion and infrastructure development in the region.
1980s – Promotion of tourism and hospitality as key economic drivers.
1998 – Formation of Quinte West through municipal amalgamation, strengthening the Chamber’s role.
2000s – Launch of programs supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship.
2010s – Digital transformation initiatives and networking platforms introduced.
2020s – Continued leadership through economic recovery and innovation strategies.
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Tonight, we pay tribute not only to this rich history but also to the countless individuals—business owners, volunteers, and community leaders—whose vision and dedication have brought us to this moment. Their efforts have built a legacy that continues to inspire.
As we look ahead, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to growth, innovation, and partnership. Together, we will ensure that the next 75 years are marked by even greater achievements.
Congratulations to the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce on this remarkable anniversary. Here’s to honoring the past, celebrating the present, and embracing the future with confidence and pride.”
