The Guelph Chamber of Commerce is a partner in developing Guelph’s sustainability strategy, including economic, environmental, social, and cultural connections between businesses and organizations in our community. Thanks to support from the Trillium Foundation of Ontario, this project has been funded, and a website has been developed: www.sustainabilityguelph.ca. Over the past two years workshops and discussions have taken place to create collaborations between these four pillars of sustainability, and many businesses have been interviewed face to face. The results have been:
Economic: The Guelph Chamber is naturally leading economic discussions: how to succeed in business regardless of business size and type. Common themes are personal development, sales and marketing, and making business to business connections. The Guelph Chamber has partnered with the City of Guelph and University of Guelph through their research to create an on line master business directory for Guelph, found on www.guelphchamber.com. Over 1800 businesses are available through searching key words and use of our local search engine. If your business is not in this directory, it can be added at no cost by filling in the online form. Members of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce receive the added benefit of telling more about their business, including a logo and pictures.
Environmental: The Guelph Chamber has been involved in the development of our Community Energy Initiative, led by the City of Guelph. Guelph Environmental Leadership has also partnered with this pillar of sustainability. Guelph has over 60 megawatts of applications for solar power at the Ontario Power Authority. That is over ¼ of Guelph’s current power demand. We have had two successful www.PowerSavingsBlitz.ca programs offered to small business through Guelph Hydro. If you are not one of the over 400 businesses that have taken part in this $1000 incentive to retrofit your lighting, you can still join. Guelph continues to lead the way on water conservation and treatment, with research at the University of Guelph, and businesses providing innovative solutions for water supply, waste water treatment, and rainwater harvesting. Major projects are underway through Innovation Guelph, www.innovationguelph.ca .
Social: Guelph has long been known as a centre of excellence for mental health. Trellis Mental Health and Community Services has partnered on the sustainable solutions task force. We now have a “catalyst group” developing strategies around community and personal wellness, including mental health. Guelph is also developing nutrition, functional foods, and exercise programs through our businesses, educational institutions, and organizations.
Cultural: Over 40 organizations and artists are currently developing a new pillar, connecting Arts and Culture to the business community. After all, artists are also entrepreneurs. Their tag line is “Guelph: Use Your Imagination”. Clearly, that applies to all of the above.
2012 promises to be another great year to be alive in Guelph as we continue to develop connections between all of these active and imaginative groups. The Guelph Chamber of Commerce is here to help with advocacy, connections, and education. Guelph’s ACE organization for over 140 years!
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