Art Gallery and Custom Framing

"I recently attended a "Good Morning Oakville" event at the Holiday Inn and spoke for two minutes. This $14.00 investment resulted in sales of several hundred dollars with another chamber member who has become a regular client." - Doug Rotchell, President, New Concept Art Ltd. www.newconceptart.com

Gift Baskets

"With significant changes in the business world today, we felt it was a tremendous opportunity to join the Oakville chamber of Commerce to add value and credibility to our company. We joined during Small Business week and participated in all of the scheduled seminars. By bringing business leaders together to discuss, share and compare best practices, as well as learn from each other, this mandated us develop a new found strategy in marketing and sales. We walked away with direct goals for our needs. We learned and took away with us a wealth of knowledge. The opportunity to meet new colleagues is always a pleasure. Looking forward to you many of your upcoming series of seminars. Your referral is our best advertising!" - Cynthia, Roshan & Marta, Eclectic Considerations. www.ecgiftbaskets.com

Fashion Jewelry and Accessories

"As a small-business owner, I am often my own "advertisement" for the fashion jewelry and accessories that "Go Hang It! Accessories" showcases. How has that been possible? The various networking avenues offered by the Oakville Chamber of Commerce have let me make lots of new friends and business contacts. And that has opened many doors, letting me share my "passion for fashion" with new customers, either during lunch-hour get-togethers at their office or at a "girls' night out" party at their home." - Patti Kohanik ,Go Hang It! Accessories. www.GoHangIt.com

Human Resources Consultants/Coaching/Training

"One of the first things I did when I started my business was to join the Chamber. It was a decision that has benefited me in many ways. First, I have met so many amazing people that I am proud to call my friends as well as my business associates. We have helped each other along the way. Second, I have had the opportunity to serve as the Chair of the Women in Business Committee. This has given me exposure within the Chamber and allowed me to work with a great volunteer committee and the Chamber staff. And lastly, Chamber members continue to become my clients. A lot of my business comes from Chamber members, which is really why most of us join in the first place!" - Audie McCarthy, Marrek Solutions Inc. www.marrek.com

Advertising / Graphic Design

"Since Annex Graphics joined the chamber we have been exposed to the various discounts and networking opportunities throughout the various chambers. Our business has grown in Oakville already within a month and it has already
paid for our membership. Thank you Oakville Chamber of Commerce." - Greg Davis R.G.D., President, Annex Graphics. www.annexgraphics.com

Financial Planning

"After 15 years of having a clean driving record I made one mistake and was forced to leave my previous insurance company. Distraught and expecting the worst I began making calls to various insurance companies for quotes.

I have never been a fan of insurance as I feel it is a necessary evil and the reaction I received from most brokers simply reinstated those feelings but Donna of * Dan Lawrie Insurance Brokers Ltd. made me feel welcome and appreciated as a customer.

She did not pass judgment on me but rather fought on my behalf to get me the best possible rate given my circumstances. She has been friendly and most helpful and I feel has exceeded my expectations.

Thank you Donna for giving me a second chance!!" - Noelle Tinus, Wellington West. www.wellingtonwest.com

* Dan Lawrie Insurance Brokers Ltd. is the Home and Auto Insurance provider for the Oakville Chamber of Commerce.

Marketing Consulting and Education

"Getting a new business off the ground is a daunting task and the Chamber offered us immediate access to the business community through its events and resources. Through our association with the Chamber, we’ve gained new clients, established relationships with new suppliers and substantially grew our list of business contacts. I would strongly encourage new business owners to join the Chamber and get involved." - Aby Alameddine, Co-Founder, Core Marketing Strategies. www.coremarketingstrategies.com