CORNWALL, Ontario – It was a pioneer event as the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce forged a unique alliance with its international counterparts. The event was a cross border business ‘Meet-and-Greet’ and it brought together close to 90 individuals and firms representing chambers from Cornwall, Massena and Akwesasne. Guests in attendance declared the evening to be an outstanding one.
“Our chambers have worked for some time in creating this positive alliance, and the Meet and Greet is the first step in what we hope will become an ongoing and positive initiative,” says Casey Swamp, President of the Akwesasne Chamber of Commerce.
The three chambers, along, with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Economic Development Program, have been working towards cementing closer cross border business ties and increasing trade and development between the regions. “We believe there are significant opportunities to enhance trade between our regions and develop a number of positive partnerships,” states Kylee Tarbell, Assistant Director.
“Echoing what Ms. Tarbell said, this event is one of what promises to be part of a series of larger initiatives focused on a broad range border matters and opportunities,” notes Simon McLinden, a Project Manager with the Community Futures Development Corporation.
The Meet-and-Greet, held at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, gave guests a unique opportunity to chat with their cross border counterparts and to explore ways of working more closely and profitably. “There is already significant trade between the regions and we view this alliance as a way to increase it even more,” declares Nathan Lashomb, Executive Director of the Massena Chamber.
In addition to the tri-chamber partnership, the Cornwall Chamber’s Executive Manager spoke about an even greater alliance. “We’re currently working on a Memorandum of Understanding that would create an alliance in our region that would be unique to both countries,” says Lezlie Strasser.
The inaugural Meet-and-Greet was the first of what promises to be a number of similar, cross border encounters. Along with business development, there will be forums focused on improving traffic flow, reducing red tape, and further enhancing trade relations in both Ontario, upstate New York, and Akwesasne.
