Dear ICCO Members,

I started working at the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario in March 2006 – but before becoming a chamber employee, I was a member.

My former boss was interested in Toronto’s Italian-Canadian connections and when he learned I was Italian, he asked if I could help facilitate partnerships in that community.

At a networking event organized by the Chamber, I was impressed by the people I met. As I got to know more about the ICCO and the services it offered, I suggested my boss become a member, too. Our interest was in networking within the Italian and European communities with the goal of closing new deals. Every event we went too was well attended, the speakers were interesting and – of course – the food always amazing.

After becoming part of the Chamber’s family in 2006, I realized how diverse our members are. Some own or work for large corporations; some own a small business and others are professionals in various industries. A few of you are not even of Italian background, but benefit from membership because of the type of business connections you need.

Since the beginning of 2010 we have been working on restructuring the membership department, and in order to do that we have been asking ourselves two key questions: why do our members belong to the Chamber, and what do we offer to potential members?

As I get to know our members more closely, I’ve learned that some of you belong to the Chamber simply for the special connection created with one of the largest communities in Canada. Others want to take advantage of our resources, like the recent alliance created through the Greater Toronto Business Alliance.

Some do business with Italy or would like to do business with Italy and need help to establishing connections. Finally, some support us because we represent the community here while maintaining a strong link with the homeland. In today’s uncertain economic times, new connection and alliances are sought on a daily basis. The chamber is up for new challenges – and we are listening to our members. Whatever your company is, we’d like to hear from you. It helps us serve you better and offers everyone added value. Contact me so we can grow and prosper together!

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Elena Dell’Osbel is the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario’s Deputy Director and is responsible for Membership Relations. If you are interested in corporate or individual membership, please contact her at dellosbel@italchambers.ca.