History of the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce is the collective voice of the business community across much of Renfrew County, representing members in 14 of the county’s 18 municipalities—from Arnprior and Whitewater Region to Pembroke and Petawawa, Algonquin East to Deep River and beyond.
As a Board of Trade, the Chamber works to strengthen the local economy by advocating on behalf of its members, providing education and professional development resources, and creating valuable networking and marketing opportunities. Through strategic partnerships and a strong affiliation with the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce, our members gain access to exclusive benefits, discount programs, and a nationwide network. By supporting the growth and prosperity of local businesses, the Chamber contributes directly to the vitality of our communities and the well-being of the regional economy.
In 2008, the Chamber of Commerce celebrated 50 years of service to the business community.
Formed in 1955, the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce has played an important role in the business community for generations. The present-day Chamber was preceded by the Pembroke Board of Trade, dating back to 1903.
The Presidents of the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce
We would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of all Chamber Board members to the success of the organization. In particular, the role of the President is pivotal in guiding our vision and leadership.
About Us
2026 – Cyndi Mills
2025 – Cyndi Mills
2024 – Cyndi Mills
2023 – Cyndi Mills
2022 – Cyndi Mills
2021 – Chela Breckon
2020 – Meghan Sutherland
2019 – Meghan Sutherland
2018 – Maria Morena Church
2017 – Maria Morena Church
2016 – John Walden
2015 – John Walden
2014 – Gary Melnyk
2013 – Brian McNall
2012 – Brian McNall
2011 – Gary Melynyk
2010 -Gary Melnyk
2009 -Gary Melnyk
Years 1984 – 2008
2008 – Gail Richardson
2007 – Dave Fisher
2006 – Dave Fisher
2005 – Izett McBride
2004 – Rhondi Banks/Yves Roy
2003 – Yves Roy
2002 – Michael Gulliver
2001 – Marilyn Alexander
2000 – Marilyn Alexander
1999 – Tim Delougherty & Jason O’Brien
1998 – Tim Delougherty
1997 – Laura Lapinskie
1995 – Ivy Hopper
1994 – Lee Bromley & Ivy Hopper
1993 – Mark Kutschke
1992 – Mark Kutschke
1991 – Hec Clouthier Jr.
1990 – Hec Cloutheir Jr.
1989 – Norm Carroll
1988 – Lee Bromley
1987 – Lee Bromley
1986 – Izett McBride
1985 – Ivy Hopper
1984 – Ivy Hopper
Years 1958 – 1983
1983 – Robert Hughes & Fred Thrasher
1982 – Zoltan Demeter
1981 – Carl Weisenberg
1980 – George Lesnick
1979 – George Lesnick
1978 – Mike Berrigan
1977 – Paul Kennedy
1976 – Paul Kennedy
1975 – Eve Rainville
1974 – Mac Switzer
1973 – Don Sutherland
1972 – Jim Bennett
1971 – Jim Bennett
1970 – Eric Work”
1969 – Eric Work
1968 – Donald F Runge
1967 – Omer Moncion
1966 – 1960 – NO RECORD
1959 – W.V. Gordon
1958 – Eric Ingoe
Fourteen municipalities in the Chamber’s catchment area
Spanning much of Renfrew County