Shé:kon Future Chamber Members,
As we reach the two-month mark in re-establishing the Akwesasne Chamber of Commerce, we’re proud of the meaningful progress we’ve made in laying a strong foundation to support our local business community. We’re pleased to share some exciting updates on our recent progress and upcoming initiatives.
1. Strengthening Relationships with Local Leadership
On March 31, 2025, the Chamber had the honor of meeting with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Chiefs, further reinforcing our commitment to building meaningful partnerships that support community-wide economic development. We also held productive discussions on April 7, 2025, with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Office of Economic Development to identify collaborative opportunities that will benefit local entrepreneurs and businesses. These conversations mark important steps in aligning our efforts to support long-term economic growth in Akwesasne.
2. Governance Milestone – By-laws Passed
We are proud to share that the Chamber’s official by-laws were finalized and passed in early April. These foundational documents provide a clear and transparent governance structure that will ensure accountability, sustainability, and alignment with our mission to advocate for the business community.
3. New Logo and Branding
As part of our rebranding efforts, the Chamber has created a new official logo. The previous logo was not owned by the Chamber, so this fresh design allows us to move forward with full ownership and pride in our visual identity. Stay tuned as we begin to incorporate the new logo into our communications and outreach.
4. Welcoming a New Board Member
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie Gardner to our Board of Directors. Laurie brings a wealth of experience in marketing and communications and has already been instrumental in updating and managing the Chamber’s website and Facebook page. Her expertise will help strengthen our digital presence and member engagement as we grow.
5. Nominations Opening Soon – Secretary Position
As part of our continued efforts to strengthen the Chamber’s leadership, we will be accepting nominations for the Secretary position, which was previously filled but has since been vacated due to resignation. We will be announcing the by-election datesoon. If you or someone you know is interested in supporting the Chamber’s mission and contributing to our growth, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
6. Business Community Survey Launched
On April 9, 2025, the Chamber officially launched its Business Community Survey to gather valuable insights from our local business community. The survey is open until May 10, 2025. We encourage all business owners and entrepreneurs to participate. Your input will guide the Chamber’s programs and advocacy efforts in the months ahead.
7. Collaboration with the North Country Small Business Center
We also met with the Michelle Collins, Business Advisor, with the North Country Small Business Development Center to explore ways we can better support startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in Akwesasne. This relationship offers promising potential for workshops, mentorship, and resources that directly benefit our local business owners. We look forward to building on this connection in the months ahead.
8. Next Steps
We are currently working on setting a date for our first official Chamber meeting, where we will connect directly with future members, share updates, and begin building a strong network of local business leaders. Planning is also underway for our first fundraiser, which will support the Chamber’s initiatives and growth. Once the Akwesasne Chamber of Commerce, Business Community Survey is complete, we will prepare a detailed report summarizing the findings and outlining how the Chamber will respond to identified priorities. Your feedback will shape our roadmap moving forward.
Stay Connected & Get Involved
We invite you to follow our updates and join the conversation on our social media pages and website. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a vibrant and inclusive business environment in Akwesasne.
Nia:wen/Thank you for your continued support!
Rachel Lazare
President, Akwesasne Chamber of Commerce
