APCC

The Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce (APCC), formerly the Maritime Board of Trade, was formed in 1896. It has championed the cause of business in Atlantic Canada for in more than a century, and continues to promote and support business and economic development in Atlantic Canada.

In 1974, the Newfoundland & Labrador Chamber of Commerce (NLCC) joined the Maritime Board, creating today's Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce. In 1985, provincial chambers in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island were formed to support the chamber's work in policy and government regulations.

Today, the four provincial chambers and the regional APCC operate under a common set of by-laws and serve as a federation of over 100 local chambers of commerce and boards of trade throughout Atlantic Canada, representing more than 16,000 businesses and professional people.

To best serve its membership, the APCC's 2008 Strategic Plan focuses on its mission of becoming the one, strong, unified voice for business in a prosperous Atlantic region. To accomplish this, the Board of Directors has developed a strategy focused on 1) regional policy development and advocacy, 2) chamber and member services across the region, and 3) promotion of regional economic growth initiatives.

Regional policy development and advocacy is a priority for the APCC. Through its policy development & advocacy committee, the regional chamber has been building a stronger policy development framework inclusive of all levels of the chamber network. Policy and advocacy efforts are focused toward achieving regional growth and prosperity, with an emphasis on research and advocacy protocol.

The APCC also promotes regional economic growth initiatives, especially those involving the APCC's four pillars: 1) Atlantica, 2) access to capital, 3) people, and 4) innovation. With the support of the chamber network, the APCC continuously searches for opportunities to foster growth and prosperity through regional collaboration and cooperation, and to become the strong, unified voice for business in Atlantic Canada.

For more information about the Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce, visit www.apcc.ca.