"WE LIVE FOR THE NORTH" - a slogan adopted by the early members of the Iroquois Falls and District Board of Trade in January, 1920. (The Broke Hustler, Vol. III No. 21, January 17, 1920)

The first regular general meeting of the Iroquois Falls and District Board of Trade was held in the Court House in Iroquois Falls on Tuesday, January 13th, 1920.

The Iroquois Falls and District Chamber of Commerce was registered pursuant to the provisions of the Board of trade Act on April 10^th, 1924 under the name of the Ansonville Board of Trade, with the boundaries limited to the municipality. The name was then changed in 1971 to: Iroquois Falls and District Chamber of Commerce.

The Ansonville Travel Bureau a committee of the Chamber began its services of reservations in the summer of 1966 in agreement with Air Traffic Conference. On September 16^th 1969, the Chamber took over the services of the Sixth Division Court for the District of Cochrane. On the first of January 1972, it became the Sixth Small Claim Court for the District of Cochrane.

• 1967 the Chamber attended meetings in Toronto with the Department of Highways, Ontario Housing Corporation and the Department of Energy and Resources
  
  

• 1970 the Chamber helped to establish the original site of Northern Affairs satellite office, now known as the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. This office now employs full-time/ part-time staff and is open 5 days a week providing a much needed service to the community.
  
  

• On October 1^st, 1971, an agreement was signed between the Chamber and Ontario Northland Commission, for the use of the west end of the ONR station to be used as Chamber office and the start of a museum. The museum now has their own location and is known as the Pioneer Museum.
  
  

• The Iroquois Falls and District Chamber of Commerce received its award “for outstanding contribution to the Development of Tourism in the Community in co-operation with local industry”. Then President, John Buchan accepted the award at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce meeting in London. The Chamber was recognized for its organization of the Pulp and Paper Path Tours in co-operation with Abitibi Paper Company Limited. In 1972 the tour included a tour of the forest, lumberjack lunch and a tour of Abitibi Paper mill.
  
  

• The Chamber initiated the Trade Fair in 1977/78 to enhance and promote the business community. This is still ongoing by Local Clubs.
  
  

• 1980, Office Manager Rose-Marie Purdy-Peever was hired.
  
  

• 1981 the Chamber attended a meeting in Toronto concerning the new Detour Lake program.
  
  

• 1981 the Chamber organized the Santa Express with sponsorship from Ontario Northland. This is still on going and has created many happy children during the Christmas Season.
  
  

• 1983/84 the Chamber revitalized the Winter Carnival in hopes of getting the clubs, organizations and community involved. In 1985 due to lack of volunteers the Winter Carnival was dropped.
  
  

• 1984/85 the Chamber invited the Katimavik group to work on a proposal for the Historical Lumber Jack project, make signs to attract tourism to the community and paint the Shay Engine. The Historical Lumber Jack proposal included the possibility of having trails cut around the lumber camp which would be ideal for cross country ski trails, nature hiking trails, etc. The Lumber camp could have old time music and dancing to spruce things up. The draft and proposal was submitted to the EDC committee, which consisted of Town and Chamber personnel. A proposal was also submitted for a grant for a feasibility study. Historical campsites were being discussed to enhance the Lumber camp theme should funding be made available and the feasibility study approved. The signs made up by Katimavik were put at the Shay engine, Porquis Junction and 2 other locations. They have since been replaced.
  
  

• 1984 the Chamber requested that the Town change the by-law for transient businesses. The request was to raise the fee from $100.00 to $500.00 to protect the local businesses.
  
  

• 1984 the Chamber looked into the flight services from Timmins to Toronto and Toronto to Timmins as well as Limo services.
  
  

• During the years of operation, the Chamber has been a founding member of the Community Development Team, Economic Development office, Lake Abitibi Model Forest, Christmas Tour of Lights for seniors, Iroquois Falls Tourism Association, Tourist booth native trees and plant project, Santa Express and so much more for the betterment of the community.
  
  

• The Chamber has continued to provide its many services to the community including: the services of the licensing bureau since 1961, Community and business promoter, tourism and general information center, Members Group Insurance Plan, world-wide contact point, boating exams, operator of the Pulp and Paper Path tours, Purolator agent services, test center for Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council.
  
  

• 1994/95 the Chamber organized decorations for Christmas, which were mounted at the lights poles throughout the business sector. The Town of Iroquois Falls has since replaced them.
  
  

• 1995 the Chamber was a founding member of the Lake Abitibi Model Forest and later operated a Model Forest Tour.
  
  

• 1996 the Chamber initiated the Senior Tour of Lights, which is on going.
  
  

• 1990 to 1998, the Chamber in co-operation with the Town operated the tourist information booth. The Chamber was responsible for advertising and promotion for the Town of Iroquois Falls. The Chamber also renovated the Tourist information booth to increase its popularity from third worse to one of the best in Northeastern Ontario.
  
  

• 1998 with several other community agencies and Industry Canada, under the Community Access Program, the Chamber established 4 computer sites. At present there are 6 computers available under this Cap program.
  
  

• 1998 to 2002, the Chamber of Commerce initiated the Wildflower project at the tourist information booth and applied for grants to purchase wildflowers.
  
  

• 1998 the Chamber was a founding member of the Community Development Team, which is still operating .The Chamber, also initiated a Tourism Association for Iroquois Falls with Chamber, Town and Government funding.  The Association is no longer in operation.
  
  

• 1998 with FedNor funding the Chamber, Tourism Association and the Community Development Team held a public workshop to identify projects that could generate an increase in local economic activity. Twenty-four projects were identified.
  
  

• 2000 the Chamber hired a Tour Coordinator through the HRDC program to revamp the Pulp and paper path tours.
  
  

• 2000 the Chamber and the Community Development Team held an Entrepreneurial Fair with FedNor funding. Sixty people were in attendance.
  
  

• 2001 the Chamber held a Silent Auction at the Garage Sale Extravaganza to help with the operation of the Chamber office and projects.
  
  

• 2002 the Honorable Minister Dan Newman attended as guest speaker for the annual meeting.
  
  

• 2001 through to 2005 the Office Manager attended the Sportsmen/Trade Show to give boating licenses and display brochures.
  
  

• I2002 the Chamber received funding from Abitibi Consolidated Inc and Iroquois Falls Power Corp. for new signage for the Pulp and Paper Path tour. Signs were installed on Highway 11.
  
  

• 2002 Lorne Hussey was hired to create a website and links for the Chamber of Commerce.
  
  

• 2002/03 the Chamber organized a penny table sale, insurance seminar, farmers Market, silent auction, meet your candidate for Municipal elections, Santa express, senior Christmas tour of lights.
  
  

• 2002/03 a representative of the Far Northeastern Training Board attended the Chamber regular meeting to discuss job opportunities and Youth Out Migration.
  
  

• 2002, Echoes of Erin, a group from Ireland toured the mill while visiting Iroquois Falls.
  
  

• 2002, the by-laws of the Chamber of Commerce were revised.
  
  

• 2003 the Chamber of Commerce organized a Farmers/Flea Market, which was a great success with many participating.
  
  

• 2003/04 Magali Leblanc from Katimavik worked at the Chamber office.
  
  

• 2003 Lola Brousseau was hired through HRDSC through the Job Creation program to update the list of businesses, clubs, organizations, churches, schools and cemeteries. She was also trained to replace the office manager.
  
  

• 2004 Margaret-Ann Zieminski was hired through the HRSDC program to update the e-mail addresses, do a study on Housing Registry, study on Iroquois Falls Business Awards and gather information for grants and funding for Chamber projects.
  
  

• 2004 in conjunction with CDT the Chamber hosted the Customer Service Workshop geared to students.
  
  

• 2004 Councilor Gilles Forget attended a Chamber meeting for support on changes to the slot sizing of fish in Northern Ontario.
  
  

• 2004, Chamber sought quotes to reduce cost of Insurance premiums.
  
  

• 2004, Sharon Downie and Dorothy Blake did a presentation to the Chamber for the Mental Health Group.
  
  

• 2004, Mr. Ray Chenier from the Liberal Party attended a Chamber meeting on June 15^th for a presentation on Job Skills and Trades etc.
  
  

• 2004 the Chamber participated in the Celebrations and Music Music with the local businesses and worked with Alana Pierini and Kelly McLean. All the participating businesses, tour guides and office assistant from the Chamber made this event the success that it was. This event will be back again next year.
  
  

• 2004 the Chamber offered Toonie tours of the mill for the Paper Fest celebrations and distributed paper hats.
  
  

• 2004 the Farmers Market operated every Thursday during the month of August and saw many participants and customers.
  
  

• 2004 the silent auction cleared $1300.00 for the operation of the Chamber office and the Santa Express.
  
  

• 2004 Iroquois Falls Home Hardware celebrated 20 years in business, grand opening for the new location of Boutique Serenade and Classic Hairstyling. President Elizabeth King joined the Board of Directors for the Northeastern Ontario Chamber of Commerce and attended meetings in Sudbury. Office Manager Rose-Marie, Purdy-Peever and Director Patricia Toffolo help organize the Iroquois Falls Beautification Committee to beautify the down town core. The Chamber sought funding through Subsidy Now to hire someone for the office.  The Chamber made a donation to the Mental Health Group in memory of Margaret Pedskalny.
  
  

• 2004/05 the Chamber of Commerce hosted the first Business Awards to 3 recipients of Iroquois Falls. The recognition award for his contribution to the community programs, organizations and community was won by James Keizers; the Business of the year award was won by Iroquois Falls Home Hardware ( Leigh Holmes);  the Business contribution to the community was won by Morrissette Loeb – Leonard Morrissette.
  
  

• 2004/05 the guest speaker at the Chambers Annual General meeting was John Weaver – President of Abitibi Consolidated Inc.
  
  

• 2005, the Chamber combined many activities under the umbrella of  “Garden Town Celebrations” in conjunction with the local merchants.
  
  

• 2005, the Chamber hired Solange McMeekin on a co-op program to train in the office to replace Rosie when she needs time off.
  
  

• 2005, Dan O’Mara the MIC’s Group Administrator attended a Chamber meeting to discuss the Doctor situation in Iroquois Falls. (The hospital Board is trying to get a Medical Clinic established in Iroquois Falls).
  
  

• 2005, the Chamber applied for a Katimavik person to work for the Chamber on a shared program with the Friendly Warehouse.
  
  

• 2005, the Chamber asked the Corporation of the Town of Iroquois Falls to hold a forum on the water meter situation in Iroquois Falls.
  
  

• 2006, the Chamber held their Annual Dinner meeting whereby the invited guest speaker Mr. David Ramsay could not attend due to bad weather in Toronto. Mr. Steve Kidd of the Northeastern Ontario Chamber of Commerce replaced Mr. Ramsay at the last minute.
  
  

• The Chamber presented Mr. Ralph Cashmore the President of the Lions Club with the Recognition Award for their dedication and contribution to the community.
  
  

• The Chamber presented Mr. Doug Murray the General Manager of Abitibi Consolidated Inc., with a plaque with a collage of trains on it. This was to thank Mr. Murray for his contribution to the Chamber and community.
  
  

• 2005, December marked the 25 years of service for the office Manager, Rose-Marie Purdy-Peever.
  
  

• 2006, the Board of Directors, Office Manager and Amanda McLeod prepared a business plan to present to town council for more funding.
  
  

• 2006 Linda Peever-Smith from the Ministry of Northern Development + Mines did a presentation on the “Go North” Investors program.
  
  

• 2006 attended a presentation by Susan Dupont from Services Canada for website information to obtain birth certificates, death certificates etc.
  
  

• 2006 hired a person on a work program for the office.
  
  

• 2006 made application to the Trillium foundation for funds to purchase new equipment in the office.
  
  

• Presented the Katimavik Group with a certificate of appreciation, pens and postcards.
  
  

• Denise DeForge from Dragonfly Spins Virtual Tours created a new website and logo for the Chamber.
  
  

• Presented a business plan to the town for funding to improve the office.
  
  

• February 15, 2007 the Annual General Meeting and Business Awards were held at the Access Transit Hall. The Business Contribution to the Community Award went to John Wlad and Sons Construction Ltd., Business of the Year – Iroquois Falls TIM-BR Mart, Recognition Award – Eugene Ricard/Bill Harking Christmas Fund Committee.
  
  

• Each year the Chamber of Commerce office processes over 20 thousand transactions and phone calls. Inquiries are from all over the world for information on Snowmobiling, accommodations, tourist attractions, starting a new business, hiking, hunting, fishing, events, schools, cemeteries, history plus much more. Many of these transactions do not generate an income to the chamber but greatly benefits the community. Visitors from all over the world have commented on the friendly and knowledgeable staff and well stocked information racks.
  
  

• In the past the Chamber has lobbied and succeeded in having the railway crossing repaired on Hwy 11 in Porquis Junction, lobbied for better rail service, air service, held various seminars on Hospitality and Customer service, NSF cheque, starting a small business, fraud etc., lobbied and succeeded in the installation of pay phones at various locations in the community, continues to process a calendar on community events.
  
  

• The Chamber of Commerce sponsors two hockey tournaments each year (in name only)  to help the Minor Hockey Association bring more people to the community.