Our History 

History 

The Saint John Board of Trade traces its origins back to April 13, 1819 when a group of merchants led by the Hon. William Black held a meeting which led to the founding of an association known as the St. John Chamber of Commerce.

Formed for the purpose of corresponding with similar associations in the sister provinces and with the public department in England, the St. John Chamber of Commerce was responsible for all matters affecting trade and commerce in the city.

In 1854, the Chamber was incorporated making it the second oldest Chamber/Board in Canada.

In 1872, a complete reorganization took place and the name was changed to the Saint John Board of Trade.

Major Accomplishments

Throughout its history the Saint John Board of Trade has been a major contributor to the quality of life and of opportunity in Saint John. Board of Trade accomplishments include but are not limited to the establishment and/or promotion of:

•  The United Way of Greater Saint John.
•  Junior Achievement Saint John.
•  The Greater Saint John Roundtable on Health Care.
•  Saint John Waterfront Development.
•  UNB Saint John.
•  Enterprise Saint John.
•  The Human Development Council.
•  The Business Resource Centre.
•  The Saint John Airport Authority.
•  The Saint John Port and Industrial Commission.

In the 80's the Board played an important role, through the Goals for Saint John, in establishing the Greater Saint John Economic Development Commission, now known as Enterprise Saint John.

In the 90's the Board was instrumental in getting the main economic development agencies in the city together under one roof - in the Business Resource Centre.

And in January 2001, the Board of Trade and several other partners, the largest of which is the City of Saint John, entered into a partnership to fund and promote the Waterfront Development Project. This initiative is one of the most important projects undertaken by the Board and the City in many years.

Numerous other initiatives have been led by the Board in recent years which we would be happy to share with you in detail. We are looking forward to your ideas and the challenges that lay ahead in the future.

Past Chairs

For a list of our Past Chairs click here.

What Our Members Are Saying...

"Evolving Solutions has been a member of the Saint John Board of Trade since 2005. During this time, our membership has helped to promote our company's products and services throughout the region in many ways, most notably with our online membership listing on the Board's website. Through this listing we have had the opportunity to post our logo, company and owner profiles, free website link, Google map, and client referrals. As a busy small business we are also kept informed of what is happening in our business community through the website, e-newsletter and social media. Our membership keeps us connected!"

Chris Nadeau, President
Evolving Solutions