Highlights and Accomplishments of a Challenging Year

By Garry Douglas

“Doing Business in the US” Event with the FCCQ (Federation Des Chambres De Commerce du Quebec)

As we approach the end of 2025, let’s take a look at the year’s challenges and accomplishments with regard to the work of the Chamber.

• First and foremost has been our response to tariffs and disruptions in the U.S.-Canada relationship — both businesswise and people-to-people. I believe our continuing approach of avoiding the politics and focusing on effectively conveyed facts has proven to be correct, with our messages achieving broad bi-national attention including an even higher degree of connection with our Canadian partners than already existed. And this continues with our new and creative outreach to the Canadian people.

• Our longstanding role in connecting with Quebec businesses and encouraging cross-border investment has reached record levels in 2025, including more than 20 of our Red Carpet workshops and hosting two major delegations.

• And Quebec-based investment was behind the state’s economic development deal of the year — Micro Bird — as well as the attraction of four smaller Quebec manufacturers. All topped up by our years-long support for two mega contracts for Alstom. 

• Our commitment to workforce training was highlighted by the reenergized future for the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, training resources for the Micro Bird transition, another edition of our Welding Academy, and continuation of our On-the-Job Training Program, with tentative support for new federal resources in 2026.

• Securing major investments in our border facilities on both sides, featuring a totally new Rouses Point Port of Entry and the initiated replacement of the Lacolle facilities.

• Great work by our Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau, overseeing six highly successful fishing tournaments and helping to maintain occupancy and sales taxes in the face of lost Canadian visitation.

• Maintaining a high degree of connectivity and access in Washington and Albany as we continue effective advocacy for region-specific projects and issues.

• All the while maintaining excellence in all of our many services from small business support to health insurance, and from extraordinarily successful events to specialized commitments like workplace safety training.

We’re pleased with our overall performance this past year, teeing us up well for the year ahead. Thanks to all for their support.