Committees

Advocacy Committee

Process: Every year, members of EHDCC are invited to submit resolutions of a local scope to the EHDCC’s policy process; this process culminates in a democratic vote on the floor of the Chamber’s annual general meeting. Following approval at the AGM, the EHDCC and its members can move forward in their advocacy efforts based on the resolutions contained within the Policy Resolution Book.

The Advocacy Committee: Appointed annually, and reporting to the Board of Directors, the EHDCC Advocacy and Policy Committee will play a vital role in reviewing policy submissions from members of EHDCC and making recommendations to delegates from this Chamber. In addition, it is the role of the Policy and Advocacy Committee to receive and search out issues that fall within the Advocacy Policy, and, in consideration of the Advocacy Policy, to make recommendations to the Board of Directors to deal with these issues. It shall be the responsibility of the Advocacy Committee to carry out such surveys or inquiries directly with the membership and the Board of Directors to determine the Committee’s activities.

Issue filters: It is evident that due to available resources, the EHDCC may not be in a position to respond to all requests for action. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the Advocacy Committee to use the following filters to recommend to the Board of Directors if the issue should be dealt with by the EHDCC.

  • Does this issue fall within the mandate of the EHDCC?
  • Does the issue affect the wider business community?
  • Does this issue affect a wider population?
  • Is this an issue on which EHDCC can have an impact given its available resources?
  • Will action on this issue result in improving the region’s or provincial competitive advantage?
  • Will taking a position on this issue demonstrate leadership in the business community?
  • Will taking a position improve the business climate for our members?

Responding to Issues: When an issue is determined relevant, the Board of Directors may request the Committee to consult all available research to ensure that an informed policy position is developed and recommended to the Board. The Board of Directors may allocate sufficient human and financial resources to the Committee to carry out its role. The Board of Directors are not compelled to take on every issue that comes to the table. In situations where inadequate information or research is available or it is impossible to respond in a timely manner, if it is not in the best interests of EHDCC to form policy on the matter.

Business Skills & Training Committee

Reporting to the Executive Director, this committee meets monthly. The committee includes representatives from the East Hants & Districts Chamber of Commerce, NS Department of Labour Skills and Immigration, CBDC Hants-Kings, East Hants Community Learning Association, Futureworx, the Municipality of East Hants and the business community.

Committee Mandate: The mandate of the Business Skills & Training Committee is to assist in the strengthening of business skills for local businesses by providing training programs and connections to learning opportunities.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is responsible with the Treasurer for overseeing the management of the Chamber financial affairs and reporting to the Board. Activities include, preparation of the Annual Budget, ongoing accounting requirements, accounts receivables and payables, visa, short term investments etc.

  • The Finance Committee is also responsible for exploring sources for revenue development and the maintenance of existing sources of revenue etc.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee consists of the: President, 1st VP, 2nd VP, Treasurer, Secretary & Past-President. The President (or 1st VP in President’s absence) chairs the committee, which meets monthly. The Executive oversees day-to-day operations, assists in focusing activities and issues for Board consideration, and sets the agenda for Board meetings. The Executive Committee

  • is responsible for, and advises the Board in, matters of governance, by-laws, and Board policies.
  • is responsible for and oversees HR matters, office manager activities, and directs the office manager in office operations and administrative matters.
  • monitors the implementation of the Chamber’s Strategic plan, and facilitates changes or amendments
  • works with the Finance Committee on all banking, financial and accounting matters including acquisitions, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

The role of the Executive is set out in s. 22 of the Bylaws as follows: a. Ensure policy decisions are implemented appropriately by staff, through monitoring and reporting mechanisms. b. Ensure a strategic plan is in place for the EHCC’s short-term and long-term objectives. c. Report its actions and decisions back to the Board of Directors at the first Board meeting after that action or decision is taken. The Board may then approve or reverse Committee decisions, unless circumstances make it impossible.

Each committee is chaired or co-chaired by a Director. Committee members may be be drawn from the Chamber membership or the greater community. If you are interested in taking part in any of these activities, please Contact Us. Your input and expertise is welcome!