Annick Butland, former ACCC president, addressing the 2023 Business Excellence Gala and Awards. Image by Danica Sherry. The Albert County Chamber of Commerce represents small businesses in Albert County. Founded in 1998, the Chamber’s mission is to foster economic growth and a vibrant business community.
According to former president Annick Robichaud Butland, the goal of the Chamber is to “support business and industry. It gives a chance for networking, both with other businesses in the county and by affiliation with other Chambers and similar organizations.”
The current president is Eric Lawson of Riverview, owner of the River Views community magazine. Robichaud Butland was a long-time board member of the Chamber, serving as president until 2025, and continuing to serve on the board until recently.
According to former president Annick Robichaud Butland, the goal of the Chamber is to “support business and industry. It gives a chance for networking, both with other businesses in the county and by affiliation with other Chambers and similar organizations.”
The current president is Eric Lawson of Riverview, owner of the River Views community magazine. Robichaud Butland was a long-time board member of the Chamber, serving as president until 2025, and continuing to serve on the board until recently.
Another role of the Chamber is to connect with governments across various levels to advocate for local businesses and make sure their voices are heard. Says Lawson, “we believe we can have an impact in particular at the municipal level.”
Notes Robichaud Butland, “during the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses needed even more support; however, even in normal economic times, businesses still need support in part due to the seasonal economy of Albert County. It is important for them to be able to exchange best practices: how do they face challenges such as seasonality, pandemics, staffing, housing for their staff?
“It's not just one or two businesses that are dealing with those challenges; it's important for them to be supported, and that's critical to a thriving community.”
Another benefit is the connection between members: “I would always put preference to Albert County-based businesses that were enrolled as a member before I would go and shop outside of those memberships. Hopefully, it acts as a driver for some business at your door. This creates a positive feedback loop that can increase customers for your business.”
Lawson describes the Chamber as welcoming and always looking for new members and new board members. “Our board is volunteer based with meetings every month. Our membership fees are $150 a year. The Chamber has more than 120 members from all over the county.
Every organization faces its challenges; one of those facing The Albert County Chamber of Commerce is communication with members: “One of the biggest challenges is communicating all the things that the board is doing, events that they were participating in and representation in various organizations,” says Lawson. We are always looking for ways to improve the Chamber and to strengthen our partnerships, to have innovative programs and new ideas.”
Lawson adds, “to try to address that we conducted outreach in the form of a survey this past summer.” He adds with a smile, “I know, everyone is tired of surveys! But we had not reached out to our members in that way for a few years, so we wanted to ensure that we are hearing from members about what they would like to see us doing more of, and what we can be doing better.”
If you want to learn more or provide input on what you would like to see from your Chamber, contact Eric Lawson by email: [email protected] or 506-863-7324.
Notes Robichaud Butland, “during the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses needed even more support; however, even in normal economic times, businesses still need support in part due to the seasonal economy of Albert County. It is important for them to be able to exchange best practices: how do they face challenges such as seasonality, pandemics, staffing, housing for their staff?
“It's not just one or two businesses that are dealing with those challenges; it's important for them to be supported, and that's critical to a thriving community.”
Another benefit is the connection between members: “I would always put preference to Albert County-based businesses that were enrolled as a member before I would go and shop outside of those memberships. Hopefully, it acts as a driver for some business at your door. This creates a positive feedback loop that can increase customers for your business.”
Lawson describes the Chamber as welcoming and always looking for new members and new board members. “Our board is volunteer based with meetings every month. Our membership fees are $150 a year. The Chamber has more than 120 members from all over the county.
Every organization faces its challenges; one of those facing The Albert County Chamber of Commerce is communication with members: “One of the biggest challenges is communicating all the things that the board is doing, events that they were participating in and representation in various organizations,” says Lawson. We are always looking for ways to improve the Chamber and to strengthen our partnerships, to have innovative programs and new ideas.”
Lawson adds, “to try to address that we conducted outreach in the form of a survey this past summer.” He adds with a smile, “I know, everyone is tired of surveys! But we had not reached out to our members in that way for a few years, so we wanted to ensure that we are hearing from members about what they would like to see us doing more of, and what we can be doing better.”
If you want to learn more or provide input on what you would like to see from your Chamber, contact Eric Lawson by email: [email protected] or 506-863-7324.
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