Newly Established Canadian-American Chamber of Commerce in Las Colinas
by Laura Tamayo
The Canadian-American Chamber of Commerce operating since late November of last year seeks to promote economic ties and positive cultural exchange between Canada and the United States.
Joe Scott, the chamber's president (also the executive director of Irving Sister Cities), came to the Dallas area in 1997 and made the moved to Las Colinas six years ago. "I like the area and its energy," says Scott.
While the centralized location is an appealing characteristic-one that allows the chamber to service the entire DFW Metroplex-it's Las Colina's forward thinking residents and their vision for progress that attracts Scott the most. He mentions the Water Street Project as a prime example. The 40-acre development is expected to attract up to 3.5 million people a year.
This and the several dozen Fortune 500 companies established in the Las Colinas area make it an excellent location for the chambers objective to build relationships based on culture and economics. "We know that if we build up the economic ties, the culture will follow."
The Canadian-American Chamber of Commerce is designed to help business people from the U.S. do business in Canada and those from Canada do business in the U.S., not as a problem solver but as a connector getting them to the right people. "We focus on the three C's: Community, Connection, Canadian."
As part of the chamber's efforts to heighten cultural awareness and contribute to better business and political relations, the Canadian-American Chamber of Commerce hosts mixers. "What I see in a true melting pot situation isn't just a matter of blending people, but it's bringing people together so they can enjoy each other's culture."
The Canadian community in the DFW Metroplex is diverse, including many people from the Prairie Provinces-especially Saskatchewan and Alberta, and a little bit of Manitoba. The chamber hopes to service the entire Canadian population and also attract U.S. business people looking to link with Canada. For this reason, the chamber invites speakers to address both Canadian and American attendees with the aim to help clear up misinformation, assist with intercultural communication and share connections.
"We're not looking to replace any chamber or organization; we're just looking to bridge a gap that exists for Canadians. Looking to create a bridge of familiarity: how to do business in the respective countries," Scott clarifies.
Among its future plans, the chamber is looking to build relationships between Canadian and Mexican business people as well, thus connecting the entire North American block.
For more information on Open Houses, events or any other information related to the Canadian-American Chamber of Commerce, please write to questions@dfwcanadianchamber.com.
