The Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Vaudreuil-Soulanges (CCIVS) held its annual general meeting on October 8, marking the start of a new season rich in prospects. This year also marks an important milestone for the CCIVS, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. 

During the meeting, participants were able to take stock of the past year's activities. And, as is the case every year, the AGM is an opportunity to look back and highlight all the CCIVS's achievements, but also take stock of the challenges ahead.

This year, the CCIVS has been involved on many levels and in many ways, from facilitating networking, with flagship activities such as the Gala or Golf, to enabling elected officials to meet entrepreneurs with the Rendez-vous politique series. The CCIVS also initiated reflection on socio-economic issues through the “Economic Horizons” conference and the symposium on transport and logistics, a theme that strongly characterizes the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region. It was also a premiere year for the Axents Competition, which rewarded some of the region's most deserving companies.

On the other hand, the CCIVS mobilized on crucial issues affecting the region, its inhabitants and its entrepreneurs, such as transport and infrastructure projects. Building on these successes, the Board of Directors reiterated the CCIVS's key priorities:

- Strengthening the network: Creating new networking opportunities to encourage between local businesses.
- Support innovation: Encourage businesses to innovate and adopt new technologies technologies to counter challenges and keep pace with changes in the business world.- Broaden collaborations: get elected representatives and economic partners to work together to sustainable solutions to issues related to employment, diversity and workforce attraction.
- Increase visibility: Position the CCIVS as the voice of the region's economic
of the region. 

30 years of commitment to business

Founded in 1988 as the Vaudreuil Business Association, the Vaudreuil-Dorion Chamber of Commerce was established in 1994. Since then, the CCIVS has established itself as a key player in the economic development of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region. Thanks to the commitment of its members, partners and team, many CCIVS events have become must-see events for the region's business community.

In his speech, Serge Ouellet, outgoing president of the CCIVS, declared: “We are proud to be celebrating are proud to celebrate 30 years of commitment to our business community. The success of the CCIVS is the fruit of teamwork and close collaboration with our members and partners. We look forward to seeing the CCIVS meet the challenges of the coming years and continue to contribute to the prosperity of our region. I'd like to take this opportunity to salute all those who have contributed to building the CCIVS, because if we are here today, it's largely thanks to the men and women who have succeeded one another at the head of the CCIVS and paved the way for us all. We salute them and we pay tribute to those who have left us.“

Challenges and prospects

For its 30th anniversary, the CCIVS reaffirms its commitment to supporting local businesses in the face of regional challenges:

- Road infrastructure: today, the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region is at a crossroads, both figuratively and literally, due to numerous roadworks, notably the Highway 20 detour and the Pont de-l'Île-aux-Tourtes, which are major impediments to traffic to and from Vaudreuil-Soulanges.

- Public transport: The roadworks have undeniably highlighted the fragility of Vaudreuil-Soulanges' public transport network. These disruptions have underscored the crucial importance of an efficient public transit infrastructure to reduce road congestion and offer viable alternatives to the automobile.

- Sustainable urban planning: while the CCIVS applauds the attractiveness of the region, it is necessary to plan land use conscientiously, favoring efficient and sustainable socio-economic growth patterns. The Vaudreuil Hospital project is a concrete example of the region's dynamism, and a perfect illustration of the need to ensure coherence between projects and urban development.

An opportunity to take stock and look to the future

To mark this anniversary, the CCIVS unveiled its 30-year logo at its traditional season-launch BBQ, held in conjunction with its Annual General Meeting. This important moment was shared with members and attendees alike, as a token of the years of commitment commitment to Vaudreuil Soulanges.

30 years in numbers: 

- 657 members
- 15 events, including 10 annual Rendez-vous
- 10 major partnerships

The CCIVS in dates: 

- 1988: Association des Gens D'affaires De Vaudreuil;
- 1994: Vaudreuil Dorion Chamber of Commerce;
- 2008: Vaudreuil-Dorion Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
- 2011 and 2012: Arthur P. Earle Recruitment Award;

- 2012: Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Vaudreuil-Soulanges; 
- 2013: Awarded the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges territory; 
- 2015: 1st agreement with the Association des Gens d'Affaires de l'Île Perrot (AGAIP); 
- 2016: OSMOSE community agreement signed; 
- 2017: Signature of agreement with Association des gens d'affaires de Saint-Lazare (AGASL); 
- 2019 : Signature of agreement with Association de Gens d'Affaires de Soulanges (AGAS); 
- 2022 : The CCIVS wins the “Innovative Project” award at the FCCQ gala; 
- 2024: The CCIVS is a finalist for the “Chamber of the Year” award at the FCCQ gala.