O n reviewing my last few columns — written on various topics such as effective leadership, embracing change, the value of being proactive corporate and communityminded citizens, and thinking outside the box to gain a competitive edge, a common thread of “collaborative teamwork” cropped up time and again.

Obviously, it’s a theme that can be applied to a myriad of situations, including this month’s topic about the Greater Fort Erie Chamber of Commerce’s recent signing of a memorandum of understanding to forge a new partnership with the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC).

In recent conversations with friends, colleagues and chamber members, all who are concerned about our town’s growth, development and sustainability, my stance has been positive and steadfast: As business owners, consumers, and private citizens we must concertedly move forward together — using many voices to sing one song which will be heard, remembered, and responded to.

The new partnership forged between the Fort Erie Chamber and GNCC is a progressive and a cooperative step toward towards providing a stronger voice for business at the regional, provincial and federal levels of government and to collaborate on events and programs that are regional in design.

It will, as Fort Erie Chamber President Dean Demizio said, “work to reflect the unique nature of local businesses and provide an infrastructure by which to promote and advocate on behalf of our 400 members and the regional business community.”

This new alliance comes after many months of candid conversations, where board members from both sides of the table set aside egos, political agendas and personal opinions in favour of creating a powerhouse of combined talent, efforts and experience in the very best interest of strategically representing business. It is about creating something that never before existed that can be of mutual benefit to individual communities and Niagara as a whole.

Can you just imagine the possibilities if organizations with similar interests from across the peninsula could, in the spirit of trust and partnership, get on the same page and together start singing the praises of our Niagara?

It’s a goal predicated by vision, commitment, relinquishing fear and understanding that one voice alone does not make a choir.

We have much to sing about in our region, and it’s time we put the music to the words.