Note from Chamber Executive Director Norah Fountain,

As we wrap January, you may have noticed fewer Business After Hours than we usually hold in the winter months.

That’s intentional. Never fear: still lots to take part in ahead (29 events confirmed).

The first quarter is a foundational one for the Chamber. That means we’re taking time to strengthen the organization itself — how we serve you as Members, how we communicate value, and how we build programs that are sustainable and useful long-term. This work is about building a stronger Chamber — one that is well-positioned to deliver meaningful value, effective advocacy, and high-quality programming throughout 2026.

We’re focused on

  • refining core offerings, Member supports and presenting events in collaboration (not duplicating) with our Partners
  • updating the Chamber website to make it easier for Members to connect, promote their businesses, and get information you rely on
  • expanding content in the Muskoka Lakes Guide and Preferred Business Directory
  • improving how we use digital tools and AI to save time and work smarter, and helping you learn how to do so, too
  • strengthening our financial and operational footing so we can do more — and do it better — as the year unfolds.

As mentioned there are lots of opportunities to connect, learn and grow!

You’re invited to…

  • Monthly Inside Track meetings: How to Get the Most Out of Your Chamber Membership over lunch on the second Tuesday of every month (the second Tuesday in May, June) & September, open to both new and longtime Members.
  • Monthly in person and hybrid educational workshops from January through July.
  • Annual Events, such as the Annual Member Dinner, Oktoberfest and Muskoka Business Week plus the Business After Hour events you count on for networking.

In fact, 2026 is packed with Chamber Events.

Please Download Your Chamber Year At a Glance: Chamber Year at a Glance Jan 26_2026 for Chamber Year at a Glance Jan 26_2026a full event list to date. You might see events you would like to Sponsor as well as to Save the Date for…Chamber Year at a Glance Jan 26_2026

Thank you for your continued support and confidence in the Chamber.

Norah Fountain, Executive Director

P.S. If you don’t want to download but want to see a list of dates right now, the list is pasted in right here:

YOUR CHAMBER YEAR AT A GLANCE – 2026

Watch your emails for more info and how to register.

FEBRUARY

Feb 2 – The Inside Track: Get the Most From Your Membership (over lunch at Chamber)

Feb 11 – AI Ready CEO: Session 1 (Kick-off to 8-Part Series with optional lunch at Chamber)

Feb 26 – Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Lunch & Learn (Hybrid)

MARCH

Last Chance to Book Your Ad in the Muskoka Lakes Guide & Preferred Business Directory. Email Norah

Mar 3 – The Inside Track: Get the Most From Your Membership

Mar 4 – AI Session 2: Revenue Streams

Mar 25 – AI Session 3: Smooth Operations

Mar (TBD) – How to Save $ & Cut Costs with Chamber Partners

APRIL

Apr 2 – YWCA Muskoka Women in Distinction Awards (supported by Chamber)

Apr 7 – The Inside Track: Get the Most From Your Membership

Apr 15 – AI Session 4: Scale Up Your Team

Apr (TBD) – Love Local Silent Auction Launch | Apr 23 Ontario Chamber Conference

MAY

May 6 – AI Session 5: 5-Star Customer Experience

May 7 – Annual Member Meeting Dinner & Silent Auction: Sponsors needed! Ask Andi.

May 12 – The Inside Track: Get the Most From Your Membership

May 21 – Business After Hours: Baycrest Distribution

May 27 – AI Session 6: Marketing & Sales

JUNE

Jun 2 – Chamber at Queen’s Park Advocacy Day

Jun 16 – Business After Hours: Brackenrig Butcher

Jun 17 – AI Session 7: Financial Review

JULY

Jul 7 – The Inside Track: Get the Most From Your Membership

Jul 8 – AI Session 8: Strategic Opportunities

Jul/Aug – Chamber Supports Member Events

AUGUST

Aug 4 – The Inside Track: Get the Most From Your Membership

SEPTEMBER

Sep 8 – The Inside Track: Get the Most From Your Membership

Sep (Date TBD) – Business After Hours: Klos Concepts, Glen Orchard

OCTOBER

Oct 23–25 – Oktoberfest Muskoka

NOVEMBER

Nov 3 – The Inside Track: Get the Most From Your Membership

Nov 23–27 – Muskoka Business Week: Shift Happens 2 Conference

DECEMBER

Dec 1 – The Inside Track: Get the Most From Your Membership

Dec 3 – Final Business After Hours (Host & Location TBD)

Want to host a Business After Hours in 2027? Claim your month now: Email Member Services.