New Chamber Chair looking forward to working with Kingston business community

Brian Hope was officially sworn in as Chair at Thursday's annual general meeting.

There is a new Chair and Vice-Chair on the board of directors at the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce.

Brian Hope and Bittu George were officially sworn in by Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson on Thursday during the chamber's annual general meeting.

Hope takes over from Kent Williams who was Chair of the Board in 2025-2026.

Hope, who is the Director of Sales at Diamond Hotels Management, says he will be working with other business groups towards helping build a vibrant city.

He says part of his interest in becoming the Chair of the Board is collaborating with professionals with different backgrounds.

The meeting featured guest speaker Nina Tangri, Ontario's Minister of Small Business who answered questions from chamber members.

Hope says there are a number of challenges that businesses in Kingston face not the least of which is the LaSalle Causeway which tends to hamper local tourism.

With events like the FIFA World Cup coming to Toronto this summer, Hope is hoping some of those tourist dollars will spill into Kingston.

Both Hope and George will be serving their respective positions on the board for a one-year term.

Story by Ken Hashizume

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