The history of La Chambre de commerce de Mont-Laurier

Back in April 1931 La Chambre de commerce de Mont-Laurier was founded under presidency of Mayor Albiny Paquette. The 42 starting members of the Chambre wished to achieve a better coordination of their commercial activities and standed as the representatives of all the Enterprises of Mont-Laurier and the surrounding villages.

Constantly active, the organization works for the economic development of the city and contributes to the assertion of a regional consciousness of affiliation.

Since 1955, successively with Noël Décosse, Gustave Roy and Henri Sabourin, the chamber organizes every year, a commercial and industrial exhibition where the business people of the region show their competitiveness. Between 1955 and 1975, the Chambre distributes a guide to arouse and strengthen local purchasing. For several years, it organizes the forest holiday during autumn's most beautiful days.

The tourist information kiosk is also among its realizations. First set up at the intersection of boulevard Albiny-Paquette and the railroad, in 1951, the kiosk is then relocated, during Mayor Bourdon's term, in a new building, near the Jean XXIII School, it will welcome up to twenty thousand visitors each summer.

The Chamber of Commerce is also at the origin of the business Show and the sidewalk sale, the first one took place in summer 1975.

Today the Chamber of Commerce is active in the economic development of the region while offering a whole range of services to its members.