Agreement Strengthens BC Chamber of Commerce and Members Insurance Offering
Today the BC Chamber of Commerce and the Chambers of Commerce Insurance Corporation of Canada (CCICC) announced a new partnership agreement that will see the Chambers Plan become the exclusive employee benefits insurance provider offered through chambers of commerce and boards of trade from coast to coast and will provide the BC Chamber of Commerce with an additional source of stable revenue.
“The alignment with CCICC and the Chambers Plan reflects the BC Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to delivering real value to our members,” said Chris Callanan, BC Chamber Board Chair, “This partnership provides small businesses with support through affordable, high-quality benefits from a trusted national network that understands their unique needs. It’s a win for our members, a win for our organization, and a win for the future of business in British Columbia.”
The CCICC was created in 1985 by chambers of commerce who developed the first nationally based plan, now known as Chambers Plan, to address the needs of their members. They recognized the value of employee benefit plans and the difficulties smaller employers face in providing quality, affordable insurance coverage.
“We are delighted that we have come together in partnership with the BC Chamber of Commerce to support the small business community in the province,” said Loren Remillard, Chair of the CCICC Board. “We are glad to play a role in supporting the important work of the BC Chamber at a time when the voice of business is so critically important.”
CCICC operates as a not-for-profit and uses earnings to keep rates stable. It is overseen by a board of directors made up of chamber CEOs and volunteers at both the local and provincial level from every region of Canada. In 1985, the CCICC appointed Johnston Group to be a third-party administrator to manage Chambers Plan, including the plan design, administration, billings and customer service.
“Today is a good day for the BC Chamber of Commerce. This agreement will provide financial security for the organization, but more importantly provide members benefits by delivering a unified insurance offering from BC based chambers of commerce and boards of trade,” said Alex McMillan, Interim CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “This marks a significant milestone in the organization’s renewal, stability and growth potential moving forward.”
“Johnston Group is passionate about small business in Canada, and we know that passion is shared by the Chamber network in British Columbia", said Dave Angus, President of Johnston Group. "It is that shared purpose that forms the foundation of this partnership and we look forward to working closely with the BC Chamber in support of their important work.”
Specific financial terms of the agreement are not being released.
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About the BC Chamber of Commerce
The BC Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most broadly based business organization in the province. Representing almost eighty-five local chambers of commerce and boards of trade and close to 32,000 businesses of every size and from every sector and region of the province, the BC Chamber of Commerce is uniquely positioned to “Know What’s on BC’s Mind.”
About CCICC
The Chamber of Commerce Insurance Corporation of Canada began in 1985 to provide oversight and direction to the not-for-profit Chambers Plan program; an employee benefit program designed for small business and developed exclusively for chamber of commerce members.
Johnston Group
Johnston Group is a third-party administrator of employee benefits, including Chambers Plan, Canada’s largest small business group insurance program in Canada. Johnston Group works closely with almost 800 chambers and 300 independent advisors across Canada to bring this not-for-profit plan, known for its stability, to the Canadian marketplace.
Media Contact
BC Chamber of Commerce Communications