I recently joined the Saint John Chamber of Commerce, and I’ll admit, it feels like one of those “oh, this makes sense now” moments.

Not because I haven’t been working. Quite the opposite. Since moving to Saint John in 2023, I’ve been deep in two massive projects: developing my tourism publication, Experience New Brunswick and its app, NB Buzz. 

Now? I’m finally where I want to be with those projects. And that means I’m ready to look up, step out, and reconnect with people.

 

A Throwback to When Networking Was… Fun?

The last time I attended a chamber-style event was years ago, back when I worked at the Port Hope Evening Guide. We were sponsors for an awards event (or something close to that), and I remember being surprised by one thing:

It was actually fun.

Not stiff. Not awkward. Not a room full of people aggressively handing out business cards. It was social, celebratory, and genuinely energizing. That experience stuck with me, even if I didn’t immediately run out and join a chamber after.

Fast-forward to now, and it finally clicked.

 

Why the Saint John Chamber of Commerce Now?

I hadn’t seriously considered joining the Saint John Chamber of Commerce right away after moving here, simply because my energy was spoken for. When you’re building something from the ground up, especially something as large as a regional content platform and app, networking sometimes takes a back seat.

But with those foundations in place, I’m ready to show up again as Karen from K-Media.

Not through cold emails. Not through awkward DMs. And not by having to shop my way into conversations (though, to be clear, I do love shopping).

 

What I’m really looking for right now is connection.

 

Networking Without the Sales Pitch Hangover

One of the things that excites me most about the Saint John Chamber of Commerce is the structure it provides. Monthly get-togethers. Shared learning opportunities. Real conversations with other business owners who actually want to be there.

As someone who offers digital marketing services in New Brunswick — including SEO and Google Business Profile support — I’m genuinely excited about the possibility of sharing what I know with people who care, or need it. The local chamber of commerce creates space for that kind of exchange without the pressure to “sell” every second.

There’s also something refreshing about networking that doesn’t start with a transaction. Just humans, talking about work, ideas, challenges, and what’s possible.

 

A Little About the Saint John Chamber of Commerce

For anyone unfamiliar, the Saint John Chamber of Commerce has been supporting local businesses for over 200 years. It’s one of the oldest chambers in Canada, representing a wide range of entrepreneurs, organizations, and industries across the region.

Beyond networking events, the Chamber plays an active role in advocacy, professional development, and community-building, helping businesses grow while strengthening the local economy. For someone like me, who believes deeply in long-term, sustainable visibility (not just quick wins), that alignment matters.

 

From Work-From-Home to Back in the Room

I’ve been working from home for years now, and while I love it, there’s no denying it can quietly disconnect you from the broader workforce. Joining the Saint John Chamber of Commerce feels like a way back into that ecosystem, without giving up the autonomy I value.

I already work for fun. I genuinely enjoy what I do. So networking? That feels like the cherry on top.

And who knows, maybe I’ll even show up at an awards function again.

 

Watch out, Saint John. I’m making up for lost tim