Thomas Simms donates Portrait of His Grandfather, L.W. Simms, to the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce
Thomas Simms donates portrait of his grandfather, L.W. Simms, to the Saint John Region
Chamber of Commerce
SAINT JOHN NB, October 22, 2021 “We are honoured that Mr. Thomas Simms has chosen the Chamber
to house this portrait that hung in the boardroom of Simms for decades. As we move forward it is
important that we honour in a meaningful way the efforts of those that came before us. This is
particularly relevant as we come to an end of Small Business Week”. said David Duplisea, CEO of the
Chamber.
As a former Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade (1925-1928), Mr. L.W. Simms was a leader in the
formation of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Simms traveled throughout Canada to solicit
support to form the national organization. In addition to the portrait, Mr. Simms also donated the
archives relating to the tour and the discussions that followed.
Statement from the Hon. Perrin Beatty:
“The history of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the business community of Saint John are
forever linked. Saint John was the site of the Canadian Chamber’s first annual meeting in 1926 but our
roots are tied to the perseverance of Lewis W. Simms, of Saint John, whose cross-Canada crusade to
form a national chamber led to our formation.
We were pleased to have delegates from across Canada meeting in Saint John in 2019, during the Saint
John Regional Chamber’s bicentennial year and at that time, we had the pleasure of Thomas Simms III
helping to open our AGM.
Earlier this year, the Saint John Chamber returned to its roots, relocating to its original site on the corner
Prince William and King Streets so it’s fitting, in 2021, that Tom has given the portrait of his grandfather
L.W. Simms to add to the chamber’s story.
Twenty-sixth U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt said “The more you know about the past, the better
prepared you are for the future”. It is with this in mind, that I believe the businesses of the Saint John
region are in good hands.”
The Honourable Perrin Beatty, PC OC
President and CEO
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Left to right: Deb Tremblay-The Chamber, David Duplisea- CEO The Chamber, Mr. Thomas Simms, Dean
Mullin-Chair of the Chamber
Media Contact
Randy Milton
rmilton@thechambersj.com
634-8111
-30-
The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce is a nationally accredited business organization
dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and improved quality
of life in the community. With more than 600 member businesses, representing the interests of
37,000 people, The Chamber is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business
community of Greater Saint John. It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking
opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business
climate of the area.