Erin will soon see the establishment of a new chamber of commerce to serve the interests of current business owners and residents looking to open a shop. It will go on sale in September.
“The goal of the newly founded chamber is to drive Erin’s economic prosperity by being the leading voice for local business,” said Ann Shanahan, chair of the Erin Chamber of Commerce and realtor for RE/MAX Real Estate Centre. “We are committed to supporting a strong, innovative business community as well as to advocate, educate and market for current and future growth.”
All businesses and professionals located within the physical boundaries of the Town of Erin, including the villages of Orton, Ballinafad, Hillsburgh, and Erin, as well as all rural areas, will be eligible for Chamber membership. It will be run and operated by members as a non-profit organization, with initial funding provided by the Town of Erin. All members will have a voice, as well as access to the tools and benefits they need to sustain, grow, and thrive in their businesses.
“An effective chamber of commerce is a driving force within a community, especially a small one, recovering from the effects of a global pandemic and also on the cusp of growth,” said Shanahan. “The economy of our great town needs support, advocacy, positivity, marketability, but most of all, camaraderie.”
The inaugural board members are business owners and professionals who have volunteered their time to lay the groundwork for a successful chamber of commerce.
Shanahan is on the board of directors, as is Chris Bailey as treasurer (owner of Brighten Up Toys & Games), Giuseppe Paolicelli as secretary (general manager of Solmar Development Corp.), Madelaine Griffin as a board member (owner of Salon Nine), Keith Barrick as a board member (owner of Keith’s Trailer Sales), and Dusty Scott as a board member (owner of Organic Art Tattoo).
“The initial board of the chamber is committed to its success in creating a foundation for all businesses to reach their full potential,” said Shanahan. “The chamber will operate independent of the town and work toward benefiting the businesses. It’s for the members, by the members only.”
To learn, network, and understand the chamber of commerce, all Erin business owners, professionals, and business-minded individuals are invited to join the board of directors on Sept. 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the back function room at The Busholme.
Source : orangeville
