Join the Alzheimer’s Society of Grey-Bruce on Saturday, May 25 at Bayview Park in Thornbury to help support local families who are dealing with dementia. To register, CLICK HERE
Join the Alzheimer’s Society of Grey-Bruce on Saturday, May 25 at Bayview Park in Thornbury to help support local families who are dealing with dementia. To register, CLICK HERE
Did someone say door prizes?!!! Our incredible members came through with some truly awesome prize donations for the BMCC holiday party last night, and we can’t say a big enough thank you to all of them for their generosity and support
So many lucky attendees went home with prizes from donors who included Blue Mountain Veterinary Services, Theatre Collingwood, The Serendipity Candle Factory, Georgian Hills Vineyards, Thornbury Ashanti and Events for Life. A very special shout-out to MYCOLLINGWOOD.CA and Julie Card, who not only co-hosted the night with us, along with The Corner Cafe & Grill, but also donated an absolute ton of great products from local businesses. And one very lucky winner went home with a $1,000 advertising package from MYCOLLINGWOOD.CA – WOW!
It’s a busy time of year and we’re catching up on one of our favourite things – welcoming new members. We’re so happy to introduce Carter Allen Ltd. as a recent addition to the BMCC!
Started in 2008, Carter Allen Ltd. are full-service custom home builders and renovators serving the Georgian Triangle and beyond. Co-owners Scott Carter and Chris Allen pride themselves on top quality craftsmanship, attention to detail and exceptional customer service. Using modern materials, new industry technology and diverse, global design inspiration, they develop stunning, sustainable designs, while maintaining a commitment to the environment and their high standards of craftsmanship.
While their focus is on full home renovations and new custom builds, they’re always happy to discuss projects on any scale. From the initial consultation, to pre-construction collaboration, to final design and construction, Carter Allen Ltd guarantees consistent communication, hands-on attention and a dedicated, highly skilled team. See some of their projects at www.carterallen.ca or call them for a consultation at 705-441-0475.
2024 Chamber Billboard Information
The Chamber billboard rental periods will be available to reserve in 2024 on the following schedule:
Dec 1, 2023, 9am — Accepting bookings for January, February and March 2024
March 1, 2024, 9am — Accepting bookings for April, May and June 2024
June 3, 2024, 9am — Accepting bookings for July, August and September 2024
Sept 2, 2024, 9am — Accepting bookings for October, November and December 2024
Don’t worry – reminders will be sent out as each date approaches.
Rental periods run from Wednesday-Wednesday. Each side of the billboard has 6 lines, with a maximum of 18 characters per line. The billboard is located outside of the Chamber building on Hwy 26 in Thornbury.
Bookings will be accepted via email at info@bluemountainschamber.ca on a first-come-first-serve basis, starting at 9am on the day that each of the four rental periods open up. Please do not submit reservation requests prior to 9am on the day that the respective rental periods become available, as requests received at or after 9am will be given first priority. We will, of course, happily take bookings any time after those dates as availability allows. To make sure that everyone has a chance to get the dates that they want, we have capped the maximum number of rental weeks that a member can reserve at two per quarter, for a maximum of 8 rental weeks per year. Bookings for consecutive weeks are not permitted, but members can book both sides of the billboard for a rental week.
The weekly rate for 2024 is $200 + HST per side ($125 + HST for not-for-profit members). To guarantee your rental weeks, payment must be received within 7 days of the day that the reservation is made. If payment is not received within that time frame, the rental dates will become available again. Please note that refunds will not be available, except under emergency circumstances, such as pandemic lockdowns or other public health measures.
We hope this doesn’t seem overly-complicated; our aim is to make things easier and more equitable for everyone in the long run. Thank you for your understanding!
The Fine Print:
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In recognition of World Mental Health Day, the Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce proudly partnered with Alta Vista Planning Partners and Bruce Wine Bar on October 12, 2o23 to present a Mental Health in the Workplace Breakfast Workshop. Members of the local business community joined us for a morning of education, connection and discussion as our panel of speakers shared strategies and resources for fostering a psychologically well workplace.
The morning kicked off with Erin Fordham, VP of Employee Benefits at Alta Vista, who provided simple and effective ways to champion a mentally healthy workforce. She also outlined valuable resources that are part of the Chambers Plan group benefits coverage and which help employers attract, retain and support an engaged and flourishing team. Next we heard from Paola Accettola, Founder and CEO of True North HR Consulting, who explained how a robust, clearly communicated mental health program can ultimately result in higher productivity and innovation, significant cost savings, and improved employee well-being, job satisfaction and loyalty. Rounding out the panel was Dr. Jennifer Fawcett, a multifaceted health care professional and owner of Bayside Wellness, who shared her personal story of overcoming obstacles and drawing strength from enormous challenges to thrive as a mother, entrepreneur and inspiring leader of her team.
Topping it all off was a truly decadent breakfast (so much incredible food!), generously provided by Bruce Wine Bar and complemented by delicious coffee and tea from Good Grief Coffee Roasters. An enormous thank you to our sponsors, Property Valet and Lighthouse Group, who helped make the morning possible, and to Turner Hospitality Group, Business Development Bank of Canada, Alta Vista Planning and Property Valet for donating fantastic raffle prizes to some very happy winners. Adding the perfect touch to the day was a wonderful self-care gift, provided to each attendee by Bayside Wellness and Grey 13 Wellness, who have recently partnered to open a new location in Clarksburg. Our gratitude to Nicole Paara, member of the BMCC Board of Directors and co-owner of Bruce Wine Bar, for being our MC for the event.
And a special thank you to Alexa Jackson of Alexa Jackson Creative. Alexa offers branding, photography, social media content creation and coaching services to help small businesses create a strong online presence in their marketing, and she generously donated her time and talents to photographing the event.
Gavin is an associate lawyer with the firm Scheifele, Erskine & Renken, with offices in both Meaford and Thornbury. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Political Science from the Universite de Montreal (2007), and went on to complete his law studies in New Brunswick (2012). On his return to Ontario in 2013, Gavin was called to the Bar and sought to establish himself in the Grey-Bruce area to practise law.
Living with his family in Clarksburg, he is eager to stay active outside of work, and joined the Chamber of Commerce to contribute to the growth of the business community and collaborate with its members to ensure that our region remains a great place to live and do business. You will find Gavin relishing the great outdoors and enjoying time with his family in town.
Sean Landreth, Vice-President
Sean is the Founder and President of Property Valet, a full-service property management company for second homes, vacation rentals and investment properties that he started in the Blue Mountains in 2016. It has since become a valued area employer that provides an ever-expanding list of services to more than 80 properties, with over 40 employees, and they continue to grow. It should also be mentioned that Property Valet were the winners of the Chamber’s 2020 Business Recognition Award for Business of the Year!
Sean arrived in the Blue Mountains in 2015 via a fascinating professional background that brought him around the globe in roles that included B2B and B2C sales, sales management, media distribution, and real estate financing. Sean brings this diverse expertise to the Chamber Board of Directors with a fierce desire to help new and existing local businesses thrive. As the area continues to grow, he is passionate about being an active part of the business community here and serving as a dedicated steward to its future success. Sean and his family are thrilled to be part of the Blue Mountains community, and they feel so lucky to be able to enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer.
Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Glenn ended up at McGill University for an MBA and proceeded to marry the love of his life from Montréal. He landed a job in investment banking at BMO Capital Markets and moved to Toronto in 2000. After working for two banks, for 20 years, and collecting a ridiculous amount of frequent flyer points, he has finally crossed the street to private equity. Joining the team at Argyle Capital as a Partner is part of Glenn’s dream to own and operate amazing private businesses. He hopes to bring his experience and love of agriculture to a transaction one day.
Glenn may have started riding his gravel bike and running a little late in life but it allows him to keep up with his two children. He spends every free minute thinking about his next deep-sea fishing adventure or spending time at the Farm in The Blue Mountains with his wife and the family Wheaton Terrier.
Alicia is a lawyer with an office located on Bruce St. in Thornbury, practicing law with Scheifele, Erskine & Renken.
Alicia has been a member of the Blue Mountains community for over 25 years, having grown up in the area as an avid FIS ski racer at Craigleith Ski Club and the National Ski Academy. Her family has permanently resided in Thornbury for over 15 years, and her brother is also a local business owner.
Prior to permanently moving to the Blue Mountains in 2018 Alicia worked for several years as a lawyer at national and global law firms based in Toronto and lead the national in-house legal team at Canada’s second largest retail pharmacy and pharmaceutical services provider.
Alicia has both business and legal experience and education; she has a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree (International Business and Economics) and earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Queen’s University; she is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and a Notary Public.
At an early age Alicia developed her desire to assist small businesses and local communities’ members as a consultant and project manager for the national charitable organization Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship/Enactus. Alicia continues to be passionate about contributing to her community and is actively involved in local community initiatives and sporting activities.
Neal is the Vice President of Operations for Turner Hospitality Group, which owns and operates several local restaurants including Twist, Magnone’s, Winifred’s & Mother Tongue. Together they provide over 120 employment opportunities within the community. Neal relocated to the Blue Mountains in 2015 from Mississauga, where he worked with several large restaurant brands. He brings with him a wealth of industry experience and business management expertise.
Neal is passionate about community networking to encourage mutual support and growth. He resides in Thornbury with his wife and daughter, and loves spending time outdoors hiking or skiing.
Karen Ferri, Director
Karen’s professional career began as a school teacher in the Durham region teaching phys. ed and grades 4 & 5. After moving her career to the Peel region, she headed the special education department in an Elementary school in Brampton.
In 2004, she and her husband Tom purchased an orchard in the Blue Mountains. After enduring a devastating tornado, they quickly renovated the property into an internationally recognized, award-winning orchard in Clarksburg, including a farm-gate market during harvest.
Karen is no stranger to industry and community support, having twice hosted the Community Long Table as well as numerous industry events including provincial and international grower events at the farm. Continuing her interest as an educator, Karen regularly hosts special interest groups along with both Canadian and international media tours of the orchard. Local food banks have been the recipients of over 75 000 of donated apples in the past 10 years.
In addition to the micro climate for apple growing in the Blue Mountains, the lure for Karen has been the outdoors. An avid alpine skier, and water skier, Karen has settled easily into the area. As a small business owner, she knows that the heart of every community is its small businesses. Karen has joined the Board of Directors to be a voice for the agricultural sector contributing to its sustainability and growth within our community.
Barb Weeden, Director
Originally from New Hamburg, Ontario, Barb’s educational background is in Outdoor Recreation. She worked at Seneca College for twenty-two years, managing their Leadership Centre and teaching in the Recreation programs, for which she received the President’s Award of Distinction. Her leadership facilitation and corporate training has taken her to California, Guyana, Costa Rica and Western Canada. Before moving to Craigleith in 2017, Barb was the General Manager for the largest Tim Horton Foundation Camps operation in St. George, ON. In 2018, she became Executive Director of Events for Life, a day program for adults with special needs in Thornbury and couldn’t be happier!
An avid outdoors enthusiast, Barb spent her weekends skiing and biking up on Blue Mountain at her grandparent’s farm, where her mother was born. She whole-heartedly believes in giving back to her community and has served on numerous Boards and committees. She has volunteered for BBBS in Collingwood and BVO helping to plan gala fundraising events. Barb served on the Town of the Blue Mountains Leisure Activities Planning Committee in 2020/2021. She is thrilled to join the Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as a voice for the vibrant non-profit sector in our area, bringing with her diverse management and fundraising experience, and a passion for event planning and making good things happen.
Dawn Hennessey, Director
Business Development Bank of Canada
Dawn Hennessey has enjoyed working with diverse entrepreneurs, associations and the like for the last two decades. Professionally, she has been in the Corporate, Financial & Advisory industry for over 20 years, and has spent 18 years with Business Development Bank of Canada. Dawn started her career in Toronto and later worked in the Peterborough & Durham region, and she presently supports The Blue Mountains, Dufferin, Brampton markets. In her personal time she has contributed to the community in various ways, including her work with the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, School Council Committee and now as a Co-Founder of FemSTEAM, an awareness group focussed on bringing STEAM careers to the forefront of young girls’ aspirations.
Dawn is passionate about supporting education, the business ecosystem and making a positive contribution to the community at large. Dawn grew up in Sarnia, Ontario, attended McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and has completed various professional development programs.
The President and Treasurer are ex-officio members of each committee. Read more…
It’s back! The Gallery is excited to have Beaver Valley Outreach (BVO) again for an art show in celebration of their 40th Anniversary! The exhibit features a curated collection of art donated by members of the community. Discover hidden treasures at a stellar price – you never know what you might find!
The show runs from August 22-30, with a reception, hosted by BVO at the L.E. Shore Gallery, taking place on August 26 from 2-4pm. All proceeds will help fund BVO’s programs and services. Learn more about the 40-year history of this wonderful organization here!
Before visiting in person, be sure to call us at 519 599 3681 to confirm that the Gallery space is available for walkthroughs.
To inquire about purchasing an art piece, please email TheGallery@TheBlueMountains.ca.
The Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Guide provides a starting point for anyone interested in starting, expanding or operating a business in the Town of the Blue Mountains. The Business Resource Guide provides a list of resources with links to help you navigate through municipal, provincial, and federal government programs, services and regulations. The Chamber thanks the Town of the Blue Mountains for its support of this project.
Each year, The Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce asks our business community to nominate BMCC members who they feel have demonstrated excellence and innovation, and who have made an outstanding contribution to the local economy. We were thrilled to be able to hold our Annual General in person this year at The Marsh Street Centre on September 14, and even happier to announce these very deserving winners of the 2020 BMCC Business Recognition Awards:
Above and Beyond: Sustainable Innovation
Driverseat Inc. Collingwood
Sponsored by The Town of the Blue Mountains
Awarded to a business that demonstrated sensitivity to environmental impacts, and acted as a leader in advancing the principles of sustainability.
Above and Beyond: Site Enhancement
Thornbury Village Craft Cider and Brew House — Derek Hammond, Retail and Hospitality Manager
Sponsored by The Town of the Blue Mountains
Awarded to a business that significantly improved the facade/ structure/ landscaping of their business area.
Above and Beyond: Pivoting & Adaptability
Life Life Fit — Cecile de Bretan, Owner
Sponsored by The Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce
Awarded to a business that demonstrated outstanding creativity and resourcefulness in pivoting to safely adapt during COVID-19 restrictions.
Above and Beyond: Economic Impact
Good Grief Coffee Roasters — Alix Haddy and Jesse Keast, Co-Owners
Sponsored by Live Life Fit
Awarded to a business that had a significant and consistent beneficial impact on the economy of the region.
Customer Service Excellence — There was a tie this year!
Pharmasave Thornbury — Shannon Fry, Owner/ Pharmacist
Sponsored by Lifestyles North Real Estate
Awarded to a business, its management and staff that demonstrated exceptional customer service.
Thornbury Veterinary Hospital — The Veterinary Team
Entrepreneur of the Year
Thornbury Bakery — Dave and Trish Smith, Owners
Sponsored by Community Futures South Georgian Bay
Awarded to a business that developed their business model to meet changing community and consumer demands.
Business of the Year — There was a tie this year!
Property Valet — The Property Valet Team
Sponsored by Secure Insurance Solutions Group Inc.
Awarded to a business that showed outstanding achievement in growth, innovation and leadership, demonstrating a positive impact on the community through good business citizenship.
Foodland Thornbury — Brian Leduc, Owner
Congratulations to all of these deserving winners, and thank you for all of the ways that you continue to contribute to our community!
2019 BMCC Business Recognition Awards
After being forced to cancel our Annual General Meeting way back in March of 2020 due to COVID-19, the BMCC was finally able to hold our AGM virtually on Dec. 21. We are thrilled to finally be able to announce the winners of the 2019 BMCC Business Recognition Awards:
Above and Beyond: Sustainable Innovation Award
Gather Grocery — Cassidy Holt, Owner
Sponsored by Town of the Blue Mountains Economic Development and Communications
Above and Beyond: Site Enhancement
Good Grief Coffee Roasters — Alix Haddy and Jesse Keast, Co-Owners
Sponsored by Town of the Blue Mountains Planning and Development Services
Above and Beyond: Economic Impact
Thornbury Village Cider and Beer — Derek Hammond, Retail and Hospitality Manager
Sponsored by Live Life Fit
Carol Kordts Customer Service Excellence
Mullin’s Pet Market — Tiffany Mullin, Owner; Dana Grant, Manager
Sponsored by TD Canada Trust
Entrepreneur of the Year
Smitty’s Bike Shop — Darren Smith, Owner
Sponsored by The Centre For Business and Economic Development
Business of the Year
Live Life Fit — Cecile de Bretan, Owner
Sponsored by Secure Insurance Solutions Group Inc.
Congratulations to all of these deserving winners, and thank you for all of the ways that you continue to contribute to our community!