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Whether you are a visitor, a resident, or a member, the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce is here to serve you. We invite you to explore our site and see why we are so proud of our community and what we do here. Members and residents alike will find this to be a valuable resource to keep updated on Chamber initiatives. Those who are not yet members can see why joining the Chamber is so rewarding. Feel free to contact us, or sign up now for our newsletter.Join Today

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Board of Directors

 

PRESIDENT
Naomi Beirnes

Ad Lib Communications Group

Naomi is President, Ad Lib Communications Group, specializing in business development and community engagement projects. She has also enjoyed a long and dynamic career in the social services sector as a counsellor, consultant, voc rehab specialist, mediator, facilitator and is a former employee of the Employment Help Centre (Grimsby office) helping job seekers and employers meet their employment needs. She is also a popular public speaker on employment-related topics.

A member of Career Professionals of Canada and Associate Member of IPPA, she is also a certified Life Coach in private practice. Many will recognize Naomi as the former Humour columnist of the popular "Is It Just Me? byline with Niagara Life magazine (formerly The Downtowner). She is also the Chamber's representative on the the Town of Grimsby Economic Development Advisory Committee (GEDAC).

After moving back to Niagara from Toronto and a resident of Grimsby, Naomi continues to find Grimsby refreshing in its friendliness, community participation, and its wonderful setting along the escarpment.

Contact Naomi at: 
president@grimsbychamber.com

 

 

 

 

PAST PRESIDENT
John Dunstall
Fifth Wheel Truck Stop & Family Restaurant

Contact John at:
fifthwheelgrimsby@bellnet.ca

The Fifth Wheel Family of Truck Stops located strategically throughout southern Ontario has been the foundation for my career.  In the beginning, I was a part of the opening ceremony to the Town of Milton as we prepared to open the first location in November 1972.  Kitchen Manager was my first occupation.  

Through out the 38 years that I have been with the Fifth Wheel I have completed many assignments including Restaurant Manager, Fuel Manager, Divisional Fuel Manager and most recently the General Manager of the Grimsby Truck Stop.  Having the opportunity to work in a location that is by the lake is definitely an added feature.

The challenges of operating a business, which is open 24 hours a day, has been my biggest test over the years.  There is always something new and interesting that comes our way.

The most rewarding and enjoyable part is meeting with the people.  We have so many regular customers who frequent our business sometimes three and four times a week.  I really feel they are part of our Fifth Wheel family.  I know them so well and it is always a pleasure to stop and talk with them.

My wife, daughter and I have been residents of Grimsby for six years.  Grimsby is a wonderful Town.  It has so much to offer and it truly lives up to its slogan “Friendly by Nature.” 

Thank you Grimsby.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TREASURER
Paul Pezzimenti, B.Acc., C.A.

Durward Jones Barkwell & Company LLP

Paul attended Brock University, graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Accounting Degree and obtained his Chartered Accountant designation in 2009. He has worked at Durward Jones Barkwell and Company LLP since 2003 and is happy to represent the firm in this position.

Contact Paul at:
ppezzimenti@djb.com

 

 
   

VICE-PRESIDENT
Kevin Cline, B.Acc., C.A.

Southcott Davoli Professional Corporation Chartered Accountants

 

Kevin is a native of St. Catharines where he currently resides.  Kevin graduated from Brock University in 2009 with his Honours Bachelor of Accounting Degree and received his Chartered Accountant designation in 2010 after completing the ICAO Professional Program. 

He has worked for Southcott Davoli since 2006 and assists in financial reporting, corporate and personal tax planning and preparation, not-for-profit and charity compliance as well as other business advisory services.

Kevin is also a member of the Board of Director’s of Niagara Crime Stoppers.

Southcott Davoli has been a supporter of the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce for the past 16 years and Kevin is proud to represent the firm in this position.

Contact Kevin at:
kevinc@southdav.com
or by phone (905) 945-4942

 

   
 

 

VICE-PRESIDENT

Connie Materno
Mortgage Alliance - OAC Mortgages Inc.

Connie has been and Independent Mortgage Agent for the past 4 years. She brings 21 years of experience with her. Connie has lived in the beautiful town of Grimsby since 1987 with her husband and two children.

Connie's passion for working with clients started years ago while working in the Banking Industry. She finds it rewarding when she can help her clients get into their first home, showing them how to increase their cashflow or simply helping them find the best mortgage on a renewal of their existing mortgage. Contact Connie for any mortgage needs or just to say "Hello".

Contact Connie at:
Email: cmaterno@tmacc.com 
or by phone 905-719- 4610

 

 

 

 

VICE-PRESIDENT
Robert Slessor

Slessor Autoworld

The Slessor family operated a successful Pontiac Buick GMC dealership in Grimsbyfor 55 years.  I joined the family business in 1975, working along side Robert Sr. My father retired in 1990 and I was approved as Dealer from 1990 – 2010. 

During my 36 years with the dealership, I gained valuable experience. Working in all departments from Collision Centre, Technician, Parts, Service, New and Used Vehicle Sales to Dealer Operator, I was constantly reminded of the value of loyal customers and good business relationships.

Recently, our family elected to end their long term relationship with General Motors. GM’s decision to cancel the Pontiac Brand and re-structure the remaining dealer network left little alternative.

The Performance Car Group expressed an interest in our facility. They had great plans forGrimsby, a new Hyundai dealership at our location.

Grimsby Hyundai is up and running. Full service Collision Centre, Used Car division and Enterprise car rental compliments the New Cars. Strong, qualified hands ensure the Slessor vision moves forward, many familiar faces remain. We wish them all the best.

Today, I have more time to engage the Grimsby Community. Having been born to this Town, spending a lifetime operating a business here and meeting many fine people, I look forward to the opportunities Grimsby has to offer. With the support of my wife Marlene and our four children, I’m excited to return to the Executive of the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce.

My contact information remains the same;
905 643 1221 ext.670
905 643 6101 fax
rslessor@slessor.com

 

 

 

 

 

DIRECTOR
Marilyn Butkovic

Holiday Inn Express Hamilton/Stoney Creek

Marilyn is Director of Sales for the Holiday Inn Express Hamilton/Stoney Creek. For the past decade, the Holiday Inn Express has been a proud supporter of the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce and will continue to support the growth of the Chamber.

Holiday Inn Express believes in featuring Smart options which include our Trademark Free Parking, Free Wireless Internet, Free Local Calls and Free Deluxe Breakfast Bar are value added features to this AAA/CAA approved hotel. Renovations in 2006 included our Guest Bathrooms and Simply Smart Bedding Collection.

Contact Marilyn at:
sales@hiexhamilton.com

 

 
 

DIRECTOR
Marshall Deeth
RE/MAX Garden City Real Estate

   
 
   

DIRECTOR
Mark Dawson 

The Grimsby Lincoln News

 

Mark Dawson has worked in community newspapers in West Niagara for over 20 years as a sales representative, columnist, editor and publisher. He has also worked in daily newspapers in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, in the broadcast media and in human resources. Mark is currently the sales manager of the Grimsby Lincoln News and Niagara Farmers’ Monthly.

Contact Mark at:
mdawson@grimsbylincolnnews.com
905-945-8329 ext. 230


   
 
   

DIRECTOR
Gerie Simpson

RBC - Senior Account Manager Business Personal,CFP

   
 
   

DIRECTOR
Marion Thorp

Grimsby Benevolent Fund

 

Marion is General Manager at the Grimsby Benevolent. She has worked extensively in the organization seeing many positive enhancements throughout the past 18 years. The Grimsby Benevolent Fund continues to provide essential and much needed support to our community through the food bank and many other services.

With the help the volunteers and staff provide to those served by GBF, Marionis touched every day by the clients and the struggles they face.   Committed to reduce poverty through advocacy and to engage, energize and lead Grimsby in creating a hunger-free community, she is proud to be a resident of such a caring and supportive community.

Marion is passionate about giving back to her community not only through her employment but through volunteer efforts with her family.  She is looking forward to working alongside the dedicated members of the Grimsby and District Chamber of Commerce. 

   
 

 

DIRECTOR
Wendy Watt

Niagara West Tourism Network

Wendy is Chairman of the Information Services Committee.

Wendy retired in the Fall of 2003 after serving four terms on the Grimsby Town Council, representing Ward Two.

As the Chamber representative on the Grimsby Economic Development Advisory Committee to council where Wendy's focus is tourism, as well as serving on the Downtown Revitalization committee.

Wendy is the Chairman of the Niagara West Tourism Association and Membership Secretary for the Grimsby Historical Society.

Contact Wendy at:
wmw125@hotmail.com

 

 
   

DIRECTOR

Michelle Weatherdon

Crown Ridge Bed and Breakfast

Michelle Weatherdon is owner/operator of Crown Ridge Bed and Breakfast. Located on the crown of the Niagara Escarpment, Crown Ridge features three large guest suites with private ensuite bathroom, fireplace, Queen or King bed, and private deck overlooking Lake Ontario and our orchard. We are a short walk to the Bruce Trail and a short drive to all Niagara’s wine country has to offer.

With an obvious interest in Tourism, Michelle looks forward to being even more involved in the Grimsby community through participation in the Grimsby and District Chamber of Commerce Events Committee.

   
 

 

 

APPOINTEE 
EDUCATION LIAISONS

Jane Mastrandrea & Scott Millar
Grimsby Secondary School

 

 

    

 

APPOINTEE
TOWN OF GRIMSBY
Joanne Johnston

Alderman

Email: jjohnston@grimsby.ca

 

 

 

 

 


Photography by: Bryan Macaulay of Village Studio