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PRESIDENT 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: |
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PAST PRESIDENT Contact John at: 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.
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TREASURER 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: |
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VICE-PRESIDENT
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:
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VICE-PRESIDENT Connie Materno 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: |
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VICE-PRESIDENT 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;
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DIRECTOR 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: |
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DIRECTOR
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: |
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DIRECTOR |
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DIRECTOR
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. |
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DIRECTOR 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: |
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DIRECTOR 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. |
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APPOINTEE |
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APPOINTEE Email: jjohnston@grimsby.ca
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| Photography by: Bryan Macaulay of Village Studio |
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