Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce holds AGM and welcomes new members
- Ron Giofu
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce (ACOC) looked back at the most recent year and are planning their next year forward.
The ACOC held its annual general meeting (AGM) last Wednesday night in the community room at Amherstburg Community Services, with the event also being held in partnership with The House Youth Centre. Roughly 50 members and guests attended the March 4 meeting, with part of the meeting featuring a membership update.
“We welcomed 16 amazing new businesses to the Chamber since our last AGM,” stated ACOC president Dan Gemus.
The ACOC now boasts of 130 member businesses, with new members including BarBurrito Amherstburg, BDC, Beaver Tails, Canadian Tire Amherstburg, Enbridge, Fort Malden Animal Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Hills Tree Service, ICON EV Amherstburg, Musicland, Off the Grid Energy Solutions, Pantry Heaven, RFG Plumbing and Electrical, Sweet Moments Cookie Co., Web Geeks Marketing and White Oak Consulting.
It was learned during the meeting that 18 new Habitat for Humanity homes are planned for Amherstburg, mainly on a triangular piece of land on County Road 10 (Middle Side Road), just west of Concession 2 North.
“It’s been a very busy year,” said Gemus.
Membership events touted by the ACOC included a new member welcome at Bryerswood Youth Camp, a holiday networking event at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce AGM and policy convention and a tour of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Last year’s Business Excellence Awards at the Columbian Club in McGregor was one of the ACOC’s “most memorable moments” with this year’s awards planned for May 7, also in McGregor.
ACOC general manager Anne Creery went over membership programs, from Chamber group insurance to Evalon payment processing and member-to-member discount programs.
“We’ve stepped up our social media presence,” Creery told the audience.
Communication and marketing support was described as an online directory listing, social media support, grand opening and special event support.
All-candidates nights for the Oct. 26 municipal election are planned for the Columbian Club in McGregor Oct. 7-8, with councillor candidates one night and mayor and deputy mayor candidates the other.
ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo pointed out the agency has been around over 50 years and offers over 20 services. ACS serves people in Amherstburg, McGregor, Harrow and LaSalle.
ACS is also hosting a volunteer fair in partnership with the Town of Amherstburg March 26 from 4:30-6 p.m. with 14 organizations signed up so far.
Morghan Shearon, program director with The House, noted the youth peer mentoring programs they offer as well as alumni and senior program. Board member Amy Bailey thanked the community for its support of the Amherstburg’s Coldest Night of the Year (ACNOY) event that was held Feb. 28. Donations for ACNOY are still being accepted through March 31 at www.cnoy.org/amherstburg with The House being at 61 per cent ($30,827) of its $50,000 goal as of press time.
Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 president Shawn Wilkie pointed out the Amherstburg branch is in its 96th year and he pointed out their support of not just veterans, but families, seniors and the community.
“We’re more than just support for veterans,” he said.
During the most recent poppy campaign, Amherstburg collected approximately $30,000, he added, and that was more than much larger municipalities including the $6,800 raised in Scarborough. The local Legion also offers meals throughout the week, including Tuesday lunches, chicken on Thursdays and fish on Fridays.
Jen Ibrahim, manager of economic development, tourism and culture for the Town of Amherstburg, noted Economic Development Week returns May 4-8.
“We are bringing back the job fair,” said Ibrahim. “We did it last year. We had 350 people come looking for employment.”
Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club vice president Cathy Robertson outlined programs the camp has for families facing financial hardship but still wanting their children to attend a camp.
“We have money set aside for those children,” said Robertson.
Bryerswood is continuing to accept used pop cans and they are raising money from that.
“If you know anyone who wants to get rid of their pop cans, we are taking them,” said Robertson.
Career Compass, which operates under the umbrella of Community Living Essex County, outlined services they offer and were represented by Will Girard and Wendy Wallace. Career Compass connects people with intellectual disabilities wanting to work with companies, matches them based on skillsets and helps onboard them.
Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission president Tim McAllister highlighted the mission’s next chili dinner fundraiser. That will be March 27 from 5-8 p.m. with mild, spicy and vegetarian chili to be offered. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children under 12, with dine-in and take-out options available.
Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce holds AGM and welcomes new members
By Ron Giofu
Comments