After two years of struggling through the global pandemic, the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to a brighter year ahead.
Newly elected chair Dan Josling says small business remains the backbone and heart of the community.
“When you shop local, you’re not only supporting local businesses, you are creating value for everyone in Chatham-Kent,” Josling explains. “Statistics show that for every dollar spent in a local business, almost $7 is created in the community. As the numbers show, when you purchase products from local stores, not only is your money staying in Chatham-Kent, it’s also supporting family and friends in making our community even greater.”
Josling cites the Shop Local campaign and rapid COVID test program that saw 46,000 COVID tests distributed to businesses across the municipality as two of the Chambers biggest successes over the past year.
Moving forward, he hopes to have closer ties with the municipality’s Economic Development department
“I’m happy to say we are now holding regular meetings with EcDev’s management team, and over the next 12 months we will continue to find ways to collaborate with EcDev to ensure everyone is working together.”
Josling says his main goal for the coming year is to meet in person with all of the Chamber’s members and stakeholders with a goal of making CK the best place to do business.