In this episode, Colin sits down with Stu Harrison, Executive Director of CCEO, to explore how Ontario’s chamber network supports the staff and volunteers who keep local chambers running. Stu shares how CCEO provides monthly conversations, training, a newsletter, and an annual conference designed especially for smaller chambers with limited staff. Their discussion highlights the strength of the chamber network provincewide, including the value of credible research, shared resources, and the growing collaboration through the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada.

Colin and Stu also look at how chambers are evolving. They dig into the shift from the old “exclusive club” stereotype toward modern chambers that focus on community development, business growth, and connection. Stu reflects on how chambers today are increasingly addressing social issues as part of economic development, noting examples like the St. Thomas Chamber’s work on homelessness.

The episode wraps with Colin and Stu agreeing there is much more to cover, especially around advocacy. Their conversation will continue in a future episode.

In this third installment of our special bonus series from the Huron Marine & Economic Forum, we turn to one of the most timely conversations of the day, the panel “Trade and Tariffs: The Latest Impacts.”

With cross-border tensions escalating and new American tariffs reshaping the business environment, this discussion examines how trade disputes are influencing agriculture, manufacturing, and regional supply chains across southwestern Ontario. The panel offers grounded, sector-specific insight into how businesses are adapting, where pressure points are emerging, and what opportunities may arise as global dynamics continue to shift.

Moderated by Dave Shorey, Executive Director of Georgian College in Owen Sound, the conversation brings together three informed voices from across Ontario’s economic landscape: Ethan Wallace of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Craig Mannell of Mannell Partners, and Luke Polcyn of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Together, they explore the real-world implications of U.S. trade actions, highlight the importance of coordinated advocacy at all levels, and reflect on what local leaders should be watching in the months ahead.

🎙️ Recorded live at the Huron Marine & Economic Forum, presented by Parrish & Heimbecker.

In this second installment of our special bonus series from the Huron Marine & Economic Forum, we feature the day’s first panel discussion, “Your Port – Your Community.”

Ontario’s Great Lakes ports are more than shipping hubs—they are vital economic engines that shape the prosperity of their surrounding communities. This engaging discussion explores how ports and municipalities work together to balance growth, sustainability, and community well-being.

Moderated by Jessica Linthorne, President & CEO of the Nuclear Innovation Institute, the panel brings together leading voices from across the province’s port network: Frank Hurkmans of the Goderich Port Management Corporation, Steve Salmons of the Windsor Port Authority, and Jeremy Dunn of HOPA Ports.

Together, they share insights on the economic contributions of Ontario’s ports, the opportunities they create for local businesses, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships with governments, industries, and residents alike.

🎙️ Recorded live at the Huron Marine & Economic Forum, presented by Parrish & Heimbecker.

In this episode of the Chamber Connect Podcast, we sit down with Hayley Bettles, the founder of Small Town Paralegal—a growing legal services business based in Clinton. Hayley launched her practice virtually in June 2020 at the height of the pandemic, later opening a physical office in early 2023. She recently hired her first employee, Danielle, who focuses on provincial offenses and summary criminal convictions, marking an exciting new chapter for the business.Hayley breaks down the vital role of licensed paralegals in Ontario’s legal system, outlining their qualifications, the scope of their work, and why their services are especially valuable for individuals and small businesses. Specializing in small claims up to the new $50,000 limit and landlord-tenant disputes, she positions her practice as a cost-effective alternative to more complex court processes.We also discuss the realities of running a small business in a rural community, from work-life balance as a mother of three, to active involvement in the Clinton BIA, social media storytelling, and the importance of accessible legal support close to home.

This first of four special bonus episodes of the Chamber Connect podcast features live content from the Huron Marine & Economic Forum, held October 2nd at Beach Street Station in Goderich.

In this episode, we hear from two voices central to the story of the Port of Goderich: Mayor Trevor Bazinet and Frank Hurkmans, President of the Goderich Port Management Corporation. Mayor Bazinet offers a historical perspective, charting the port’s evolution as an essential piece of Goderich’s identity and economic development. Following him, Frank Hurkmans shares an inside look at current port operations and the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Stay tuned for three more bonus episodes from the Forum, featuring more thought leaders and sector experts.

In this episode of the Chamber Connect Podcast, Colin speaks with Ralph Rubino, owner of TriCity Financial in Goderich, about the realities of financial planning for entrepreneurs and sole proprietors. Ralph explains why true financial wellness goes beyond numbers, emphasizing the value of understanding the whole picture—business and personal. He and Colin discuss building a trusted team of experts, from accountants to lawyers, to help small business owners avoid costly mistakes and focus on growth. Ralph also shares his personal story behind the “Heart to Heart” name, inspired by a life-changing event involving his father. The conversation highlights Tri-City’s employee wellness program, Ralph’s engagement in community events like the Corporate Challenge, and his ongoing connection with the Huron Chamber of Commerce. It’s a thoughtful look at how smart planning and collaboration build stronger businesses and communities.

In this episode of the Chamber Connect Podcast, Colin Carmichael sits down with four leaders from Huron County’s Business Improvement Areas to talk about holiday planning and community collaboration. Guests include Angela Cullen (Blyth BIA), Hayley Bettles (Clinton–Central Huron BIA), Caroline Hill (Exeter BIA), and Dan Gall (Goderich BIA). Together they unpack what makes each downtown’s holiday season unique—from Ladies Nights and Christmas markets to parades and beautification efforts—and how these events strengthen local business.The conversation explores the structure of BIAs as municipal committees funded by local levies, how that differs from the Chamber’s county-wide, member-funded model, and how collaboration between BIAs and municipalities can shape vibrant, welcoming downtowns. Whether you’re a business owner, volunteer, or community leader, this episode offers insights into how coordinated holiday efforts across Huron County help drive local economic and community growth.

In this episode, Colin welcomes Genelle Reid, Fund Development Coordinator at Artemis Huron, to discuss the organization’s transformation from the Huron Women’s Shelter to Artemis Huron. They explore the rebranding’s deeper meaning—symbolizing protection, transition, and healing—and the expansion of services beyond crisis intervention. Genelle shares how Artemis supports women and children across Huron County through emergency shelter, second-stage housing, counselling, and the “Next Steps” transition program. The conversation also highlights community collaboration on gender-based violence, workplace safety planning, and how local residents and businesses can help through donations, sponsorships, and simple acts of support like providing gift cards.

In this episode, Colin welcomes Genelle Reid, Fund Development Coordinator at Artemis Huron, to discuss the organization’s transformation from the Huron Women’s Shelter to Artemis Huron. They explore the rebranding’s deeper meaning—symbolizing protection, transition, and healing—and the expansion of services beyond crisis intervention. Genelle shares how Artemis supports women and children across Huron County through emergency shelter, second-stage housing, counselling, and the “Next Steps” transition program. The conversation also highlights community collaboration on gender-based violence, workplace safety planning, and how local residents and businesses can help through donations, sponsorships, and simple acts of support like providing gift cards.

Colin welcomes Dana Soucie, Executive Director of the Four County Labour Market Planning Board, for a data-driven look at what makes our regional workforce unique. They break down the story behind the numbers — why our corner of Ontario continues to post low unemployment, how high living-wage requirements and an aging workforce shape local hiring, and what upcoming growth in health care and clean energy could mean for employers and job-seekers alike. Dana also introduces the new Southwest Ontario Data Consortium, a collaborative effort giving communities better access to the information they need for smart economic decisions. Together, Colin and Dana explore how rural realities like housing and transportation barriers influence the stats and why understanding local data matters more than ever.If you’ve ever wondered how the labour numbers really connect to life and business in Huron County, this conversation is a must-listen.