Chamber of Commerce marks 50 years

The Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 50th anniversary last Thursday at its annual Awards of Excellence dinner and awards. A full room was on hand for the awards. (Chris Abbott Photo)

Chris Abbott, Post Correspondent

Dedicated to supporting and promoting local businesses, the Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce has a long history providing ‘networking opportunities, advocacy, education, and resources to help businesses thrive.’

“We are very well known across all Chamber networks, we’re punching well above our weight class,” said Tillsonburg District Chamber president Lindsay Tribble at the Chamber’s Awards of Excellence on Sept. 24.

Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce came to fruition in 1976, said Tribble, created by local business owners recognizing the need for a non-partisan voice to represent business interests as the town was becoming a regional hub.

“This was particularly important at that time,” said Tribble, noting it was a divisive and controversial era in Tillsonburg’s history, “known as the ‘battle of the malls.’”

From 1976 into the early 2000s, the Chamber was a leader in Tillsonburg in the role of economic development, helping to attract industry to town.

“Throughout our 50 years, the Chamber has had some notable, interesting initiatives,” said Tribble.

In 1990, she noted the Chamber presented Stompin’ Tom Connors with a plaque after he performed in Tillsonburg, which Connors appreciated, as he had ‘put Tillsonburg on the musical map.’

“We also initiated an event known as Blue Jays Day with close to a thousand town residents attending a Blue Jay game,” said Tribble. “This was known as ‘Tillsonburg Day at the SkyDome.’”

Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce’s most successful achievements have been in advocacy and policy, she said.

“To date, Tillsonburg has written and advocated approximately eight provincial policies, making us the leading Chamber advocating in areas like access to rural health care… and most recently reducing congestion on Ontario highways and traffic accidents.”

To all this year’s Awards of Excellence nominees, Tribble said, “Be so proud. You have been seen by your peers as the best of the best. To award recipients, tonight you are recognized as some of the most respected and elite businesses and owners in our community.

“I say once again how proud I am to stand before this incredible community. In fact, each and every one of us in this room can be proud. In a time of economic uncertainty and volatility everywhere, Tillsonburg businesses and industry have continued to grow as substantially as it has for the 50 years of this organization. This community continues to prove we have a high level of resilience, an insane amount of motivation and drive, and an uncanny ability to positively thrive. We truly are the change makers, assuring the future here will be filled with a bigger and better tomorrow.”