New chamber CEO brings experience to position

Rocio Salinas started as the new CEO of the Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 1. She came to the role with experience as the chamber’s communications coordinator and general manager of the Norwich chamber. (Jeff Helsdon Photo).

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The new CEO of the Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce brings valuable experience to the position.

Rocio Salinas started as the CEO on Oct. 1. She previously worked part-time as the communications coordinator for the Tillsonburg chamber and served as the general manager of the Norwich Chamber of Commerce for four years.

“It’s pretty much the same as this position, but on a smaller scale,” she said, explaining Norwich was a part-time role.

Salinas moved to Canada from Mexico in 2014 with her husband whowas transferred within his company. She previously worked in human resources in Mexico. Initially, she worked at small jobs after moving to Norwich five years ago, and then learned about the chamber of commerce system.

“There are a lot of people who are active in the community, and they care,” she said.

At one of the first chamber networking events, she saw former Tillsonburg CEO Suzanne Renken talk about networking and was impressed.

“She and the Tillsonburg chamber have a great reputation in the Ontario chamber network,” Salinas said.

About a year ago, she was approached by former CEO Ashley Edwards about the possibility of working as communications coordinator in Tillsonburg. At the time, Salinas was also working part-time as the grant administrator for the Oxford Community Foundation.

“For me, working for Tillsonburg was a goal,” Salinas said. “I always wanted to work for a chamber that did more.”

That opportunity arose when Edwards moved on to other things.

“It’s very rewarding for me to be working here,” Salinas said a few days into the job. “I feel very humbled and want to learn way more.”

Renken will work as a part-time administrator and help Salinas learn the ropes.

The first order of business for Salinas is to continue the chamber’s advocacy work and provide members with a positive experience, ensuring they continue to renew.

“For me, it’s important members have a good experience with their membership and want to continue to be a member,” Salinas said.

The chamber currently has about 250 members. It hosts monthly Business After 5 networking events, a golf tournament, its annual awards banquet and organizes trips with group discounts. The next trip will be to Europe in the fall of 2026. The chamber will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.