Advocating and continuing to build partnerships will be a focus of the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce’s new chairperson.
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“My goal as your new chair is simple – continue to advocate for business in Chatham-Kent,” said BJ Griffiths, who began his new role after being sworn in at the group’s 136th annual general meeting Thursday.
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The chamber is building relationships with politicians at all levels of government “and working to have our voices heard in places we fell they need to be,” he added.
The Blenheim resident sees one of his roles as figuring out how to get chambers across the municipality working together to speak with one voice to governments, he said. “A unified voice is a louder voice and we are better working together.”
In his most recent role, heading the chamber board’s advocacy and governance committee, “We’ve seen some important items come across our desk,” Griffiths said, including issues with the homeless downtown, changes to recycling pickup and workforce planning, which the chamber will continue to advocate.
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Griffiths is a manager with RBC and is married with two children.
Outgoing chair Ryan Organ said he is proud of what the chamber has accomplished over the last year, including increasing advocacy efforts and putting more focus on membership value, in part through refocusing committees.
“I’ve learned a lot from this time and I’m excited to continue to work with you over the coming years,” Organ said.
Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor, who swore in the new chamber board and chair, said it’s an exciting time for development in Chatham-Kent.
“We’ve seen significant growth,” he said, citing a recent announcement about the municipality “well overshooting” its provincial housing target.
“We’re seeing that reflected in business growth,” he added. “In the last year, we’ve seen over 300 new businesses open, which is a really exciting trend in the community.”
McGregor believes this speaks to the Chatham-Kent business community’s hard work and “the fact we are really set up for growth and success.”
Griffiths also sees a great year ahead for the chamber.
“Our outlook for 2024 is the best that I’ve seen since my time with the chamber,” he said.
Chamber networking events, award ceremony and annual golf tournament are all planned, booked and filling up quickly, he said.
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