About the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce
Working Together to Build and Promote Business Excellence
The Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce functions with two main goals in mind: Promoting the community’s economy and creating an atmosphere that is conducive to strong, thriving businesses. With more than 200 business and individual members, we are the largest organization of its kind in Norfolk and Haldimand.
Through our affiliation with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and various other government bodies, we are on the cutting edge of the wider business community, allowing our members access to valuable information and benefits.
Get in Contact With the Chamber
Our office at 10 Argyle Street, Simcoe is open from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm daily, Monday-Friday. If you would like to visit us outside of these hours, we suggest that you contact us at (519) 426-5867 to make sure someone is there to greet you or schedule your visit.
Chamber Bylaws
If we wish to view the bylaws that govern our organization, you may view them here:
Executives
Get to know the executives behind the work of the Simcoe Chamber of Commerce!
President
Renee VanKooten
Past President
Catherine Akins
1st Vice President
Emma Brown
2nd Vice President
Brenda Cooper
Secretary
Kirby Sheick
Treasurer
Laura Zorad
Directors
The Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce boasts a group of Directors wholeheartedly invested in our community and heavily involved in the local economy through business and charity.
Director
Sue Downs
Director
Cody Lyons
Committees
The Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce has formed a number of committees to look out for the well-being of various sectors of our community. These committees are comprised of volunteer members, and accomplish a variety of tasks, from organizing community events to lobbying the government on behalf of the district.
If you have a question, concern, or suggestion for any of the committees, or are interested in volunteering, contact the Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce General Manager.
The executive committee is a standing committee that acts as a steering committee for the full board. Functioning as a steering committee, the executive committee prioritizes issues for the full board to address. Although the executive committee comprises senior-level leaders, the committee members report to the board.
- President – Renee VanKooten
- Past President – Catherine Akins
- 1st Vice-President – Emma Brown
- 2nd Vice-President – Brenda Cooper
- Secretary – Kirby Shieck
- Treasurer – Lora Zorad
This committee is responsible for establishing overall financial long-term and short-term goals, objectives and priorities for the Chamber of Commerce.
The Promotion/Events Committee is responsible for co-ordinating various business-sponsored social events, such as the annual awards, golf tournament, Springarama, Business After and Before events. Regulatory, and education seminars/programs of interest to members the business community are also implemented.
The membership committee fulfills a number of duties on behalf of all Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce members, including recommending fee structures, supervising the Chamber Group Insurance program, planning general meetings, and conducting an annual wage/salary survey of the commercial/service sector.
The Economic Development committee works closely with the municipal economic development department and business to promote the economic stability and growth of existing and new businesses within the community.
The Economic Development Committee meets monthly to keep the membership abreast of civic, provincial, and national issues of interest to local business. Duties include reviewing legislation that will concern local businesses, informing individual chamber members of legislation that will affect them and advising them accordingly, and lobbying all levels of government on behalf of the business community.
The Governance Committee of the Board will act as a resource to the Board of Directors on all governance related functions of the Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce in such a way that reinforces the organization’s mission statement of being the recognized voice of business committed to the enhancement of economic prosperity in Simcoe and surrounding districts.
The Advocacy and Communications Committee of the Board is charged with the professional maintenance of a favourable public image of the Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the Advocacy and Communications Committee is to gather and provide information to our members and the public.
Norfolk Fusion is the spark for a more connected, empowered future. This exciting initiative brings together young entrepreneurs, professionals, and community changemakers who are shaping the businesses and organizations that make Norfolk a vibrant place to live and work.
Our mission is to foster professional growth, build strategic partnerships, and amplify the voices of emerging leaders. By creating a supportive network, we’re not just investing in individuals—we’re building a stronger, more resilient community for generations to come.
A Brief History Lesson
The Chamber:
The Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce has been proudly serving the Norfolk County region since 1888, providing business support and community outreach for over 130 years. The Chamber functions with two main goals in mind: Promoting the community’s economy and creating an atmosphere that is conducive to strong, thriving businesses.
The Town of Simcoe
The community of Simcoe was named for Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, who visited the area in 1795. A community of significant importance as a seat under the county system of government, and has the site of the district courthouse, Simcoe eventually became the largest urban centre in Norfolk County.
Simcoe is also home to a lush park system, many heritage sites, a full-service hospital, a daily newspaper, and local radio station. Simcoe continues to actively encourage new development in all sectors, while supporting existing industry and business.
Norfolk County
Norfolk County was founded as a constituency in 1792. By 1798 Norfolk entered the London District until 1837, separating to form the Talbot district. The abolishment of the district in 1850 led to its municipal replacement with Norfolk County.
Norfolk County has been long known for its agricultural influence, being a major producer of fruit in the early 20th century before adapting to the success of tobacco.
Tourism has likewise been a pivotal sector of Norfolk, largely due to the proximity of many townships along the coast of Lake Erie and Biosphere reserve of Long Point.
