Chamber Connect Podcast - Huron Chamber of Commerce

Business headlines from last week that you may have missed.Visit ⁠huronchamber.ca/newsletter⁠ for more details on these headlines and to subscribe to the newsletter.

This week, Colin chats with Katrina McQuail of Meeting Place Organic Farm, a multi-faceted family farm in northern Huron County that blends certified organic and regenerative farming with direct-to-consumer sales, seasonal events, and a strong commitment to community. Katrina talks about taking on the role of second-generation farmer, building on the vision her parents began in the 1970s, and adapting the business for a new era without losing what made it special in the first place.The conversation explores how the farm has evolved into far more than a place that produces food. From grass-fed beef, pastured pork and poultry, and orchard products to seedlings, flowers, on-farm gatherings, and family-friendly events, Meeting Place Organic Farm has become a destination that connects people to local food and to one another. Katrina also reflects on what it meant for the farm to be named Business of the Year at the Huron Chamber’s Spirit of Success Awards, and on the deeper value of doing business in a way that supports both land and community.

Business headlines from last week that you may have missed.Visit ⁠huronchamber.ca/newsletter⁠ for more details on these headlines and to subscribe to the newsletter.

This week, Colin chats with John Miners, owner of Experior IT, about what it really means to provide IT support for small businesses in a world where technology touches almost every part of daily operations. Based in Exeter and serving clients across southern Ontario, John has built his business around a simple but increasingly important idea: smaller companies may not have their own in-house IT department, but they still need experienced guidance, reliable support, and strong cybersecurity.Their conversation explores the gap between what many people think IT is and what businesses actually need. Beyond setting up computers and solving day-to-day problems, John helps clients think strategically about technology, from equipment planning and budgeting to remote monitoring and security. He also talks candidly about the transition from running Experior IT as a side business to doing it full-time, including the challenges of sales, communication, and building a company around technical expertise. It is a thoughtful discussion about risk, productivity, and the practical value of having trusted local support behind the scenes.

Business headlines from last week that you may have missed.Visit huronchamber.ca/newsletter for more details on these headlines and to subscribe to the newsletter.

This week, Colin chats with Michael Sklad of the Fishing Friendzy Foundation, an organization that is building something many families may not realize has been missing for years: a true youth fishing league. Often described as “minor hockey for fishing,” Fishing Friendzy gives kids a structured, welcoming way to learn the sport, even if no one in their family fishes already. Michael talks about how the idea grew from years of teaching kids, running interactive fishing exhibits, and seeing first-hand how many parents were looking for a way to introduce their children to the outdoors.The conversation also explores the bigger purpose behind the program. Fishing Friendzy is not just about catching fish. It is about ethical angling, conservation, patience, family time, and helping kids build a real connection to nature. Michael also shares how the foundation is working to keep leagues inclusive through community partnerships, local sponsorships, and supports for families who might otherwise be left out. For Huron County listeners, this is a thoughtful look at a local initiative that combines recreation, education, and community in a way that is both practical and far-reaching.Link: https://www.fishingfriendzy.com/

This week, Colin chats with Tricia Denomme of the Huron Business Centre about Summer Company, a program that helps young people across Huron County turn business ideas into real summer ventures. Designed for students returning to school in the fall, the program combines business training, one-on-one support, and grant funding to give participants a practical introduction to entrepreneurship. The conversation explores what makes Summer Company more than just a summer job. Tricia explains how students learn not only to deliver a product or service, but also to handle the behind-the-scenes work that comes with running a business, from marketing and scheduling to invoicing and planning. She also talks about the confidence, resilience, and workplace skills participants gain along the way, even if they do not see themselves as future entrepreneurs. It is a timely conversation about youth opportunity, local business development, and the value of giving young people the tools to build something of their own.Links: Huron Business CentreSummer Company Program

This week, Colin chats with Natalie Steenstra, Executive Director of Community Living - Central Huron, about the work of building a more inclusive community in practical, everyday ways. Based in Goderich and rooted in local families’ advocacy going back to 1958, Community Living Central Huron supports people with intellectual disabilities in living the lives they want to lead, whether that means help with daily living, respite for caregivers, community participation, or finding meaningful paid work.Natalie speaks about what that looks like in a rural place like Huron County, where geography, transportation, and limited services can create very different challenges from one community to the next. She also shares how inclusive hiring can benefit both employees and employers, and why matching people’s strengths to real workplace needs is better for everyone involved.It is a thoughtful conversation about leadership, local partnerships, and the importance of making sure more people can fully participate in community life, not as a gesture, but as a matter of fairness, dignity, and common sense.

This week, Colin chats with Michael Daley and Chapin Korosec of EpiSense, a Goderich-based startup working at the intersection of public health, data, and practical decision-making. Their goal is simple, but ambitious: to make disease forecasting easier to understand and more useful in everyday life.In this conversation, they explain how EpiSense pulls together public health data on illnesses like influenza, RSV, COVID, measles, and the common cold, then turns it into clear, accessible information for families, travellers, and anyone trying to make more informed choices. Rather than telling people what to do, the platform is built to give them timely insight, much like a weather app for community health.The discussion also looks beyond the product itself. Michael and Chapin talk about building a startup while balancing day jobs, young families, and community involvement, all from Huron County. It is a thoughtful conversation about innovation, local talent, and the kind of business that can grow in rural Ontario when expertise, purpose, and community-mindedness come together.

This week, Colin chats with Alex Jebson of Huron County Pride, an organization that is helping build connection, visibility, and inclusion for 2SLGBTQIA+ people across Huron County. Alex shares how Huron County Pride has grown quickly since its founding in 2022, from launching its first Pride Festival to creating practical programs like its decal initiative, which helps businesses show visible support while also learning more about inclusive practices.The conversation explores what inclusion can look like in everyday business settings, from small visible signals to broader changes that make workplaces more welcoming for everyone. Alex makes the case that inclusion is not just about policy, it is about helping people feel safe, seen, and respected in the communities where they live, work, and shop.Colin and Alex also talk about the organization’s upcoming Spring Fling Comedy nights in Exeter and Goderich, as well as plans for the 2026 Huron County Pride Festival and a full week of events across the county. It is a thoughtful and practical conversation about community leadership, belonging, and the role local organizations and businesses can play in making Huron County a more welcoming place.

Apologies for the audio quality!This week, Colin sits down with Paul Stewart of Cleaning Depot for a conversation about what it really means to build, grow, and sustain a family business in rural Ontario. Paul shares the story behind PBJ and Cleaning Depot, how the company has grown over 23 years, and why serving businesses is about far more than simply delivering supplies. From eco-friendly product trends and cost-saving advice to next-day service and hands-on customer support, this episode highlights the value of expertise and local relationships in a world increasingly shaped by convenience and online ordering.The conversation also explores a bigger question facing many business owners today: succession planning. Paul reflects on bringing the next generation into the business and what it takes to think beyond day-to-day operations toward the future.Along the way, Colin and Paul talk about community involvement, supporting local sports and schools, and why businesses that give back matter so much in places like Huron County.It is a practical, thoughtful, and surprisingly wide-ranging conversation about local business, leadership, and community.

In this episode of the Chamber Connect Podcast, Colin sits down with Joe Carter, the local representative for the Chambers Plan Employee Benefits program, to unpack what makes the plan different from traditional market carriers. Joe explains how the Chambers Plan is a non-profit, pooled program available exclusively to Chamber of Commerce members, and why pooling can lead to more stable renewals over time, especially for smaller employers who can be hit hard by high claims on a conventional plan.They talk about real-world fit for Huron County businesses, including sole proprietors and small teams that often struggle to qualify for group coverage. Joe walks through how the plan can scale as a company grows, plus what is actually included, from health and dental to disability, critical illness, and no-medical life insurance.The conversation also highlights add-ons that are easy to overlook, including Teladoc telemedicine and mental health supports, Arcora’s Employee Assistance Program, Business Assistance Service, PayWorks payroll savings, and PocketPills delivery. If you are exploring benefits or reviewing your current plan, Joe shares how to reach him for straightforward, no-pressure guidance.

In this episode, Colin sits down with Ed Havenga, Jodi Froud, and Jessica Chateauvert from the Pathways department at the Avon Maitland District School Board to unpack what “Pathways” really means for students and employers in Huron County. Far more than co-op placements, Pathways is a comprehensive approach that starts as early as Grade 6 and continues through high school with dual credits, Specialist High Skills Majors, experiential learning, and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.Ed explains how today’s high school experience has changed, with expanded co-op opportunities and stronger connections between students and local employers. Jodi highlights the matchmaker role Pathways plays, ensuring that placements align with students’ interests and work values, while Jessica outlines how SHSM helps students gain industry-recognized certifications that make them job-ready on day one.The conversation also explores the growing success of the Pathways Innovation Center in Stratford, AMDSB’s rapid increase in youth apprentices, and new ways employers can get involved, from job shadowing to advisory committees. It is a candid, practical look at how schools and employers can work together to build a stronger local workforce and keep more young people in Huron County after graduation.

In this fourth and final installment of our special bonus series from the Huron Marine & Economic Forum, we welcome to the stage Daniel Tisch, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.🎙️ Recorded live at the Huron Marine & Economic Forum, presented by Parrish & Heimbecker.

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.

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.

On this episode of the Chamber Connect podcast, Colin Carmichael speaks with Caroline Somba, founder of Topspin Finance, about her work as a fractional CFO. Caroline shares how Topspin supports small and medium-sized businesses across Canada, particularly in project-based industries like renewable energy, construction, and professional services. She explains how fractional CFOs help companies navigate uncertainty by auditing supply chains, improving efficiencies, and strengthening financial resilience beyond bookkeeping. Caroline also reflects on joining the Huron Chamber board to connect locally and gain governance experience. The discussion highlights strategic financial leadership as essential for small business growth.

Join Colin Carmichael in this episode of Chamber Connect as he sits down with Frank Hurkmans, President of the Goderich Port Management Corporation. Frank shares the story of the Port of Goderich, from its 1999 transition to municipal ownership through today’s busy operations. Learn about the port’s key users, its role as the fourth-largest port on the Great Lakes, and its growing importance to Huron County’s economy. Frank also explains recent and planned expansions, future opportunities for container shipping and project cargo, and the port’s role in connecting local industries to global markets.

In this episode, Colin speaks with Jeff Scholl from Contact North about free education and training opportunities available in Ontario. Jeffery explains his role in guiding individuals through post-secondary pathways and professional development, highlighting micro-credentials, AI tools, and pilot projects like Lambton College’s healthcare passport. He shares how Contact North partners with ministries, colleges, and local organizations to deliver flexible training, from Excel courses for small businesses to sector-specific programs. Jeffery emphasizes the value of accessible learning for both career advancement and business growth, and provides details on how employers and individuals in Huron County can connect with his services.

In this episode, Colin interviews JC Smit, owner of Jantina’s Pantry and Coffee Bar in Wingham, which opened in March 2025. JC shares her diverse background in retail management, graphic design, marketing, and restaurant work, as well as her experiences running previous businesses. She talks about the unique challenges of launching a coffee bar in a small town, where customer habits didn’t align with typical industry expectations, forcing her to adapt her model, refresh her menu, and explore new retail offerings. JC also discusses the realities of entrepreneurship, from isolation and long hours to the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges. Together, she and Colin reflect on the importance of intuition, community context, and self-confidence when running a small business. JC also looks ahead to incorporating her art and hosting community events, underscoring the creativity and courage required to build a sustainable business.

In this episode, Colin Carmichael welcomes Paul Nichol, General Manager of Community Futures Huron, for a wide-ranging conversation about business support in Huron County. Paul highlights the organization’s 30-year history, its role in lending and advising entrepreneurs, and its strong partnership with the Huron Chamber. Unlike traditional banks, Community Futures prioritizes character, local knowledge, and community connection when lending, often supporting startups, tourism, and innovation projects. The discussion explores challenges of economic uncertainty, succession planning, and the resilience of local businesses. Paul emphasizes free counseling services and the importance of careful planning for long-term success.

In this episode of the Chamber Connect Podcast, Colin sits down with Karen Hastie, founder of the ChamberPerksApp, to explore how technology is transforming the way chambers of commerce, local businesses, and communities connect. Born out of the pandemic, ChamberPerks has quickly grown into a coast-to-coast platform with more than 20,000 businesses offering savings and promotions through their local chambers.Karen explains how the app works: while only chamber-member businesses can feature perks, the app itself is free for anyone worldwide to download. With over 2,000 Canadian-wide perks, users save money while supporting local enterprises. She outlines the flexibility of the system, which allows businesses to tailor perks for the general public, for all chamber members, or for employees only—making it a powerful engagement tool. Colin highlights how this often-overlooked employee benefit can strengthen ties between staff and their chamber.The conversation dives into features like the “My Chamber” tab, where members can access newsletters, events, and updates, and the app’s smart notifications, which remind users of local businesses and even alert them when they’re near a participating location. Karen shares success stories of businesses attracting new customers and increasing awareness, while Colin emphasizes that the app is included with membership, making it an immediate value-add for local business owners.Looking ahead, Colin and Karen discuss the growth strategy for Chamber Perks, including profile enhancements, cost-effective advertising options, and the broader opportunity to connect technology, commerce, and community in meaningful ways.

In this episode of the Chamber Connect Podcast, Colin speaks with Rob Evans, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Huron County, about the organization’s expanded approach to tackling the local housing crisis. Marking its 20th anniversary, Habitat Huron County is moving beyond single-family homes to include duplexes, triplexes, and multi-residential projects. Rob explains how housing costs in Huron County have surged 48% in recent years, far outpacing income growth, and why diverse, affordable housing options are urgently needed.Rob shares plans to partner with developers and municipalities to accelerate construction, using Habitat’s nonprofit model to leverage building capacity and government support to help more families achieve home ownership. He also highlights the critical role of Habitat’s ReStores in Goderich and Wingham, which turn donated goods into funds for building projects, staff, and volunteer programs.The conversation also covers upcoming milestones, including an August key ceremony for a completed home, a fall anniversary celebration with a renewed operating model, and new opportunities for community members—especially Chamber members—to join Habitat’s board or committees. Colin underscores the value of nonprofit members within the Chamber, noting their unique challenges and shared commitment to strengthening Huron County communities through accessible housing.

In this episode of the Chamber Connect Podcast, Colin sits down with Paul McInnis, President of Jokey North America, to explore how a global packaging company is making a big impact right here in Goderich. Paul shares how Jokey’s 24/7 injection molding operation employs 125 people locally, produces plastic packaging for markets across North America, and celebrates 20 years in the community.The conversation covers Jokey’s innovative approaches to tackling labour shortages, including co-op programs, school tours, and training initiatives that help attract and retain local talent. Colin and Paul also discuss the challenges of navigating U.S. trade policy, including the uncertainty created by President Trump’s recent tariff increase, and how it affects long-term planning for manufacturing businesses.The episode wraps up with a look at Jokey’s strong relationship with the Huron Chamber of Commerce, from event sponsorship to active participation in member networks. It’s a candid, insightful conversation about business, community, and staying resilient in a changing economy.

In this episode, Colin chats with Trish from Ladder HR Solutions about her 25-year journey in human resources and why she made the move to providing fractional HR support for small businesses. They explore the benefits of pay-as-you-go HR services, especially for rural employers in Huron County, from compliance and recruitment to payroll and training. The conversation covers strategies for navigating ever-changing employment regulations, retaining talent in rural areas, and the importance of proper HR processes. Colin and Trish also introduce the new Huron Chamber HR Peer Network, designed to connect HR staff for shared learning and support. Whether you’re a sole proprietor, a growing small business, or simply wearing the HR hat by default, this episode offers practical insights on outsourcing, workforce development, and building a stronger rural workforce.

In this episode of the Chamber Connect Podcast, Colin sits down with Kimberley Payne, executive director of the Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Foundation, to discuss the essential role the foundation plays in funding medical equipment and services at Goderich’s regional hospital. Kimberley explains how, contrary to common belief, government funding only covers hospital buildings and salaries, leaving critical equipment purchases—like beds, monitors, and even multimillion-dollar CT scanners—up to the foundation’s fundraising efforts. She shares how the foundation’s work ensures that our local hospital remains equipped to serve the community and highlights the importance of ongoing donor support.The conversation also covers recent and upcoming fundraising initiatives, including the successful Cowbell Open, the much-anticipated Long Table Dinner (now at the Goderich airport), and the launch of a $6.5 million MRI campaign. Kimberley shares how staff and local businesses can get involved through payroll deduction and matching programs, and she emphasizes the foundation’s commitment to building strong ties with the business community as a member of the Huron Chamber of Commerce. Whether you’re looking for ways to support local healthcare or curious about how these efforts shape our region’s future, this episode delivers a firsthand look at community-driven impact in action.

Chamber Connect Podcast: Spotlight on Royal LePage Heartland Realty with Jeff BauerJoin us for a new episode of the Chamber Connect Podcast as we sit down with Jeff Bauer, co-owner of Royal LePage Heartland Realty, to talk about the current landscape of real estate across Huron County and what makes our region unique.Jeff offers an inside look at the operations of Royal LePage Heartland Realty—one of Huron County’s leading brokerages with nearly 40 agents and a dedicated team supporting clients across the area. From residential sales to the day-to-day pulse of the Goderich office, Jeff shares how the brokerage has built its reputation and why community involvement matters. As a proud presenting sponsor of the Huron Chamber of Commerce’s Corporate Challenge and a new Cornerstone Sponsor, Royal LePage Heartland Realty is committed to supporting local business and Chamber initiatives. The conversation also covers what’s really happening in the local real estate market: after years as a seller’s market, Goderich and Huron County have shifted back to a more balanced environment. Jeff explains why, even with economic uncertainty and talk of tariffs, the market remains stable and attractive—especially for those seeking a great lifestyle outside the big cities. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the local market, you’ll find practical insights and plenty of ways to connect with Jeff and his team—at Chamber events, online, or in person.

Jeff Bauer - Royal LePage Heartland Realty: Market insights suggest stability through 2025. Absent a surprise rate cut by the Bank of Canada, expect a continuation of current trends for the next 4-6 quarters. "Only time will tell" what follows.Find and subscribe to the Huron Chamber Connect Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts. New episodes every Friday morning.

The Chamber Connect Podcast kicks off with special guests Phil and Ally from the “A Life That’s Good” podcast, joining Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce. They talk about launching a local podcast, what it takes to keep going beyond 100 episodes, and how the Starter Company Plus program supports new and pivoting businesses in Huron County. Phil shares his journey from radio to podcasting, the value of Chamber membership, and how community connections help local entrepreneurs succeed. Whether you’re curious about starting a business or just love a good local story, this episode has something for you.Find out more about the Starter Company Plus program here: https://www.huroncounty.ca/economic-development/starter-company/Applications are being accepted until July 31, 2025The Huron Chamber of Commerce is one of Canada’s fastest growing Chambers, connecting community leaders and fostering growth since 1990. Representing businesses across eight Huron County municipalities, the Chamber focuses on growing the local economy, supporting business success, and strengthening our towns and villages. As an independent, non-profit organization, the Chamber advocates for business and community interests, facilitates collaboration, and convenes stakeholders to develop and support a vibrant and thriving county.

The inaugural episode of the Chamber Connect Podcast drops July 18th!