BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2024 Elected
The Dunnville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is elected each year at our Annual General Meeting (AGM). These dedicated positions are entirely volunteer-based, reflecting the commitment and passion of our board members to support and promote our local business community. Each position on the board carries specific roles and responsibilities, ensuring that our initiatives are effectively managed and our mission is upheld. Our board members bring diverse expertise and a shared vision to foster economic growth and enhance the quality of life in Dunnville.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." – Lao Tzu
Marianne Kidd became involved with the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce in 2019, initially helping with Christmas events to ensure traditions continued for her kids. Her past experience with the Chamber in Wainfleet, combined with a desire to bring a fresh perspective and address negative perceptions on social media, motivated her to contribute more significantly. Marianne's love for event planning and her realization that the Dunnville Chamber needed support further fueled her commitment. She strongly believes in the Chamber's mission to support local businesses and saw this as an opportunity to make a positive impact.
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Marianne brings a wealth of experience to the board, with a professional background in finance through her career in supply chain, and firsthand business experience from running her own retail operation from 2014 to 2021. Growing up in the tourism industry provided her with a deep understanding of economic development, and her education in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Niagara College gave her operational experience in manufacturing. During her tenure, Marianne has focused on rebuilding the Chamber's foundation, mentoring future leaders, modernizing its digital processes, and contracting out key services like marketing. Her goal is to create a sustainable, resilient Chamber that supports local businesses and drives community growth. Passionate about the Grand River, the Port Maitland Lighthouse, and local attractions like Muddy the fish mascot, Marianne is dedicated to showcasing Dunnville's unique charm and hidden gems.
“Ask not what Dunnville can do for you, but what you can do for Dunnville.” – JFK (sort of 😉)
For many years, Mike Lessard has had a deep passion for the Dunnville community. With family ties spanning many generations, the commitment to keeping Dunnville alive and thriving is a driving force for him.
Mike has been an active participant in numerous community organizations, youth groups, and boards. In addition to local involvement, he has served on several committees at the County level, always striving to position the community for success.
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The current direction of the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce is strong, and Mike envisions it at the forefront of business networking. By connecting owners, managers, and teams, he aims to build a robust local economy, encouraging residents to support their neighbors and keep their money in town.
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Dunnville's unique embrace of all things Mudcat is seen as a distinctive strength by Mike. With a quirky and passionate spirit, the Mudcat tradition is something that truly embodies the essence of the community. As he puts it, "Having mud in your blood is not the sort of thing you can explain - if you know, you know!"
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — Pablo Picasso
Rebecca Booth's dedication to volunteerism began at a young age, inspired by her mother's influence. Growing up on a small hobby farm in Dunnville, Rebecca's early experiences with the Dunnville club "Special Kids, Special Horses" ignited her passion for helping others. After living and working in various communities across Ontario, Rebecca returned to Dunnville in 2023. Her entrepreneurial spirit and desire to contribute to the community led her to the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce, where she now serves as the Community Outreach and Membership Director. She also owns Cranston Kinetics Bodies in Motion, a local business offering massage therapy, tailored yoga, and rapid neuro fascial reset services.
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Rebecca brings a wealth of experience from diverse roles in hospitality, retail, clerical work, customer service, dance/fitness, and healthcare. She aims to introduce successful concepts from other tourist communities to Dunnville, enhancing local festivals and events to boost the economy. As the Membership Director, Rebecca focuses on creating networking events to foster a robust local economy through the exchange of services among businesses.
Additionally, as the Community Outreach Director, she aspires to increase the Chamber's involvement in initiatives that benefit the overall community, reinforcing Dunnville's small-town charm and close-knit relationships.
"Slower traffic, stay right. Damn it,"
Since a young age, John Paul Salgueiro has been the mastermind behind countless parties and celebrations. From organizing street dances and festivals in his hometown to creating unforgettable Halloween bashes that may or may not have caught the attention of the local police (oops!), his knack for throwing epic events knows no bounds.
Now, as a proud member of the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce board, John Paul's goal is to take Dunnville's Mudcat Festival to new heights. Leveraging his extensive business network and securing sponsorships, he aims to help the town flourish and thrive through vibrant community events. John Paul brings innovative thinking and strong collaborative skills to the table, driving the community towards shared goals with a keen eye for creative solutions and effective teamwork.
His mission is to organize standout events each year that not only make Dunnville proud but also leave everyone counting down the days until next year's festivities. In addition, John Paul aims to expand the network of sponsors, ensuring these events are unforgettable and compelling for all involved.
Having relocated his family's Klear Kustoms Classic Car Restoration business to Dunnville 11 years ago, John Paul has come to cherish the community deeply. He admires Dunnville's unmatched sense of community, where potlucks and parades highlight the town's ability to come together and support one another. He also appreciates the diverse wildlife, adding a unique charm to daily life
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – Mahatma Gandhi
Hélia Charnock has been a dedicated volunteer at the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce for the past five years, driven by her desire to play a more active role in decision-making and help the Chamber reach its full potential. As the Secretary and Treasurer, Hélia aims to prioritize the growth and success of its members and attract like-minded individuals to the board who share the Chamber's values and principles, ensuring its long-term success.
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In addition to her role at the Chamber, Hélia is a local home-based business owner specializing in printed graphics and custom designs for special events and occasions. She brings creativity and personalized touches to make every moment memorable. With her passion for design and entrepreneurial spirit, Hélia contributes to the local economy while showcasing her talent and expertise.
Her deep affection for Dunnville, its beauty, and the strong sense of community drives her commitment to making a positive impact through her role at the Chamber, promoting local businesses, and fostering growth. Hélia's dedication, kindness, and entrepreneurial flair make her an invaluable asset to the Chamber and the community at large.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood..." – Theodore Roosevelt
Angela Brooks brings a wealth of experience to the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce board as the Marketing and Communications Director. Her journey began with the Chamber in 2023 in a marketing role, where she played a supporting role to the board in shaping and defining the history in their brand story, refining processes, and developing marketing strategies. Inspired by the resilience and the passion demonstrated by her fellow board members, Angela was motivated to give back in a volunteer board member role to further contribute to their initiatives.
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With over 20 years in Marketing and Design, Angela owns a successful marketing agency and publishing company, complemented by a robust understanding of the real estate industry as a real estate agent. Her strategic vision includes enhancing brand recognition for the Chamber and showcasing the value of membership within the community. Angela aims to establish cohesive marketing initiatives that promote member visibility and peer support, ensuring all Chamber members feel connected and valued.
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Outside of her professional endeavors, Angela cherishes Dunnville's community spirit and the generosity of its residents. She finds the genuine warmth and dedication of the people here irresistibly attractive, reinforcing her commitment to help the Chamber and their Members.
"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." – Phil Jackson
Patrick O'Neill's passion for community involvement and dedication to ensuring Dunnville's prosperity inspired him to join the Chamber of Commerce board. Knowing the significant impact the Chamber has on the community, Patrick recognized it as an ideal platform to contribute meaningfully to his hometown. His role as the Councillor representative of Dunnville allows him to serve as a direct link between the Chamber and local government, ensuring that the interests and needs of the community are effectively communicated and addressed.
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Patrick brings a wealth of experience in government relations to the board, enhancing its ability to navigate and influence local policies. His primary goal is to be a valuable asset to the team, contributing to the long-term viability of the Chamber.
Patrick's deep appreciation for Dunnville's people drives his commitment to fostering a strong, connected community. His unique position enables him to bridge gaps between the Chamber and government, promoting initiatives that benefit the entire community and ensuring Dunnville continues to thrive.
"Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people." – Steve Jobs
Rob Shirton is a dedicated advocate for Dunnville's growth and community development. With over 30 years as a Realtor and more than 12 years as a Municipal Councilor, Rob brings a wealth of experience to the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce. His mission is to help build and grow Dunnville, positioning it as a thriving destination for residents and visitors alike.
Rob champions collaboration and the power of community, leveraging his insights and network to promote Dunnville as a place of opportunity and vitality. He is passionate about fostering volunteerism and connecting individuals and businesses to drive sustainable growth.
A hidden gem close to Rob's heart is Myrnam Beach, a cherished local spot he believes deserves restoration to enhance Dunnville's natural beauty and recreational offerings.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." – Nelson Mandela
Angel White joined the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce board as the Education & Training Director, inspired by a profound commitment to community enrichment. Her role is a natural extension of her dedication to empowering individuals through accessible educational resources and training opportunities. Angel is passionate about creating pathways for all community members—whether newcomers, job seekers, or lifelong learners—to access the tools they need to thrive.
With a background in educational outreach, community engagement, and client-centered support through her work with Contact North, Angel brings a wealth of experience to her role. She excels at connecting individuals with programs that align with their personal and professional goals, while her own journey navigating a hearing impairment has strengthened her dedication to inclusive and accessible communication.
During her tenure on the board, Angel aims to build stronger partnerships between local businesses, educational providers, and the community to foster a vibrant network of learning and development. Her vision is to make lifelong learning accessible to all, ensuring that everyone in Dunnville feels empowered to pursue their aspirations.
Angel’s favorite aspects of Dunnville are its warm, supportive community and the serene riverside trails along the Grand River. She treasures the peaceful, grounding moments these spaces offer and feels grateful to be part of such a welcoming and compassionate town. Her dedication to inclusive, accessible education makes her a valued advocate for Dunnville's growth and prosperity.
"Community is much more than belonging to something; it's about doing something together that makes belonging matter." – Brian Solis
Deb Rollo joined the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce Board driven by a passion for community building and a genuine desire to connect with others. She considers it a profound honor to join the ranks of both current and past board members who have shaped Dunnville over the years.
With a 22-year background in senior-level management and 10 years as an Executive Director in the non-profit sector, Deb brings an extensive set of skills to her role. Her expertise spans people management, financial management, event planning, volunteer coordination, and grant writing. She’s made a lasting impact on the Welland and Niagara communities, coordinating with the City of Welland to establish its first Age-Friendly Community designation in Niagara and successfully leading numerous fundraising events, conventions, and programming initiatives.
During her time on the board, Deb aims to utilize her skills to support and inspire the Chamber and the local business community, fostering innovation and building connections. She’s excited to meet each business member and work toward enhancing the Chamber’s role in Dunnville.
Deb’s favorite part of the Dunnville community is its beautiful beaches, the serene Grand River, and the peaceful charm of small-town life. She enjoys the warmth and neighborly spirit that make Dunnville a truly special place.
Her commitment to the Chamber and the broader community exemplifies her dedication to fostering a vibrant, welcoming environment that benefits everyone.
VOLUNTEERS
Our Unsung Heroes: Volunteers Behind the Scenes
Although all board members are volunteers, there are many other dedicated individuals who consistently support the Chamber without holding an official title. These invaluable volunteers contribute their time, expertise, and enthusiasm, ensuring the success of our events and initiatives. Their behind-the-scenes efforts play a crucial role in helping the Chamber achieve its goals and serve the community effectively.
Marlene Hoover
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Marlene Hoover, a tremendous supporter of our board. Although officially retired, Marlene remains a constant presence, lending her expertise and support during all events, helping to keep the board on track with her invaluable guidance and unwavering commitment.
UPDATED AS OF July 24th, 2024
JOIN OUR BOARD
Our board consists of 13 seats, and at this time, we have vacancies that offer a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our community. Although the AGM is held annually for board elections, we welcome you to apply throughout the year when vacancies arise. If you are passionate about supporting local businesses and fostering growth in Dunnville, we encourage you to apply. Email info@dunvillechamberofcommerce.com to learn more and to submit your application.
