Jim Cooper

Where are you from and what is your job? 

I was born at Winchester District Memorial Hospital, and grew up on a farm in Brinston, which at the time was Matilda Township, and now South Dundas. 

I am the President of Silicon Valley Services, an IT managed services company with main office in Embrun, Ontario, but looking after clients all over Ontario, some outside the province, and even the country. 

What is your position on the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce executive? 

I am the President. 

Why do you think the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce is important? 

The South Dundas Chamber of Commerce plays an important role in aiding its members businesses in growing, marketing and networking their products and services.  We provide resources, contacts, and updates to our members and to the community that they serve.

It helps to introduce business owners to other members and access to resources that all have the shared goal of growing.  New ideas and approaches come from conversations.  The Chamber attempts to start and to grow conversations.

The Chamber has an important role to play in the community by partnering with other organizations.  These partnerships benefit each partner, and together growth is more prevalent by working together. 

What is your favourite part of South Dundas? 

One of my favourite parts of South Dundas is the rich history.  There are generational families that run deep, but there is also room to grow with a new influx of ideas and culture.  The community is small and tight, but open.  It is this type of attitude that I bring to my business.  A handshake is as good (or better) than a contract, because the people that you work with, are also the ones who attend their children’s sports events, or the ones you cross paths with at the grocery store, the coffee shop or the bank.  Everyone is a name, not a number, and there is something to be said for this type of interaction that used to be the norm everywhere but is slowly disappearing. The area is beautiful, has room to grow, while still keeping its charm.

I invite everyone to check out the South Dundas Chamber.  If you are a business, consider joining.  If you are a member, let us know how we can help, or how you would like to help.  Together we can achieve more.  

Cindy Peters

Where are you from and what is your job? 

Born, raised and still live in the Brinston area. Current job is Manager of Direct Mail & Events for the WDMH Foundation.

What is your position on the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce executive? 

I am the Past President. 

Why do you think the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce is important? 

I think the Chamber is important to the businesses of South Dundas in a variety of ways: 

• A resource to businesses – help them find local/provincial/Canadian supports they need to enhance, grow and sustain their business.
• Networking opportunities – offers business owners a chance to get to know other business owners in the municipality.
• Sharing the resources available to businesses through the provincial and national chamber organizations.
• Enhanced advertising and promotional opportunities.

What is your favourite part of South Dundas? 

My favourite part of South Dundas is the people. Community support for local organizations and needs is phenomenal, both with residents and business owners. Whether it’s a family or business with deep roots in the area, or one that has recently moved here – the support is wonderful.

I grew up in a family with multiple businesses, and have also owned a business. I understand the challenges, sacrifices, and rewards that go along with it. 

I would like to encourage all South Dundas businesses to become Chamber members to take advantage of what is available to them as a member. I look forward to a great partnership between the Chamber, the Municipality of South Dundas, the Iroquois & District Business Group, the Morrisburg BIA, and all South Dundas businesses and organizations. Working together, we can make South Dundas a destination to be envied!

Loralee Carruthers

Where are you from and what is your job?

I live in South Mountain, I am a realtor with Century 21 River's Edge Ltd.

What is your position on the Chamber Executive?

Director on the board.

Why do you think the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce is important?

The chamber of South Dundas is an important part of our community, it has community in mind first and foremost. The chamber is always working to bring in business, tourism and support local businesses to help make the community grow. We are proud of our community and want to see it prosper.

What is your favourite part of South Dundas? 

All the work we put into the community and the help and support our community gives back to us.