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.  

Randy North

Where are you from and what is your job?

I am originally born and raised in Montreal and presently live in Johnstown, actively searching for property in South Dundas.  I work as a Realtor with Solid Rock Realty.   Our head office is in Ottawa, with branch offices in Brockvegas aka Brockville, Kingston and Toronto.   We are a small company that is growing quickly and efficiently.   I originally started my real estate career in Morrisburg in 2003.

What is your position on the Chamber Executive?

Vice President

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

The Chamber is important for helping promote the community as a whole and the businesses in our area and in other local communities. Jim, the current president and board of directors and committee members are very pro-active, streamlining membership fees to be in line with other nearby Chambers of Commerce like North Dundas and instrumental in organizing the spring trade show and the November 5^th fall trade show as well as a host of other activities and networking opportunities.  

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.