Chambers of Commerce play a crucial role for local business. Their mission in part, is to foster community connections, provide support, and create opportunities for fellowship and growth.
Jill Misselbrook, the Executive Director of the Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce, exemplifies this mission through her dedication to her members, exceptional event planning skills, and trustworthy nature.
Misselbrook has been in this role for seven years. A non-profit corporation, the Chamber is managed by a volunteer board of eight.
Misselbrook brings 25 years of business experience to this role having worked with newspapers, radio advertising and marketing.
Misselbrook and I met in 2019 when I became the Executive Director of Community Futures CK. We connected immediately. Community Futures sponsors one of the annual business awards, we were invited to make presentations to the members and we attended Chamber sponsored events.
Face to Face is Key
“It’s important to be in the community and not just sitting behind the desk and sending out invoices or emails or calling them and asking for payments”, Misselbrook explains. Misselbrook takes pride in being available to be face to face with members. It is probably the best part of her job.
Chamber as a Support System
Misselbrook sees the goal of the Chamber as a “support system for our business community and chamber members.” Hosting events and creating networking opportunities for members is essential. However, she is quick to add that “just because you are not a Chamber member doesn’t mean we won’t try and help you out”.
Event Planning is a skill
When Misselbrook started her tenure, there were only two events per year the Golf Tournament and the Business Excellence Awards https://sydenhamcurrent.ca/2024/10/05/wallaceburg-chamber-announces-nominees-for-2024-business-, excellence-awards/, as well business after hours now known as Connect@5. This is open to “anybody even a young person who is learning about business”. https://wallaceburgchamber.com/about/connect5/.
Event planning is a big part of Jill’s job, and the list of annual events has now expanded to include an Indoor Golf Tournament held in February.
Three years ago, the Chamber developed the Wallaceburg Women’s Network Group.”We felt there was a need in Wallaceburg and Dresden, for professional women to get together”. The plan is for two events a year and “make them really great!”.
In April, the Chamber held the fourth Annual Mayor’s breakfast. The Golf Tournament is scheduled for September and the 2025 Business Excellence Awards in the fall.
Misselbrook lives in the town of Dresden with her husband Carl and son Cameron. Eldest son Justin lives in Chatham. In addition to four days at the Chamber, Misselbrook, her husband and youngest son, run CJ Window Tinting out of their home.
Jill takes pride in her organizational skills. “I’m very particular and professional and I want my events to go well”, she says planning months in advance.
Membership is a source of Revenue
Membership growth is important since dues are the primary source of revenue along with fundraising. Since Misselbrook began her tenure, the membership has grown from 119 to 140. Providing value to the membership is a priority for Misselbrook. Her passion is “people, community and members” proving a significant impact with her dedication.
Maintaining strong partnerships with Community Living, the Small Business Centre, Municipal Economic Development Department and Community Futures CK are crucial for fostering a vibrant business environment.
Four years ago the Chamber joined the Chamber Executives of Ontario and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Monthly and bi-monthly meetings keep Misselbrook up to date with provincial news that she can pass along in her bi-weekly newsletter to her members.
Staffing challenges
Misselbrook is the key woman in the office, so to address the staffing challenge, board members must commit to a committee. Misselbrook also relies on co-op students from Lambton College and a summer employee to help. She loves having the students in the office. “I get so much accomplished because I have an assistant”, she says, “I learn so much from them” and values their contribution of innovative Canva promotional materials that she can reuse year over year.
Trust, Respect and Faith
Jill proudly tells me “Members trust me, believe in me and have respect and faith in me.”
The Chamber is fortunate to have discovered such a resolute and trustworthy community member in Misselbrook!
