Aaron Martin has hit the ground running with the Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce.
The general manager is continuing to build relationships with the community since starting with the chamber in August, after the retirement of Eddie Matthews.
In an interview during Small Business Week, Martin said it’s important to stay connected to local businesses, describing them as the “backbone of our economy”.
He says a big portion of every dollar spend with a small business, stays in the community.
Local businesses also create local employment opportunities.
“These small businesses are run by your neighbours. Your friends and family. It puts their kids through school…it’s really important for us to support local and keep our local economy thriving in that way.”
Martin recently took part in a business and government round table with Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and John Nater, MP of Perth-Wellington.
It was a way for local resident to engage with different levels of government.
The chamber also hosted a Business After 5 earlier this week in St. Marys.
Martin says the chamber always advocates on behalf of its membership locally and provincially.
“We want to be that voice for them and help them continue to see them grow and succeed.”
Martin previously worked at the Western Fair District, leading the Grove Agri-business Incubator & Accelerator.
