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Board Highlights:
Craig Urquhart, John Guarasci, Tina Tucker & Jodey Burnell
Board Highlight: Craig Urquhart
History:
- born in ft William 1962
- graduated LU Business in 1984.
- two adult children
- began selling welding supplies and compressed gases 1984 at The Weldinghouse Inc on Water Street.
- started my own supply company in 1996.
- Merged it into Intercity in 2002.
- Purchased MG Industrial in 2003
- Purchased assets of SIRR Fastening Supply in 2007
- Great staff of 30
- On the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Board for three years
Vision of the chamber is for the Chamber to have a very clear voice as it represent the business community. I have a strong belief in our free market system and the benefits it can bring to hard working community members. The Chamber provides an excellent working environment for local people to discuss economic development, taxation issues, educational issues, aboriginal issues, as well as many other facets that make up our local economy. The Chamber’s role to the average member is more important than ever as our three levels of government continue to expand. The advocacy role of the Chamber is a collective voice that can have significant bearing on gov’t decision making.
Chamber provides excellent opportunities for valuable networking sessions – social events etc
The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce has stepped up to the plate in representing local and area businesses. The Chamber staff and the entire Board are committed to growing the local economy to make Thunder Bay a great place to live.
Board Highlight - John Guarasci
John Guarasci is an Account Manager for the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). After completing his Honours Business Administration degree in 1999 from Brock University, he obtained employment in the retail, fitness and auto industry while residing in the Greater Toronto Area. In 2005 John returned to his family roots to enjoy the balanced lifestyle Thunder Bay has to offer. At BDC, John works with small and medium sized businesses providing term financing options & consulting solutions including operational efficiency, human resources, SR&ED, and succession planning towards addressing issues facing businesses today.
As a newly elected member of the Chamber Board of Directors, John is a part of the Economic Development and Small Business Committees. John is committed to helping local businesses succeed and prosper.
Board Highlight: Tina Tucker
Tina won the Chair of the Board Award in 2002. She has always believed in the value of the Chamber of Commerce as the voice of our business community. The four pillars of the Chamber of Commerce - education, advocacy, networking, and communication and the work that the Chamber staff and Board does to create a firm foundation in these areas, helps to strengthen our community and contribute to our overall quality of life.
During her term, she would like to be a part of the following accomplishments:
• increased membership & active participation by members on Chamber committees
• more involvement by young entrepreneurs
• re-vamping of the Chamber awards to be more inclusive of our whole business community
• continued growth in networking opportunities and shows/events
Board Highlight: Jodey Burnell
A Senior Account Manager Professionals with RBC Wealth Management; providing expertise advice in managing both personal & professional banking while working with each client to provide a tailored financial solution. I am able to differentiate myself by providing advice to professionals as they transition through the stages of their career; student, articling/internship, associates, partners as well as those looking at succession planning and retirement. My 20 years experience working in both the personal and commercial markets, provides me with unique insight of my clients, helping me to provide client solutions in all financial aspects including Goal Planning, Debt Management, Cash Flows and Risk Management.
My involvement with the Chamber of Commerce started when I was working in RBC Commercial Banking and volunteered with the Ambassadors Committee. Initially the Chamber of Commerce provided me a great venue for networking and getting to know the great people and business owners within our Community. I quickly developed an appreciation and understanding of all the hard work & commitment by the staff & board of directors in providing a greater ‘Voice of Business’. This commitment takes hard work, perseverance and it’s not always harmonious – that’s the challenging part. I like a good challenge and working collaboratively with others to achieve a greater goal.
I was elected to the board as a Director in 2007. I currently sit on several committees as co-chair of the Economic Development Committee and co-chair of the Finance Committee, while most recently being elected to the Board Executive in 2009.
My vision for the Chamber is to have a clear voice as it represents the business community. We provide an environment where people are free to discuss economic development, taxation, aboriginal issues, education and allow us to advocate on the business communities behalf. We’re here to promote competitive business environment for all our members, promote partnerships & synergies between business and the community.
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