From the left; Renfrew Golf Club general manager, Greig Burnie, Jennifer Layman of Forward Thinking, Renfrew Chamber president, Keith Gourley, appointed executive director, Sandra Swain and the incumbent, Gail Laird (right) | Mik Horvath/MBC
This morning (March 24) the Renfrew and Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual general meeting and breakfast.
The event was earmarked for the Chamber’s 125th consecutive year of operation, an accomplishment attained by a legacy of local business owners, stakeholders and government officials wanting to promote the success of local and independent business ownership.
To honour the special occasion the Chamber invited keynote speaker Jennifer Layman of Forward Thinking to speak to the Chamber and guests about operating a successful business and how to work together to attain greatness.
Layman said 125 years of service is an impressive feat for any business, let alone a committee willing to promote business through and through.
Forward Thinking is Layman’s 20-year-old marketing company based in Pembroke.
When she first started that business in 2006, she immediately turned to the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce for support.
Layman broke her speech up into three parts, the PAR acronym, reflecting not only the perfect score she wants everyone to achieve but her extensive golfing background as well | Mik Horvath/MBC
She said the contacts she gained through the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber were priceless and also pivotal in taking those first great leaps as a business owner.
Renfrew’s Chamber is on a mission of strengthening those connections with local business owners.
Renfrew Chamber of Commerce president, Keith Gourley, said bringing Layman inspired the audience to keep community top-of-mind.
Going forward, Gourley believes in strong community connections.
President, Keith Gourley, is also the Chamber representative for Admaston/Bromley | Mik Horvath/MBC
Following the keynote speech and breakfast at the club house, Renfrew’s Chamber continued with its annual general meeting (AGM).
New for 2026 are some board of directors with the recent inclusions of Doug Humphries (Horton), John McDonald (Renfrew) and Jeff Levesque (Greater Madawaska).
Chamber director Sandra Swain also advanced to the position of Executive Director, in stead of Gail Laird.
(Written by Mik Horvath)
