Chamber News

Belleville, Ont. January 9^th, 2017. The Belleville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Ms. Jill Raycroft has accepted the positon of Chief Executive Officer effective Monday, February 6^th, 2017. With a combination of 20+ years in the public sector and hard-core MBA training, Jill brings an interesting blend of experience and education to the role of CEO.  Working in one of the few "revenue-generating" departments of a community college led to the decision to continue her studies in business.  After completing her MBA, she went on to St. Lawrence College to work in applied research and teaching marketing & communications along with independent consulting projects for economic development and market analysis.  Following her mayoral run in 2014, she has sat on city committees for Transit, Heritage Belleville and QEDC in addition to personal interests with Bay of Quinte Power and Sail Squadron, St. Lawrence College Research Ethics Board and Crimestoppers.  She has spent the last year in a part-time role of Executive Director for the Children's Safety Village, spearheading their "revival" in the community.  For fun, she enjoys the cottage in the 1000 Islands with her husband and two children, golfing and reading.

Ms. Raycroft will be replacing current CEO Bill Saunders who previously announced his retirement effective March 3^rd, 2017. Ms. Raycroft brings with her a strong business background plus exposure to a wide range of community engagement experiences including her most recent role as Executive Director of the Children’s Safety Village overseeing it’s much needed revival.  "We fully expect the momentum to continue as we develop programming and funding partnerships within the community." Said Richard Hanson, Children’s Safety Village Board Chair. “The Safety Village will be recruiting for a new Executive Director to move forward with these initiatives.”

The Chamber is also pleased to announce the following changes to the 2017 Board of Directors.  Derrick Morgan, Manager, Major Accounts with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has been elected as the 2017 Chamber Board President. René Veillette, Managing Director, Hannon Systems is the new 1st VP, Jon Tuer, Manager, Wilkinson and Company was elected as 2^nd VP and will continue to serve as Board Treasurer, Greg Sudds, President and GM, West City Honda was elected 3^rd VP, Suzanne Hunt, Partner, Templeman Menninga LLP was appointed as Executive Team HR resource. Current Board president Tim Farrell will assume the role of Past President and continue to serve on the Executive Team.

Ms. Sarah Hanna, Funeral Director, Rushnell Family Services Group will join the board as a new elected member.  The complete list of Board members can be found at http://www.bellevillechamber.ca/board-of-directors.php  

Media contacts:

Bill Saunders
E-mail:Bill@bellevillechamber.ca
Phone: 613-962-4597

Derrick Morgan
E-mail: Derrick.MORGAN@bdc.ca
Phone: 613-969-4009