ABOUT US
The Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce is constantly on the look out, researching the latest trends, forming partnerships, and lobbying all levels of government for the betterment of everyone in our community.
705-645-5231
MISSION
As the representative and voice for a prosperous and innovative business community the Chamber shall foster and facilitate a healthy, engaged and sustainable business environment and economy in Bracebridge.
VISION
The Chamber strives to be Bracebridge’s leading business organization, providing maximum value to its membership by recognizing, encouraging and promoting the private sector’s role as the driving force in the economy. Our member benefits include advocacy, corporate benefits, networking, business development and educational forums.
OBJECTIVES
- To support, encourage and develop business within the Bracebridge Community.
- To deliver high value products, services and opportunities with a focus on advocacy, networking, and education.
- To strengthen the business climate by providing leadership, representation, networking opportunities, services and education to our membership.
- To engage the members in ways that inspires a progressive business climate and contributes to steady economic growth.
Our Team
BRENDA RHODES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(705) 645-5231 Ext. 201
Brenda Rhodes, Executive Director brings over 10 years’ experience in team building, strategic planning and volunteer base building. In the recent past, Brenda worked as a Special Projects Manager in the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University, Montreal, Quebec (2011-2014).
During her tenure at McGill, Brenda served as an integral part of the Qatar-McGill Project business proposal team. She was also responsible for the Faculty of Dentistry’s Academic Review and Accreditation process as well as its move to a multimillion-dollar state of the art facility.
She earned diplomas in Recreation and Leisure and Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Fanshawe College in London, Ontario (2000-2002).
Earlier in her professional career (2002-2007), Brenda worked for a Member of Parliament in Ottawa, Ontario, where she also held positions in the Ministries of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada. Brenda was one of the four candidates in the riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka in the 2007 and 2018 Provincial elections.
More personally, Brenda grew up in Muskoka and has a deep love for the area, the lifestyle and the people.
(705) 645-5231 Ext. 201 brenda@bracebridgechamber.com
MARNY MOWAT
OFFICE MANAGER
(705) 645-5231 Ext. 200
Marny Mowat, Office Manager has been with the Chamber for over 20 years.
Marny’s responsibilities include bookkeeping, website maintenance, reception, event coordination, staff scheduling and membership communications.
(705) 645-5231 Ext. 200 marny@bracebridgechamber.com
KAREN RIDGE
OFFICE ASSISTANT
(705) 645-5231 Ext. 202
Karen Ridge, Office Assistant was born and raised in Muskoka. She left the area in 1995 but came back with her husband in 2010 and is here to stay! She is the mother of 6 and Nana to 3!
She works with us on a part time basis and comes to us with a variety of experience. In the past she worked at a television studio as their Manager of Visitor Relations, ran her own Financial Services Company, and worked in Office Administration at several companies over the years. At present she is a Life Coach, specializing in grief.
She volunteers at her local church. She also runs a grief group for parents in our community.
In her spare time Karen enjoys spending time with her family and friends!
(705) 645-5231 Ext. 202 membership@bracebridgechamber.com
LAURA MUNRO
YOUTH INTERN COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
(705) 645-5231
Laura Munro, Youth Intern Communications Specialist
Laura is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with a degree in Communications and a minor in Anthropology. Laura is passionate about media relations, social media and graphic design. She recently completed a post graduate degree in Public Relations at Humber College and hopes to use everything she has learned to help benefit the Chamber.
In the past Laura worked as an Employee of WestJet (2017- 2020), she is an avid traveler and loves seeing what the world has to offer.
In her spare time Laura enjoys hiking, crafting and going on adventures with her dog Winnie!
(705) 645-5231 laura@bracebridgechamber.com
