BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Emerson Blackman, Vice President, Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce Emerson Blackman is a former investment advisor and OPP officer. He also served with the Canadian Armed Forces. He is now a mortgage broker with Neighbourhood Dominion Lending. As well as being a mortgage broker, he is also a volunteer firefighter with the Bracebridge Fire Department. In the past, he was a member of the Economic Club of Canada. Emerson has also been a mentor with the Peel Board of Education on career days with high schools, where he would discuss how to transition from high school to higher education or directly to the work force. He hopes to use his energy and experience to help the Chamber of Commerce better serve our existing members as they navigate this tumultuous and challenging time, as well as grow as an organization. When businesses do well, our entire community thrives. He also strongly feels that, as business owners, we have an obligation to reach out to the schools in our area to communicate with educators to try and bridge the divide between business and education. Getting the youth involved though programs and mentorships leads to well-balanced and motivated students. Good students make good employees, and good employees will make our town successful.

Kevin McKinnon, Treasurer, Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce Kevin McKinnon, with over 15 years of insurance experience, recently purchased Stan Darling Insurance. As the managing partner, Kevin and his group took ownership late in 2022 and are looking forward to working alongside the great communities, company’s, and people of the Parry Sound/Muskoka region. His entire career has been focused on the insurance industry. His experience spans across the disciplines of all distribution mediums, operations, innovation, product development and segmentation.  Having the opportunity to work with some of the largest Insurance companies in Canada he has built a strong understanding of publicly traded and independently owned companies alike. In various executive roles, Kevin built teams to help deliver innovative approaches to product, pricing and service offerings and enhance the purchasing and service experience of their members and distribution partners. At the start of 2022, Kevin started his journey in entrepreneurship by starting his own consulting business to help support small/medium size brokerages and aiding start-ups as well across Canada. Kevin currently resides in the Kitchener/Waterloo region and, when not in the office in Bracebridge, he is either cycling the many mountain bike trails that the province has to offer, or enjoying one of his favourite golf courses in the area. The Muskoka region is home to his parents and family cottage and now his business. The opportunity to spend more time in the region while growing a business that supports the community just was a natural fit.

Marc Baudendistel, Secretary, Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce Some of you might know Marc from Tea on the 45th, which sits inside his Downtown Bracebridge storefront; “The Chancery Lane Co.” His different businesses have been Chamber Members since 2019 when they moved back to Bracebridge. Over the years, Marc has had a varied career in foodservice, hospitality and retail. His experiences have been large and small. He has run his own independent small businesses and has also held upper management positions with larger corporations, some of which include Holt Renfrew and Saks Fifth Avenue in New York. In addition to the “Chancery Lane Co”, he and his partner also own and operate an Interior Design Business. Marc currently serves as Treasurer on the Bracebridge BIA and sit on his Condo Corporations Board of Directors. It is important for him to find time to give back to the communities where he lives and works. Whenever possible, Marc loves to enjoy the beauty of Muskoka, either walking to work to enjoy the Bracebridge Falls or in his Kayak on the Muskoka River. It is so important to him to be present and enjoy this paradise we call home.

Rebecca Mello, Director, Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce

Barry Hammond, Town Council Representative, Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce Lifelong resident of Bracebridge and have been involved in several organizations and associations over the years. Married to Nancy Hammond who just retired after 30 years of teaching. 3 children, Lexi who teaches in Alberta, Oliver who is a sales rep in my company and Kate who is off to University next year. Excited to be elected Monck Muskoka Ward Councilor. Looking forward to joining a vibrant Chamber as we move towards several exciting projects on the horizon.