Those attending the 2025 CCSS Mayor’s Breakfast were able to network with other members and township staff as well gain important information. From the left, front row: Melissa St. Louis, Gloria Waldroff and Lynn White. Middle row: Marie Woolford and Julia Lucio. Back row: Richard Waldroff, Katie Hope, Carol Delorme and Judy Read. Thompson Goddard Photo

LONG SAULT – There was a fantastic turnout for the South Stormont Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Breakfast on May 28 in the South Stormont Municipal Hall.

Close to 40 people gathered at the event to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, network and learn about the Chamber’s website as well as an informative presentation by South Stormont May Bryan McGillis.

A May 28 township press release described the Mayor’s Breakfast as “an annual event designed to strengthen relationships, share up dates, and inspire collaboration across the community’s economic landscape”.

Master of Ceremonies for the event was Economic Development and Communications Coordinator for the Township of South Stormont Chris Hemond.

He first introduced Lynn White, president of the South Stormont Chamber of Commerce. She thanked “the members and board of the SSCC who provided assistance and worked with the Township” in making the event a success. She mentioned it had been a while since a Mayor’s Breakfast had been held in South Stormont and emphasized the collaborative nature of the SSCC in ensuring its members have access to important news, updates and government funding programs.

“Events like this are more than just a breakfast, they are about coming together as a community,” said Mayor Bryan McGillis the May 28 press release. He continued how “when you get business owners, Township officials, and regional partners all in the same room, great conversations happen. It shows that we’re all pulling in the same direction to keep South Stormont growing and thriving.”

During the breakfast, SS Mayor Bryan McGillis offered a keynote express to those assembled. He thanked the organization, mentioning it was inspiring to see everyone and discussed the importance of local businesses in the community. He commented how they make South Stormont a wonderful place to live and continuously serve their community.

McGillis mentioned on several township initiative to support local businesses including the expansion of the Ingleside Wastewater Treatment Plant and “the recently completed or the recently completed Area Development strategy for Township -owned lands in Ingleside known as Plan 279, and the forthcoming Economic Development Strategy and updated Community Improvement Plan set to begin development later this year.”

The new CCSS website was unveiled during the meeting. Located at sschambercommerce.ca, the re-designed website seeks to provide members and public with greater access to information and was designed in collaboration with TSS staff. It will feature a calendar of events, business resources, tools and a member directory. The new website is located at www.sschamberofcommerce.ca.