The Town of Grimsby is creating a new Grimsby Business Ambassador Program with the goal of strengthening its economy through leveraging the expertise, influence, and networks of key community business leaders.
The announcement was made by the Town through its Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Grimsby has selected 10 ambassadors for the inaugural round of this new program, with term lengths of four years.
The ambassadors will serve in a volunteer capacity. Their role, according to the Town, includes five core priorities: acting as liaisons between local businesses and the Town of Grimsby; representing the Town at public events, trade shows, and conferences; promoting Grimsby as a hub for business growth and innovation; providing feedback and sharing market insights; and facilitating connections and directing businesses to vital resources.
Ambassadors were selected through a structured process. The criteria to be chosen included living in Grimsby, executive-level experience, and extensive business networks. Additional assets that were considered include language skills and ties to the industrial, commercial, and institutional sector.
The 10 inaugural ambassadors include: David Arkell, Murray Bain, Nick Ciccone, Chris Di Lillo, Azam Foda, Jim Hills, Breckon Husband, Tony Joosse, Fiore Vacca, and Wael Zaghloul.
“The Business Ambassador Program is a cornerstone of our efforts to grow Grimsby’s economy and celebrate all that makes our community exceptional,” said Mayor Jeff Jordan. “Our Business Ambassadors are passionate leaders who connect businesses, spark opportunity, and champion Grimsby as a place to live, work, and invest.”
“I want to personally thank each of our new Ambassadors for stepping up, volunteering your time, and showing such pride in our town.”
The core focus of the program is what the Town refers to as “trusted advocacy.” According to the Town, studies have shown that investor referrals covert 30 per cent better and generate higher long-term value. By empowering 10 business leaders as ambassadors, the Town is hoping to have more trusted recommendations and personal endorsements, to better foster investment and economic activity.
“Driven by our dedicated volunteers and empowered by local business leaders, this program is designed to elevate Grimsby’s profile, attract strategic investment, and shape a dynamic economic future,” said Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Grimsby Sarah Kim. “Our Business Ambassadors will be at the forefront of this effort – forging key connections, promoting innovation, and positioning Grimsby as a thriving hub for opportunity and growth.”
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
