The following is an open letter to the community from the Orillia and District Chamber of Commerce's incoming president, Nathan Housser.
On Feb. 2, 2023, the Orillia and District Chamber of Commerce (ODCC) will gather at Fern Resort to mark the official passing of the gavel from 2022 president Raquel Ness to 2023 president Nathan Housser. The incoming president is the owner of a local small business, Housser's Paint and Wallpaper, and has been an active member of the ODCC board of directors since 2016.
The ODCC is a non-profit organization that advocates for local business, providing a unified voice to bring important issues forward to the federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The organization was founded in 1890, and some of its earliest accomplishments included creating Orillia's very first tourism campaign, bringing a chicken livery to the community, and electrification of local streetlights.
Through its operation of the Port of Orillia and local festivals and events, the ODCC attracts thousands of visitors to Orillia and surrounding communities each year, putting the area on the map. The ODCC’s catchment area includes the City of Orillia, the First Nation of Rama, and the Townships of OroMedonte, Severn, and Ramara, and it depends primarily on membership fees to cover the cost of its operations.
Incoming president Nathan Housser has this message to share with the community:
“This year brings some uncertainty as we come out of a pandemic and potentially into a recession. In times like these, the Orillia and District Chamber of Commerce can’t stress enough how important it is to shop local. This message is now more important than ever, as by coming together as a community to support each other may be a way to minimize the effects of a recession locally.
Support local companies, local people, and local charities like the Hospital Foundation, the Lighthouse, and Mariposa Hospice. I would like to have a strong 'I choose LOCAL' campaign again this year to emphasize the importance of investing in our own community.
I would like to congratulate Mayor Don McIsaac on his successful election. I had the privilege to meet with him recently and am excited to work with mayor and council to make Orillia an even better place to live and do business. Having a strong relationship with the City of Orillia is important to me as I feel we can accomplish more together.
I am also looking forward to working with Chief Ted Williams of Rama First Nation, Mayor Randy Greenlaw of Oro-Medonte, Mayor Mike Burkett of Severn Township, and Mayor Basil Clarke from Ramara Township, as well as our local MP and MPP.
This year our chamber will be focused on building our membership. We have seen new businesses start up and some changing ownership, and we would like to take the opportunity to increase our membership as we have a lot to offer to the business community. We have many events planned this year and look forward to reconnecting with our members in person. I know for my own business, being a member of the chamber has been important, as I have seen first-hand the impact we as an organization have federally, provincially and locally.
If you are a business owner in the Orillia and District area and are interested in becoming a member of your local Chamber of Commerce, please reach out to us. We would love the opportunity to welcome you into membership and get you connected. Lastly, please remember to shop local. Giant online retailers do not sponsor our kids’ sports teams or our local charities… It is your local businesses that support you!”
Nathan Housser
