Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce

Join us at our next Business After 5 at Stauffer Motors Limited!
It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up with local professionals, and enjoy some light refreshments. Plus, you’ll have the chance to walk away with a door prize!
RSVP: https://www.tillsonburgchamber.ca/event/business-after-5-at-stauffer-motors-limited/

Use Inclusive Language!
The words we choose can help others feel respected, welcomed, and included. ‌

Using inclusive language means communicating in ways that acknowledge and respect the diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives of those around us. It helps create an environment where people feel they belong and can contribute with confidence. ‌

When we are thoughtful about how we speak and write, we also foster a culture of understanding, respect, and professionalism. ‌

Take our civility challenge and learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/

Invite Someone New to Lunch!
Civility is about making space for others.

Take the initiative and reach out to a colleague, especially someone you don't know well, a new team member, or someone outside your usual circle.

By welcoming someone into a conversation or inviting them to join you for lunch, you help create a more inclusive, supportive and connected workplace.

Take our civility challenge and learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/

A walking meeting can be a simple way to support both well-being and meaningful conversation. ‌

A change of scenery can encourage fresh thinking, reduce distractions, and create a more relaxed environment for discussion. It also provides an opportunity to break up long periods of sitting, contributing to a healthier workplace routine.‌

Take our civility challenge and learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/

Admit a Mistake Openly!
Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is how we respond to them.

Openly acknowledging mistakes can encourage a culture where people feel comfortable taking responsibility, asking for help, and working together to solve problems. This creates an environment where growth is valued over blame.

Take our civility challenge and learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/

Workplace gossip can damage relationships, spread misinformation, and make people feel excluded or uncomfortable. By focusing on facts and having direct, respectful conversations, we can foster a workplace where colleagues feel safe, valued, and supported.

Avoiding gossip also demonstrates integrity. It shows a commitment to treating others with respect, even when they are not present, and helps build an environment where people are judged by their actions rather than rumours or speculation.

Take our civility challenge and learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/

Taking the time to ask a colleague how they’re doing, and being fully present for the answer, builds trust, connection, and a sense of belonging in the workplace.

Genuine connection shows that we value people as individuals and not just for the work they do. By creating space for meaningful conversations, we also foster a culture where colleagues feel seen, heard, and supported. ‌

Take our civility challenge and learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/

Our Chamber was founded back in 1976, and for half a century, it has served as the backbone of local commerce and connection; and 50 years later, here we are celebrating all the amazing businesses and people that are now part of the Chamber history!

Yesterday, we celebrated our own milestone!! We would like to extend a special thank you to the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club for allowing us to use their wonderful facilities for our celebration, to the Tillsonburg Kinsmen Club for their amazing support and for grilling up a delicious BBQ for us, and to Lucid Intent for taking the 50th Anniversary aerial photo!

Whether your business has been with the Chamber since 1976 or you just signed up this month: thank you for being a Chamber member, you are the hearth of our organization and the reason why we do what we do, advocate for local commerce, and champion our business community every single day.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has ever served on our Board over the decades whether as a Board Member, President, Vice President, or Treasurer. Thank you for your commitment, time, and vision; you built the foundation we stand on today.

A special thank you goes out to our Platinum Sponsors, and to every single business that sponsors and supports the Chamber throughout the year. We quite literally couldn't host events like this or deliver value for our community without your generosity.

Our Chamber had lasted 50 years because of the dedicated people working behind the scenes. We want to express our gratitude for the late Matt Scholtz, as well as Suzanne Renken, Ashley Edwards, and Rocio Salinas, for their leadership as CEOs of the Chamber.

We are grateful to celebrate with you all; to serve or community and we are excited for the years ahead.

Thank you all once again for being here, for supporting one another, and for making this community so special. Cheers to 50 years of history, and cheers to 50 more!

The Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce needs YOUR help!
The Trade & Tariffs Survey, in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce closes on August 17.
Complete this ten-minute survey to share your views with Queens Park.
https://leger.decipherinc.com/survey/selfserve/542/cw11497_10016974_1_1?list=4&Chamber=122

Be it a meeting room, kitchen, break room, or shared workspace, taking collective responsibility for the spaces we use creates a welcoming environment for everyone.

Small acts, such as putting away supplies, putting used mugs in the dishwasher, or disposing of waste properly, demonstrate courtesy and a shared commitment to the workplace.

When we leave areas better than we found them, we contribute to a culture of respect, accountability, and consideration for others.

Take our civility challenge and learn more about National Civility Month here: https://occ.ca/occivility-national-civility-month-2026/