In the last several years, the St. George Business Association has continued to focus on business advocacy while hosting a variety of events and initiatives, involving the community, and helping drive economic growth and positive change for the village of St. George.
Heidi Gorter, the President of the Association for the last several years, as well as a local business owner, explained its importance in the community and creating a more ‘social’ organization.
“The association was created to go beyond the downtown core businesses of St George and to support local and outlying businesses as well by doing several social events (like networking events) throughout the year and working with the County of Brant on both education and liaison opportunities that are available for business owners,” she said. “We kind of switched gears and headed that way, because the association has been struggling for several years. So, there was a need to focus more on the social part of it, rather than simply business to business. We wanted to create casual events for our members…to build a more engaged business community in St. George. So that people would know each other, support each other and recognize each other in the village.”
However, the association has made steady progress in the community, involving key people as well as residents.
“We have made an effort to include many in the community of St George including residents, just because there’s a few things that are happening in terms of growth and development plans here…and we took upon ourselves have that communication as we have John McAlpine on our board, who’s a counselor for the County of Brant. We also have Brandon Webb from Brant Economic Development…who sits in on our meeting, and that has been very beneficial. Also, what we have also done is hosted events for the general community as well updating the people about things that are happening in St George, and the County of Brant…giving people an opportunity to give feedback and voice their concerns around [areas] of development for example,” Gorter noted. “But we also have to, of course, keep our focus on the business community. And that’s why we will be having Erica Grimes, who is the Construction Liaison for the County of Brant, coming to speak to our business community at our upcoming AGM…about what kind of plans and what to expect, and maybe discuss opportunities…[and] prepare. It’s a lot of advocacy and communication…and bringing attention to some of these issues.”
Gorter also went on to explain other initiatives that helped non-profits, which is still on-going.
“We’ve actually been hosting all of these events with minimal financial support…And, we are doing it because our heart is for the community and for it to thrive. We have a very dedicated board, which is amazing, and we’re just hoping to grow and get more support from others in the community…we started a collaboration group, and it was to support our nonprofit. We’ve had a lot of organizations that were struggling to continue because of lack of volunteers or a lack of support financially….like the South Dumfries Historical Society, the Lawn Bowling Club, the Garden Club, the Legion and the Lion Club…they all have been part of these collaboration meetings. It’s still in process,” she said.
Nevertheless, the association is currently looking into developing a central hub website, to get people connected.
“It’s going to be a central hub…which will provide easy access for those in the community…to sign up for volunteering positions for example, know what’s happening in the community, and find businesses and non-profits. The program was initiated last year….and we’re just in the process of seeking funding to get that website up and running. That will help support not only these businesses and nonprofits, but also our community at large. We hope that those that access this hub will use our local businesses and their services while supporting other efforts,” said Gorter.
Along with these initiatives, the association hosts and supports a variety of events
“We’ve been doing the car show for the last five years now…it started around the pandemic…with John McAlpine and a team of people initiating it, and it’s done really well. It’s been really exciting to see how an event like this brings awareness to these businesses, and allows people to support our village and get the community of St. George into our downtown,” she explained. “We also have our Canada Day event, which draws people out and is popular. And there is the annual Applefest. Although it’s an event that we don’t host, as there is a committee that oversees it…pretty much all of our board supports and assists with it every year. And it’s another great event that brings people out…supporting our community and our businesses.”
However, Gorter, as an entrepreneur, knows what the community means to small businesses, and that’s why she gives back.
“My husband and I have owned Dragonfly Landscape Supply since 2013. We both grew up near St. George (Troy and Lynden), so we’re very familiar with the area and know the community quite well. We wouldn’t have survived if we didn’t get the support from our community…our customers are all residents…homeowners and businesses that support us and purchase from us. We’ve always felt that it’s important to give back to our community, too. But more than just giving back financially, it’s also about giving back with our time and energy…so whenever possible, we try to be involved as much as we can,” she said. “While I’m on the St George Business Association…Dragonfly sponsors different sports teams, like the Lawn Bowling Club….and we’re members of the Garden Club, and also volunteer with the Lions Club. Honestly, it’s so amazing when we can give back… St. George is such a great community.”
For Gorter, being part of the associate has given her a deeper understanding of the importance of relationships that help shape the community for the better.
“I’ve met so many people and have gotten a chance to know the community of St George [along with the] business owners themselves through the St. George Business Association. A lot of them have such deep roots in the community that go generations,” Gorter stated. “St. George is known as the friendly village, and years ago, I was very involved in Evan’s Toy Drive when he was sick with cancer. I met so many good people during that time…and it really solidified for me what St George was about…being involved and helping others. So, I wanted to make sure that I have been closely involved as the village continues to grow [while] making sure to remind others why we are known as ‘the Friendly Village.’”
