Celebrating Kinetic Elements Dance Studio Inc.’s Grand Reopening 2025

On Wednesday, August 27 at 4 PM, the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce had the honour of hosting our very first ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the grand reopening and seventh anniversary of Kinetic Elements Dance Studio Inc.

Led by Kendra Hughes-Wintels, Chair of our Chamber Board, Kinetic Elements has become a true community hub over the past seven years; a place where every dancer and community member feels welcome, included, and empowered. Kendra’s dedication, optimism, and warmth radiate in everything she does, creating a space where kids, families, and community members alike feel at home. Check out our two social recaps on Instagram here and here!

The celebration drew a full house — full of energy, enthusiasm, and joy. Children laughed and danced comfortably in the space, parents and community members shared in the excitement, and it was clear that Kinetic Elements has built far more than a dance studio. It has built a family. The buzzing room was a powerful testament to the impact Kendra has made, not only as a business owner, but as a leader and an inspiration in our community.

We were also honoured to welcome local dignitaries to the celebration, including Representative from MPP Sam Oosterhoff’s office, and Town of Grimsby Councillors Baradziej, Charrois, Korstanje, and Vardy, along with Economic Development Officer Frank Miele, who joined us in recognizing this milestone.

The emotion of the moment was real and impactful, and it reminded all of us of an important truth: as business owners and entrepreneurs, we often focus on what’s next — the next challenge, the next opportunity, the next step forward. But milestones like this remind us to pause, reflect, and truly appreciate how far we’ve come — both in business growth and in personal growth as leaders, creators, and contributors to our community.

Kendra, on behalf of the Chamber, we are proud to celebrate your journey so far, and we look forward to seeing Kinetic Elements continue to thrive for another seven years and beyond!

Want to celebrate your own milestone?
If you’re a Chamber member marking an anniversary, grand opening, or special milestone, we’d love to help you celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony! Reach out to us today to learn more about how the Chamber can highlight your success and share your story with the community.

On Wednesday, August 27 at 4 PM, the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce had the honour of hosting our very first ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the grand reopening and seventh anniversary of Kinetic Elements Dance Studio Inc.

Led by Kendra Hughes-Wintels, Chair of our Chamber Board, Kinetic Elements has become a true community hub over the past seven years; a place where every dancer and community member feels welcome, included, and empowered. Kendra’s dedication, optimism, and warmth radiate in everything she does, creating a space where kids, families, and community members alike feel at home. Check out our two social recaps on Instagram here and here!

The celebration drew a full house — full of energy, enthusiasm, and joy. Children laughed and danced comfortably in the space, parents and community members shared in the excitement, and it was clear that Kinetic Elements has built far more than a dance studio. It has built a family. The buzzing room was a powerful testament to the impact Kendra has made, not only as a business owner, but as a leader and an inspiration in our community.

We were also honoured to welcome local dignitaries to the celebration, including Representative from MPP Sam Oosterhoff’s office, and Town of Grimsby Councillors Baradziej, Charrois, Korstanje, and Vardy, along with Economic Development Officer Frank Miele, who joined us in recognizing this milestone.

The emotion of the moment was real and impactful, and it reminded all of us of an important truth: as business owners and entrepreneurs, we often focus on what’s next — the next challenge, the next opportunity, the next step forward. But milestones like this remind us to pause, reflect, and truly appreciate how far we’ve come — both in business growth and in personal growth as leaders, creators, and contributors to our community.

Kendra, on behalf of the Chamber, we are proud to celebrate your journey so far, and we look forward to seeing Kinetic Elements continue to thrive for another seven years and beyond!

Want to celebrate your own milestone?
If you’re a Chamber member marking an anniversary, grand opening, or special milestone, we’d love to help you celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony! Reach out to us today to learn more about how the Chamber can highlight your success and share your story with the community.

Behind The Biz with Pizza Di Nonna: Recap

Our first Behind The Biz drop-in was a huge success! Thank you to all who came out to Pizza Di Nonna on Wednesday, July 30 to enjoy a slice and homemade ice cream sandwich (which was the perfect treat!). Supporting local is what we love and what we do best, and we appreciate you for doing the same.

Thank you to James and the crew for being amazing hosts and cooking up delicious pizza for us to enjoy. We were told that the shop “smells so good and reminds me of Italy” from one guest. We couldn’t agree more!

If you couldn’t make it out to our drop-in but want to try some Pizza Di Nonna, you can find them at 297 Lake Street, Grimsby (Grimsby Beach).

Thanks again to all! What a way to enjoy summer.

—

Our Behind The Biz series focuses on showcasing Grimsby businesses and gives us the opportunity to learn more about their products/services in a casual, fun way! If you’re interested in a Behind The Biz feature of your own, get in touch! We’d love to showcase you: info@grimsbychamber.com

Our first Behind The Biz drop-in was a huge success! Thank you to all who came out to Pizza Di Nonna on Wednesday, July 30 to enjoy a slice and homemade ice cream sandwich (which was the perfect treat!). Supporting local is what we love and what we do best, and we appreciate you for doing the same.

Thank you to James and the crew for being amazing hosts and cooking up delicious pizza for us to enjoy. We were told that the shop “smells so good and reminds me of Italy” from one guest. We couldn’t agree more!

If you couldn’t make it out to our drop-in but want to try some Pizza Di Nonna, you can find them at 297 Lake Street, Grimsby (Grimsby Beach).

Thanks again to all! What a way to enjoy summer.

—

Our Behind The Biz series focuses on showcasing Grimsby businesses and gives us the opportunity to learn more about their products/services in a casual, fun way! If you’re interested in a Behind The Biz feature of your own, get in touch! We’d love to showcase you: info@grimsbychamber.com

Thank you Village Studio for your support of our 2025 Annual Golf Tournament!

We wanted to take another moment to thank Bryan at Village Studio for supporting our Annual Golf Tournament again this year with these awesome photos of each team! The energy and enthusiasm you bring to our events is always so appreciated and we are grateful for your continued support of Chamber initiatives. Thank you, Bryan!

We wanted to take another moment to thank Bryan at Village Studio for supporting our Annual Golf Tournament again this year with these awesome photos of each team! The energy and enthusiasm you bring to our events is always so appreciated and we are grateful for your continued support of Chamber initiatives. Thank you, Bryan!

Help Shape the Future of the Grimsby Chamber: Take the 2025 Member Survey

We’re checking in and we want to hear from you!

The Grimsby Chamber’s 2025 Membership Survey is now OPEN, and we’re asking for just 3 minutes of your time to help us improve how we serve you, our membership and our local business community.

It’s only five questions (no essays, we promise!) and will help us better understand what’s working, what’s missing, and where we can grow. You can influence how we prioritize and build in the months ahead.

This is your chance to:
Tell us what’s working
Let us know what’s missing
Help us deliver more value to your business

Here’s a peek at what you’ll be asked:
• How likely are you to recommend the Chamber?
• What services or benefits have helped your business most?
• What are we not doing that we should be?
• Will you renew your membership?

We want to hear from as many members as possible as it’s your collective voice that helps us move forward with clarity and confidence, and ensures we’re delivering the support you actually need.

We’re checking in and we want to hear from you!

The Grimsby Chamber’s 2025 Membership Survey is now OPEN, and we’re asking for just 3 minutes of your time to help us improve how we serve you, our membership and our local business community.

It’s only five questions (no essays, we promise!) and will help us better understand what’s working, what’s missing, and where we can grow. You can influence how we prioritize and build in the months ahead.

This is your chance to:
Tell us what’s working
Let us know what’s missing
Help us deliver more value to your business

Here’s a peek at what you’ll be asked:
• How likely are you to recommend the Chamber?
• What services or benefits have helped your business most?
• What are we not doing that we should be?
• Will you renew your membership?

We want to hear from as many members as possible as it’s your collective voice that helps us move forward with clarity and confidence, and ensures we’re delivering the support you actually need.

Business Connect: The Economic Exchange Event Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Business Connect: The Economic Exchange! It was a powerful evening of learning, connection, and community insight.

With energy high and minds open, our guests gathered to explore what’s next for our region through the expertise of featured speakers Marco Marino (Niagara Region) and Jennifer Patterson (City of Hamilton). Their thoughtful perspectives, rooted in real-world experience, offered clarity on the challenges we face and the shared opportunities ahead. From infrastructure and investment to collaboration and economic resilience, the conversations were rich, honest, and incredibly valuable.

A heartfelt thank you to Serina Carbone of DeSantis Homes, who emceed the evening’s Q&A session with grace and poise. Sabrina created an inviting space for meaningful dialogue, helping guests feel confident stepping forward with their questions and guiding the conversation in a way that highlighted both the audience’s concerns and the speakers’ expertise.

We also thank Gabe DeSantis for opening the event with valuable reflections on our current housing market; an honest look at today’s realities paired with a message of optimism and collective action. His remarks set the tone for the impactful conversations that followed.

And of course, a special shoutout to our very own Chamber Chair, Kendra Wintels, for delivering the evening’s land acknowledgment and grounding the event in a spirit of truth, reconciliation, and respect.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership of our fellow Chambers — West Lincoln, Lincoln, and Stoney Creek — and our generous hosts, DeSantis Homes and Ridgeview Realty Group. A warm thank you as well to Casa Toscana for the beautiful spread of Italian wine and refreshments that elevated the entire experience.

To everyone who attended: your presence reflects a deep commitment to your businesses, our communities, and our region’s future. These conversations matter. Not just at events, but in how we shape our businesses, lead our teams, and build a shared vision for what comes next.

Let’s keep the dialogue going.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Business Connect: The Economic Exchange! It was a powerful evening of learning, connection, and community insight.

With energy high and minds open, our guests gathered to explore what’s next for our region through the expertise of featured speakers Marco Marino (Niagara Region) and Jennifer Patterson (City of Hamilton). Their thoughtful perspectives, rooted in real-world experience, offered clarity on the challenges we face and the shared opportunities ahead. From infrastructure and investment to collaboration and economic resilience, the conversations were rich, honest, and incredibly valuable.

A heartfelt thank you to Serina Carbone of DeSantis Homes, who emceed the evening’s Q&A session with grace and poise. Sabrina created an inviting space for meaningful dialogue, helping guests feel confident stepping forward with their questions and guiding the conversation in a way that highlighted both the audience’s concerns and the speakers’ expertise.

We also thank Gabe DeSantis for opening the event with valuable reflections on our current housing market; an honest look at today’s realities paired with a message of optimism and collective action. His remarks set the tone for the impactful conversations that followed.

And of course, a special shoutout to our very own Chamber Chair, Kendra Wintels, for delivering the evening’s land acknowledgment and grounding the event in a spirit of truth, reconciliation, and respect.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership of our fellow Chambers — West Lincoln, Lincoln, and Stoney Creek — and our generous hosts, DeSantis Homes and Ridgeview Realty Group. A warm thank you as well to Casa Toscana for the beautiful spread of Italian wine and refreshments that elevated the entire experience.

To everyone who attended: your presence reflects a deep commitment to your businesses, our communities, and our region’s future. These conversations matter. Not just at events, but in how we shape our businesses, lead our teams, and build a shared vision for what comes next.

Let’s keep the dialogue going.

That’s a wrap on The Happening 2025!

As a proud partner of this incredible community festival, the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to support both the planning and delivery of The Happening alongside our friends at the Downtown Grimsby BIA. From start to finish, it was a weekend full of energy, connection, and local pride.

We’re passionate about celebrating the people, businesses, and creative energy that make Grimsby so special – and The Happening does exactly that. Huge congratulations to everyone involved, and thank you to the entire community for showing up with such heart. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Follow the Happening in Grimsby on Instagram

Following the Downtown Grimsby BIA on Instagram

As a proud partner of this incredible community festival, the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to support both the planning and delivery of The Happening alongside our friends at the Downtown Grimsby BIA. From start to finish, it was a weekend full of energy, connection, and local pride.

We’re passionate about celebrating the people, businesses, and creative energy that make Grimsby so special – and The Happening does exactly that. Huge congratulations to everyone involved, and thank you to the entire community for showing up with such heart. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Follow the Happening in Grimsby on Instagram

Following the Downtown Grimsby BIA on Instagram

A Great Day On The Greens – Annual Golf Tournament Recap!

What. A. Day. ⛳ 🏌️‍♂️
Our annual Golf Tournament was a huge success again this year from start to finish! The course at Cardinal Lakes was as beautiful and challenging as ever, and our golfers brought both their A-game and their good spirits all day long. It was so great to see everyone’s enthusiasm bright and early in the morning!

We want to thank the team at Ridgeview Realty Group again for their title sponsorship of our tournament and Nick Kazan for his motivational speech to kick off the shotgun start! Definitely one for the books!

A big shoutout to our awesome Par-Tee Hole hosts – Aspira Lincoln Park Retirement Living, Orchardview Guardian Pharmacy, Sapphire Spa and Spaceless – for bringing the fun with putting contests, spinning wheels, on-course drinks, and even massages to wrap up the round! 🎯

Thank you also to our Eagle Sponsors – Impressions Printing, Village Studio, Boone Dog Office Spaces and Harmony Jewellers⁠ – for making sure we all had carts, lunch, awesome photos and signs to showcase all of our sponsors!

Thank you to our amazing Contest Sponsors – Garrett Group, The Lynn Fee Team and Sooley’s Safety Services for adding this extra fun element to our day!

And last but certainly never least, we want to say a big thank you to our Hole and Prize sponsors! We proudly displayed your logos around the course this year and we know the draw winners will enjoy their prizes.

Hole: Colmarsol Corp., Employment Help Centre, Evergreen Estate Homes, Extraordinary Executive Inc., Grimsby Hyundai, JJ’s On The Docks, Mission 35 Mortgages, Dean Allison MP, Station One Coffeehouse, Stonehouse-Whitcomb Funeral Home, Tarbutt Construction, Teddy’s Sports Bar

Prize: Given Zero, Grimsby Hyundai, Let Them Eat Cake, Mission 35 Mortgages, Tatianna’s Med Spa and Terence Webster Design

What. A. Day. ⛳ 🏌️‍♂️
Our annual Golf Tournament was a huge success again this year from start to finish! The course at Cardinal Lakes was as beautiful and challenging as ever, and our golfers brought both their A-game and their good spirits all day long. It was so great to see everyone’s enthusiasm bright and early in the morning!

We want to thank the team at Ridgeview Realty Group again for their title sponsorship of our tournament and Nick Kazan for his motivational speech to kick off the shotgun start! Definitely one for the books!

A big shoutout to our awesome Par-Tee Hole hosts – Aspira Lincoln Park Retirement Living, Orchardview Guardian Pharmacy, Sapphire Spa and Spaceless – for bringing the fun with putting contests, spinning wheels, on-course drinks, and even massages to wrap up the round! 🎯

Thank you also to our Eagle Sponsors – Impressions Printing, Village Studio, Boone Dog Office Spaces and Harmony Jewellers⁠ – for making sure we all had carts, lunch, awesome photos and signs to showcase all of our sponsors!

Thank you to our amazing Contest Sponsors – Garrett Group, The Lynn Fee Team and Sooley’s Safety Services for adding this extra fun element to our day!

And last but certainly never least, we want to say a big thank you to our Hole and Prize sponsors! We proudly displayed your logos around the course this year and we know the draw winners will enjoy their prizes.

Hole: Colmarsol Corp., Employment Help Centre, Evergreen Estate Homes, Extraordinary Executive Inc., Grimsby Hyundai, JJ’s On The Docks, Mission 35 Mortgages, Dean Allison MP, Station One Coffeehouse, Stonehouse-Whitcomb Funeral Home, Tarbutt Construction, Teddy’s Sports Bar

Prize: Given Zero, Grimsby Hyundai, Let Them Eat Cake, Mission 35 Mortgages, Tatianna’s Med Spa and Terence Webster Design

June Marks Indigenous History Month

June marks Indigenous History Month; a time to honour, reflect, and learn.

As a Chamber, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities across Ontario and Canada. We acknowledge the deep-rooted history and ongoing impacts of colonization, and we commit to the path of truth and reconciliation not only this month, but every month.

We continue to learn and listen, recognizing that reconciliation is not a checklist, but a lifelong responsibility.

We encourage our members to take time to reflect, educate, and engage meaningfully in the work of reconciliation. Follow the link in our bio to access some incredible resources to expand your understanding and knowledge on Indigenous communities in Canada, as well as a book list.

Reconciliation starts with awareness. Accessing resources is just the beginning. We will continue to encourage our community and our Chamber to keep learning, reflecting, and making space for Indigenous voices each and every month.

Indigenous Education Resources & Recommended Reading

Books to Deepen Your Understanding:

21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph: A concise, accessible explanation of the Indian Act’s legacy and ongoing impact.

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer: A beautiful blend of Indigenous knowledge, botany, and environmental stewardship.

They Called Me Number One by Bev Sellars: A memoir of residential school survival and resilience in British Columbia.

Indigenous Writes by Chelsea Vowel: A powerful collection of essays unpacking Indigenous topics and myths in Canada.

A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliott: A moving collection of personal essays on intergenerational trauma, identity, and healing.

Websites & Learning Hubs:

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation nctr.ca
Home of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s findings and calls to action.

Native Land Digital native-land.ca
An interactive map to learn about the Indigenous territories you live and work on.

Indigenous Canada (Free Online Course by the University of Alberta) coursera.org
A free, in-depth course covering Indigenous histories and contemporary issues.

Assembly of First Nations afn.ca
A national advocacy organization representing First Nations citizens.

Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres ofifc.org
A great resource for connecting with Indigenous Friendship Centres across Ontario.

June marks Indigenous History Month; a time to honour, reflect, and learn.

As a Chamber, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities across Ontario and Canada. We acknowledge the deep-rooted history and ongoing impacts of colonization, and we commit to the path of truth and reconciliation not only this month, but every month.

We continue to learn and listen, recognizing that reconciliation is not a checklist, but a lifelong responsibility.

We encourage our members to take time to reflect, educate, and engage meaningfully in the work of reconciliation. Follow the link in our bio to access some incredible resources to expand your understanding and knowledge on Indigenous communities in Canada, as well as a book list.

Reconciliation starts with awareness. Accessing resources is just the beginning. We will continue to encourage our community and our Chamber to keep learning, reflecting, and making space for Indigenous voices each and every month.

Indigenous Education Resources & Recommended Reading

Books to Deepen Your Understanding:

21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph: A concise, accessible explanation of the Indian Act’s legacy and ongoing impact.

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer: A beautiful blend of Indigenous knowledge, botany, and environmental stewardship.

They Called Me Number One by Bev Sellars: A memoir of residential school survival and resilience in British Columbia.

Indigenous Writes by Chelsea Vowel: A powerful collection of essays unpacking Indigenous topics and myths in Canada.

A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliott: A moving collection of personal essays on intergenerational trauma, identity, and healing.

Websites & Learning Hubs:

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation nctr.ca
Home of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s findings and calls to action.

Native Land Digital native-land.ca
An interactive map to learn about the Indigenous territories you live and work on.

Indigenous Canada (Free Online Course by the University of Alberta) coursera.org
A free, in-depth course covering Indigenous histories and contemporary issues.

Assembly of First Nations afn.ca
A national advocacy organization representing First Nations citizens.

Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres ofifc.org
A great resource for connecting with Indigenous Friendship Centres across Ontario.

Help Shape the Future of Tourism in Grimsby

Tourism plays a vital role in our local economy – supporting businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to the vibrancy of our community. As part of a new project focused on identifying opportunities and challenges related to tourism in Grimsby, The Town of Grimsby and Context Research Group (CRG) are inviting business owners, residents, and community members to share their insights through a short online survey.

This is your chance to be heard.

The Grimsby Chamber of Commerce is proud to support this initiative because your feedback will help inform recommendations that reflect our community’s unique needs and goals. Whether you’re directly involved in tourism or simply care about the future of our town, your perspective matters.

Why participate?

• Ensure that local voices and business experiences are part of the conversation
• Help shape a plan that brings real, lasting benefits to Grimsby
• Support data-driven decision-making that reflects the values of our community

🔗
It only takes 7–10 minutes, and responses are anonymous.

Please feel free to share the link with your networks. The more input we gather, the stronger the outcomes will be for everyone.

Thank you for helping us build a thriving, sustainable tourism future for Grimsby!

Tourism plays a vital role in our local economy – supporting businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to the vibrancy of our community. As part of a new project focused on identifying opportunities and challenges related to tourism in Grimsby, The Town of Grimsby and Context Research Group (CRG) are inviting business owners, residents, and community members to share their insights through a short online survey.

This is your chance to be heard.

The Grimsby Chamber of Commerce is proud to support this initiative because your feedback will help inform recommendations that reflect our community’s unique needs and goals. Whether you’re directly involved in tourism or simply care about the future of our town, your perspective matters.

Why participate?

• Ensure that local voices and business experiences are part of the conversation
• Help shape a plan that brings real, lasting benefits to Grimsby
• Support data-driven decision-making that reflects the values of our community

🔗
It only takes 7–10 minutes, and responses are anonymous.

Please feel free to share the link with your networks. The more input we gather, the stronger the outcomes will be for everyone.

Thank you for helping us build a thriving, sustainable tourism future for Grimsby!

A Night of Connection, Community & Celebration at GBF

What an incredible evening at our Business After 5, hosted in collaboration with the Grimsby BIA at GBF Community Services! We were thrilled to welcome so many familiar and new faces into the GBF warehouse and community space to network, connect, and learn more about this essential organization’s impact in our community.

For 60 years, GBF Community Services has powerfully supported our community through vital programming in housing, food security, youth support, family support, and lifestyle/health. Last year alone, over 50,000 volunteer hours were logged!! A true testament to the compassion and generosity that fuels this organization. Their dignified, people-first approach ensures that everyone who walks through their doors (especially those who reach out for help) feels seen, supported, and respected.

Guests were treated to an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at GBF’s work, topped off with a surprise fashion show featuring thrifted looks pulled straight from their racks, showcasing the fun, creative side of their mission! We closed the evening with great conversation, generous door prizes, and a renewed sense of community connection.

We are so proud to support GBF Community Services and we are grateful for their continued partnership with the Chamber. If your business is looking to get involved with a meaningful cause, GBF Community Services is open to future corporate collaborations and we encourage you to reach out.

Thank you to all who joined us and we look forward to seeing you at our next BA5!

What an incredible evening at our Business After 5, hosted in collaboration with the Grimsby BIA at GBF Community Services! We were thrilled to welcome so many familiar and new faces into the GBF warehouse and community space to network, connect, and learn more about this essential organization’s impact in our community.

For 60 years, GBF Community Services has powerfully supported our community through vital programming in housing, food security, youth support, family support, and lifestyle/health. Last year alone, over 50,000 volunteer hours were logged!! A true testament to the compassion and generosity that fuels this organization. Their dignified, people-first approach ensures that everyone who walks through their doors (especially those who reach out for help) feels seen, supported, and respected.

Guests were treated to an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at GBF’s work, topped off with a surprise fashion show featuring thrifted looks pulled straight from their racks, showcasing the fun, creative side of their mission! We closed the evening with great conversation, generous door prizes, and a renewed sense of community connection.

We are so proud to support GBF Community Services and we are grateful for their continued partnership with the Chamber. If your business is looking to get involved with a meaningful cause, GBF Community Services is open to future corporate collaborations and we encourage you to reach out.

Thank you to all who joined us and we look forward to seeing you at our next BA5!