Greetings from the Mayors and the Regional Chair

City of Kitchener

Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor

On behalf of members of council and the citizens of the City of Kitchener, welcome to the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce 2022 Membership and Business Directory. This directory puts local business information right at your fingertips; providing you with useful details and contact information for many businesses located in our community. Over the last few years, as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed the instability of the global supply chain and noticed significant price increases on our shopping bills. As a result, we have come to understand the importance of shopping local whenever possible. We must continue with these efforts in the year ahead, shopping at local stores, eating in or getting takeout from local restaurants, and supporting local arts & culture, entertainment and service establishments. These efforts will ensure that our local economy continues to flourish, and that our local entrepreneurs can continue to grow their businesses in our community. Throughout the pandemic, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce has continued to take an active leadership role in our community; supporting existing businesses, sharing resources and tools, participating in pandemic planning groups, helping new businesses navigate a very uncertain time, and continuing to be a positive voice for all of our businesses and entrepreneurs. I’d like to especially acknowledge the Chamber’s President and CEO, Ian McLean for his shared leadership of BestWR during this challenging time period. The City of Kitchener, in conjunction with organizations such as the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and Waterloo EDC, works to ensure our local businesses thrive while also attracting new businesses and bringing well-paying jobs to our community. As a community, we welcome change and have never failed to see the opportunity change brings and, as a result, we continue to attract the best of the best in terms of businesses, industries and new opportunities for our residents. We continue to be a city, and a region, on the move; we are growing steadily and continuing to punch above our weight. We couldn’t do it without you - the business owners, staff, customers and organizations - who make it a priority to support one another, and ensure that we remain a strong, resilient and compassionate community where we all want to live, work and play, every day! Sincerely,

Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor

Woolwich Township

Sandy Shantz, Mayor

Welcome to the Township of Woolwich. Sharing borders with Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge and Wellesley, we are very much a vibrant part of Waterloo Region. Our population of over 25,000 is distributed over ten settlement areas, each offering its own unique character, with the major urban centres being Elmira, Breslau and St. Jacobs. Here you will find Old Order Mennonites side by side with international corporations. Woolwich continues to grow and prosper, with a strong local economy that has helped to establish Waterloo Region as one of the strongest economies in the province. Woolwich boasts several tourist destinations, including an extensive network of rivers and trails, totalling over 80 kilometres. The annual Elmira Maple Syrup Festival continues to attract visitors from around the world, with over 50 years of tradition. In West Montrose, tourists can see the iconic “Kissing Bridge”, the last remaining covered bridge in Ontario. Our Township is also home to a number of unique businesses, including the famous St. Jacobs Farmers Market, as well as stores at the St. Jacobs Outlet Mall and in downtown St. Jacobs. We are proud of our rich history and agricultural roots, but also encourage investment in progressive industries and services. Both downtown Elmira and St. Jacobs feature a number of bustling shops. St. Jacobs is home to the first ever Home Hardware location, a brand that has grown across the country. With the Waterloo Region International Airport located in Breslau, we can provide quick access to international markets and Highway 401. Breslau is also home to Conestoga Meat Packers, a business that has continued to grow since 1982. The diversity of our land and availability of fresh, local food, direct from farmers, makes us an ideal location for a variety of industries. In Woolwich, we value our environment and foster a green, sustainable and healthy future. Each of our communities has actively engaged volunteers who apply their gifts to environmental concerns, trails, recreation and the general well being of the Township. Woolwich is an exceptional community with remarkable people and a strong sense of pride in both where we have been and where we are headed. We hope you come to visit and stay. Sincerely,

City of Waterloo

Dave Jaworsky, Mayor

As Mayor of the City of Waterloo, I believe our ability to reinvent ourselves and diversify our economy has made us a desirable community to live, learn, work and play. Waterloo has much to offer to both visitors and residents. Spend a day cycling or walking on our over 150 km of off-road and multi-use trails. Enjoy our modern uptown core with award-winning architecture while also taking in the impressive green spaces and beautiful scenery surrounding our subdivisions. Waterloo is also home to three world-renowned academic institutions, making us home to many highly trained, educated, and skilled individuals. Waterloo is a place of opportunity for professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs. A focus on local initiatives and commitment to economic development has shaped Waterloo into a strong, sustainable, and prospering community. People move here and stay here for several reasons. Our safe neighbourhoods, excellent recreational facilities, inviting parks, galleries, and museums, excellent library services and top-notch festivals create the vibrant cultural lifestyle our residents and visitors have grown to love. The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce is a tremendous asset to this community. Its dedication to supporting our local businesses is one reason why our local economy is so strong. The businesses and establishments listed in this directory are the driving force that propels our city forward. I thank each of them for their resilience, strength, and commitment to the community. Thank you for facing these unprecedented challenges over the last few years with grit and determination, as we continue to fight to keep our community safe and healthy. Sincerely,

Dave Jaworsky, Mayor

Region of Waterloo

Karen Redman, Regional Chair

The 2022/2023 Chamber Business Directory catalogues the extensive breadth and expertise of our local business community. Whether longstanding family-owned businesses, community organizations, global companies or emerging start-ups, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce’s membership represents excellence across our region. The reputation of the Chamber and its members has allowed it to move government policy, to establish innovative partnerships, and generate unique programming. The Chamber continues to have the ear of provincial and federal governments on issues like healthcare, immigration and business supports. This includes hosting party leaders to hear directly from local SMEs during the provincial election campaign. Every time I walk into a local small business, I’m pleased to see the Safe Ambassador sticker, an initiative steered by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber, the Cambridge Chamber, NSF International and the Region of Waterloo. This year, our two local chambers also received the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Award for an Innovative Program, due to the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative. These are further examples of local solutions and partnerships that yield provincial and national impact. The individual and collective work of Chamber members helps to make our region an exceptional community to live, work, and play. On behalf of Region of Waterloo Council, thank you for your continued partnership and involvement across our community. Sincerely, Karen Redman Chair, Regional Municipality of Waterloo

Dear Friends, The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is a valuable community resource serving businesses, local government and residents alike. As a collective voice for business in our community, the Chamber champions economic development in Waterloo Region - advocating for business, economic prosperity and sustainability. This advocacy work extends beyond local issues into areas of Provincial and Federal government jurisdiction as well. As part of its efforts to support local business, the Chamber offers a wide variety of products and services including networking forums, educational opportunities featuring well-known keynote speakers and, marketing support. The annual membership directory is a feature product of the Chamber and is an extremely useful tool in helping businesses stay connected. Whether you are looking for businesses offering products and services similar to those offered by your enterprise or, if you require a very specific item – it will be found here. I encourage you to take a few moments to browse through the directory and see all it has to offer to meet your business and personal needs. Sincerely,