MENTOR
EXCHANGE
- EDISCOVER NEW WAYS TO CONNECT
Connect with fellow business leaders, potential collaborators, and industry peers.
- EFORWARD, TOGETHER
Share your expertise and help shape the next generation of local business leaders.
- EFORWARD, TOGETHER
Find the help you need with your own business from marketing to HR to financial planning and beyond.
MENTORS
Terry Vos
Vos Independent Grocer
Community Leader – Actively involved in local organizations, including Port Perry Canada Day Committee, Community Living, and Big Brothers Big Sisters North Durham.
Dawn Szuhai
Oak Ridges Hospice
Experienced Leader – 25+ years in HR management across multiple industries and 15 years in admin and finance.
Community Advocate – Key contributor to Oak Ridges Hospice, active volunteer in local causes, and dedicated yoga instructor.
Business Supporter – Serves as Secretary and Director of the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, helping local businesses thrive.
Matt Sommerville
Sommerville Consulting
Designer & Urban Planner – Experienced in heritage, economic development, and cultural vitality, including leading key projects like the Port Perry Downtown Waterfront Revitalization.
Agricultural Advocate – Fifth-generation farmer and founder of Two Blokes Cider, blending heritage and agritourism to revitalize his family farm.
Community Leader – Passionate about fostering economic and cultural growth in Scugog, actively collaborating with local businesses through the Chamber.
Micheline Robichaud
Kiwi & Bos Wonder Emporium
Entrepreneur & Business Owner – Owns Kiwi & Bos Wonder Emporium and travel agencies in Canada and the U.S., with a strong entrepreneurial legacy.
Community Advocate – Passionate about local engagement, volunteerism, and supporting small businesses to strengthen communities.
Experienced Event Planner – Brings expertise in nonprofit work and event planning to the Chamber, eager to contribute to the community’s growth.
Amy Toon
McMurtry Law
Dedicated Volunteer & Community Leader – Actively involved in numerous volunteer roles, including President of North Durham Ladies Lobball League and co-creator of Amazing Race Port Perry.
Experienced Law Clerk – Works with McMurtry Law, a family law firm in Port Perry, contributing to the firm’s strong community presence.
Award-Winning Volunteer – Honored with the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism, bringing creativity and inclusivity to community initiatives.
Karen Hunt
Electrolysis by Karen
Entrepreneur & Advocate – Runs her own electrolysis business and supports local entrepreneurs.
Economic Development Expert – Brings 20 years of experience in Economic Development and Tourism.
Community Leader – Actively involved in the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, local organizations, and community events.
Rosario Greco
Rosario Greco Styles
Expert Stylist – Over 46 years of experience, specializing in cut, colour, and hair care with a Red Seal in Hairdressing.
Industry Leader – Competitor-turned-judge with a Life-Time Achievement Award, active in industry fundraisers and international training.
Margaret Ayres
Big Brothers, Big Sister of North Durham
Executive Director – Leading Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham for 25 years, igniting the potential of youth through mentorship.
Skilled Fundraiser & Event Organizer – Successfully leads community events like Wing & Pizza Night and Winding Roads Country Festival.
Community Advocate – Founding member of 100 Women Who Care Scugog, with extensive volunteer work in organizations like Paralympic Sports and Oak Ridges Hospice.
Ginger Jackson
McDonald's Restaurants - Port Perry & Uxbridge
- Community Driven
- 14-Year Vice President
- Event Planning
Melissa Rada
Radar Digital Marketing
Entrepreneur & Freelance Creative – Empowers local businesses through digital media while focusing on community well-being.
Tourism Advocate – Plays a key role in enhancing local tourism through marketing initiatives with the Scugog Council for the Arts.
Community Champion – Actively involved in various local organizations, including the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, contributing to Port Perry’s growth and vitality.
Kristen Meyer-Creamer
Sportslogos.net
Co-Founder of SportsLogos.Net – Leads the world’s largest online encyclopedia of sports logos, uniforms, and branding with a significant media presence.
Entrepreneur & Consultant – Co-launching “Player 97,” a consulting and design company, and offers marketing and design services to local businesses.
Community Advocate – Founded Step Up Step Out North Durham to highlight volunteer opportunities and actively volunteers on several local boards and committees.
Join the Mentor Exchange Program today and be part of a community built on knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and growth!
Email us at info@scugogchamber.ca to begin your journey!
HOW IT WORKS
How the Program Works
The Mentor Exchange Program is designed to foster meaningful professional relationships, providing mentors and mentees with a structured yet flexible way to connect, learn, and grow.
Mentor Commitments & Benefits
- Visibility & Recognition: Mentors will be prominently featured on our Mentor Exchange webpage. Premier Members will be recognized as “Founding Mentors” alongside our Board of Directors.
- Flexible Commitment: Mentors are asked to commit one hour per month for any mentee who signs up to connect. You can choose to support just one mentee at a time or a few, based on your availability.
- Mentee Selection Process:
- Mentees will browse our Mentor Exchange webpage, reviewing mentor bios.
- A “Connect” button will allow mentees to express interest in a mentor.
- Our office will reach out to the selected mentor to confirm their interest. If confirmed, we will facilitate the connection via email.
- Meeting Options: Mentors and mentees can schedule their meetings at their convenience—whether virtually, in person, or at our Chamber office meeting room, which is available free of charge for Mentor Exchange meetings.
- Ongoing Promotion & Support: Throughout the year, we will actively promote the program via social media, newsletters, and testimonials, providing additional support and engagement opportunities.
Who Can Participate?
- Mentees: Any member of the Chamber or a Durham College Business Program student can sign up.
- Mentors: Business owners, executives, and professionals who are passionate about sharing their expertise.
- Mentors can also connect with other mentors, exchanging insights to strengthen their own business strategies.
Why Become a Mentor?
- Enhance Your Reputation: Establish yourself as a thought leader and expert in your field.
- Build Meaningful Connections: Expand your professional network by mentoring emerging entrepreneurs
- Give Back to the Community: Support the next generation of professionals by sharing your knowledge, experience, and advice.
- Boost Your Own Growth: Mentoring is a two-way street—you may gain new insights, fresh perspectives, and valuable connections that can benefit your business.
- Flexible Involvement: Perfect for those who want to engage with the business community but may not be able to attend regular networking events.
Why Become a Mentee?
- Gain Expert Guidance: Receive real-world advice from experienced professionals to navigate business challenges.
- Expand Your Network: Connect with industry leaders and build relationships that open doors for future opportunities.
- Fill Gaps in Your Knowledge: Whether it’s sales, marketing, operations, or leadership—learning from a seasoned mentor can help accelerate your business growth.
- Support Your Entrepreneurial Journey: Get personalized insights tailored to your specific business needs and goals.