Anne Lizotte, a veteran member of the Clarence-Rockland Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) board of directors, is getting her chance at the helm of the organization. As of May 8, Lizotte took on the role of president, replacing outgoing president Louis Béland, the executive director of the Eastern Ontario Training Board.
Lizotte observed that her becoming chamber president is not about making that next step in her career, a step she sees as a natural progression, but continuing the work she does to help other businesses succeed.
“The accomplishments are what I can do day-to-day,” said Lizotte. “It’s service to local businesses, that’s what the role means.”
Lizotte praised Béland and the work he did for the chamber, thanking him for his year as the head of the organization following a difficult time for business after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He’s an inspiration,” said Lizotte. “He’s a great person to have as an advisor and on the board.”
Béland will remain on the board as a director.
Lizotte has much to be proud of as she takes the reigns. Her crowning achievement, or at least the most visible one, is as founder and organizer of the annual Clarence-Rockland Expo, including the mayor’s breakfast, which wrapped up its 11th edition in early May. She’s also worked on campaigns for major brands like Colgate, the Government of Canada and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry with her namesake communications company she started 30 years ago.
As a member of the Clarence-Rockland business community for the better part of two decades, Anne Lizotte is well aware of the challenges that small, medium and large enterprises face in the region.
“I find that rent is an issue,” she said. “Finding the right space at the right price is difficult. But the number one challenge is having people shop local.”
“We’ll be trying to do more to promote small businesses and businesses in the area,” she added. “Small businesses, and even the larger ones, need to have more of a voice. They need help making sure people know that they exist.”
