Earlier this summer, Executive Director Arend Kersten notified the Board of Directors (BOD) of the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce (FCC) that is was time to start discussions regarding succession planning.

Arend has been the FCC Executive Director for over 14 years. He is extremely proud of “the little chamber that could” and has proven through his tireless leadership and support of local businesses that “our little chamber can.”Arend’s tenacity has ensured that Flamborough businesses are not forgotten by Hamilton Council.  He represents the FCC as a member of Hamilton’s Open For Business Committee,  the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Committee and the Government Relations Committee (making sure Hamilton gets its fair share from Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill). He monitors all meetings of Council and its committees, attending where  necessary and speaking up on behalf of Flamborough business owners. His most recent role was to come along side local rural landscapers, supporting them at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) regarding rezoning challenges.

Desiring to reduce his workload and ease into semi-retirement, Arend approached the FCC BOD this summer to discuss a personal season of change, presenting a proposal of transition from his role as Executive Director to a contract role which would see him remain as a consultant to the FCC with a focus on Hamilton city hall and reporting on policy, advocacy, and government relations.

After many discussions what this new season would look like for the FCC, the BOD accepted Arend’s resignation and has begun the process of searching for a new Executive Director.  Arend has graciously agreed to work with the new Executive Director to ensure a smooth transition of the role and all that has gone into his past 14+ years with the FCC.

As the FCC BOD enters into the process of hiring a new Executive Director, it realizes the transition to this new season will be challenging. But it is confident there is an individual who is just as passionate about our community’s businesses as Arend and will step forward.