From left to right: Mayor Alex Nuttall, Angela Baldwin, Barbara White, Leah Smith-Size, Karen Johnson, Sarah Dobson, Rowley Ramey, Patricia Dent, Rob Newman, Patrick Harriott-Stewart, President Salim Bardai, Bruce MacGillivray, CEO Paul Markle, Rychard Lardner, Andy Gubbels, and Teena Sauve
Mayor Alex Nuttall Administers Oath of Office at Inaugural Meeting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2025
The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce its 2025/2026 Board of Directors, officially sworn in during the first board meeting of the new term on July 22, 2025. Mayor Alex Nuttall was on hand to administer the formal oath of office.
Following the ceremony, the Chamber held its executive elections. The incoming executive team includes:
- President: Salim Bardai (serving year two of his term)
- Past President: Rychard Lardner
- First Vice President: Bruce MacGillivray
- Second Vice President: Sarah Dobson
- Secretary: Rob Newman
- Treasurer: Andy Gubbels
The full 2025/2026 Board of Directors also includes:
Angela Baldwin, Patricia Dent, Patrick Harriott-Stewart, Karen Johnson, Rowley Ramey, Teena Sauve, Leah Smith-Size, and Barbara White.
“We’ve got business banging down our door... Existing businesses are trying to expand. New businesses are coming to Barrie,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “There’s so much demand here in the City of Barrie. The role the Chamber plays in connecting business to opportunity has never been more important.”
President Salim Bardai emphasized the Chamber’s long-term vision and leadership role:
“What we do this year is not for us. It’s for the future”, said Bardai. “The Barrie we have four years from now will be totally different. Setting up the business community for that evolution is our responsibility.”
This year, the Chamber will focus on updating and advancing its strategic plan, strengthening advocacy efforts and building deeper connections between business and community to support long-term economic growth in the region.
For more information about the Chamber’s board or upcoming programs, visit www.barriechamber.com.
Paul Markle, ACE
Chief Executive Officer
Paul@BarrieChamber.com
121 Commerce Park Drive, Unit A
Barrie, Ontario , L4N 8X1
(O) 705 - 721 - 5000 ext. 5
(C) 249-288-3540
About the Barrie Chamber of Commerce
The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant, thriving business community in Barrie and the surrounding areas. As a voice for local businesses, we advocate on behalf of our members at all levels of government, championing policies that drive economic growth and contribute to our region's overall prosperity. Through meaningful events, networking opportunities, educational resources, and support for business development, we empower our members to succeed and grow. With a proud history of serving the community, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce remains committed to making Barrie a great place to live, work and do business.