SCUGOG LAKE STEWARDS - Key Persons
Amy Toon is a wife, mother, oma, sister, friend, trier of all things once, crafter, law clerk, and volunteer. Amy is passionate about our community. Although her family planted their roots in Pontypool, Amy works, plays, and volunteers in the wonderful town of Port Perry.
Amy is a law clerk with McMurtry Law. The family law firm has been located in town and a Chamber member since 2010.
Amy's natural ability to foster relationships, listen intently, as well as organize and execute events has supported her success in numerous volunteer positions including, Team Rep and President of North Durham Ladies Lobball League for 8 years, Pontypool Park Board member and park coordinator for over 28 years, co-creator/coordinator of Amazing Race Port Perry, Polar Plunge and Mayor's Gala, as well as Oak Ridges Hospice Volunteer since its opening. Amy was honoured to receive the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism this past summer.
Job Titles:
- Secretary
- Secretary and Director With the Scugog Chamber of Commerce
Dawn's volunteerism spans her children's activities and extends to local causes like aiding abused women, school reading programs, and Christmas initiatives.
Dawn is also a RYT 200 certified yoga instructor and has taught yoga within the community for close to 10 years.
Job Titles:
- Director / McDonald 's Restaurants
Bio
Jillian is the Chair of our Santa Claus Parade Committee and loves to give back to her community. For over 20 years Jill has been actively involved in helping others with planning and running special events. She organizes "The Community Gift Giving Program" through Mary Kay which provides residents at the Port Perry Community Nursing Home with gifts on Christmas.
Jillian was on the 2009 Mayor's Honour Roll, recognizing her community service work. She is an Independent Sales Rep for Mary Kay, and Norwex and has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2008.
She has been involved with the Chamber of Commerce since 2003 allowing her to assist in the coordinating of community various events. Helping others is something Jill truly loves doing. Jillian was also the recipient of the inaugural "Bob Brozina Volunteer of the Year Award" in 2021, in recognition of her dedication to the Scugog Chamber of Commerce.
Karen currently operates her own Electrolysis business and is a strong advocate for entrepreneurs. In her past role, Karen brings 20 years of experience from the Economic Development and Tourism sector.
Karen's passion for the community and involvement include being a proud member of the Scugog Chamber of Commerce and is on the Board of Directors as Treasurer. She has participated as a member of The Durham Home and Small Business Association, Scugog Lake Stewards Inc. and volunteer Office Associate at the Scugog Chamber and BIA offices. She enjoys volunteering at the Santa Claus Parade, Tree Lighting Celebration, Christmas Light Contest, Beer Fest and many other community events.
Her attitude is one of positive change and hopes by working together, being innovative and open to new ideas we can help our community prosper and grow.
Bio
While still working in the corporate world in 2005, Karey Anne Large started making cakes out of her home kitchen. After discovering her passion for cake decorating, she dove in headfirst, leaving her corporate career behind and opening her first retail location in 2011. Born and raised in Whitby, Large chose the historic downtown Whitby to open up her dream shop - Kake Kreations. After, a tragic fire at her Brock Street location, she persevered and moved Kake Kreations to its second location on Dundas Street in 2015.
Large saw many sweet successes during her cake decorating journey, including winning the 2015 Parents Choice Award for Best Cakes in Durham Region and the Whitby Chamber of Commerce's (WCC) New Business of the Year in 2016. She was also the only Canadian featured on the Food Network's Cake Wars and was awarded 1st runner up.
In 2017, Large made the difficult decision to close up Kake Kreations and step into the position as the Executive Director of the Downtown Whitby Business Improvement Area (DWBIA), combining her experience as a small business owner with her love for the Town of Whitby.
With more than 40 years as a Whitby resident, Large sees the importance of giving back and has held such positions as Past President of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce and a past member of its Signature Events Planning Committee. She is also a member of Whitby Rotary Sunrise as the current club service director and chair for Whitby Ribfest, Large has also sat on the Whitby Heritage Advisory Committee, Lakeridge Health Gala Planning Committee, and sat as the co-chair for Mayor Mitchells Community Development Fund Planning Committee in 2022. Large has also sat on the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association's Board of Directors and Advocacy Committee. Her dedication to volunteerism was recognized in 2019 when she received the WCC's second-ever Jim Lavelle Award, inspired by the extraordinary contributions of the late Jim Lavelle and the four values he deemed most important: commitment, determination, innovation, and compassion.
Kristen Meyer-Creamer co-runs the sports media website SportsLogos.Net with Chris Creamer. Established in 1997, SportsLogos.Net is the world's largest online encyclopedia of sports logos, uniforms, and branding, expanding over the years to encompass a media/news wing, a forum, a best-selling book, and a significant social media presence. In 2024 they will be launching "Player 97" a consulting and design company geared to helping companies shape the vision of their brands. Kristen also provides marketing and design services locally to businesses like North End Fitness, Branching Out Floral Design, Jeannine Rosenberg Designs, Chrystal Clean, and more. In 2023, she founded Step Up Step Out North Durham, an organization that highlights volunteer opportunities & events and enjoys volunteering her own time to several community boards and committees locally.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham
Margaret is the dedicated Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham (BBBSND), boasting a remarkable 25-years with the agency. While BBBSND's mission centers around igniting the power and potential of youth through mentoring, Margaret's role extends far beyond; she serves as a catalyst for change, driving tangible results, and making a profound difference in the lives of children and youth.
Matt is a designer, urban planner, heritage advocate, fifth generation farmer, husband and a small business owner. In 2003 at the age of 23 I ran for Ward 1 Councillor. While he didn't get elected, the experience drew him towards the issues of urban planning, so much so that in 2005 he returned to planning school. Upon graduation Matt was hired by one of Toronto's top architectural firms where he assisted in the creation of both the Port Perry Downtown Waterfront Revitalization Project and led development of the Downtown Port Perry HCD.
For over 20 years, Melissa Rada has called Port Perry home, fostering a profound connection with the community. Known for her dynamic approach to community engagement, Melissa has become a passionate advocate for supporting small businesses in the area. As the founder of Radar Digital Marketing in Port Perry, she harnesses the power of digital media to empower local businesses while maintaining a strong focus on community well-being.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Melissa has dedicated several years to the Scugog Council for the Arts, playing key roles in enhancing local tourism through impactful marketing initiatives.
Melissa's commitment to community extends beyond her professional life. Not only is Melissa stoked on Scugog but she is actively involved in various local organizations, including the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, she embodies a genuine passion for contributing to the growth and vitality of Port Perry.
Micheline owns and operates a local toy store, Kiwi & Bos Wonder Emporium, as well as travel agencies both in Canada and the United States. A strong entrepreneurial spirit was passed down to her by her father, who owned and operated a car dealership in Durham Region for much of her life. She grew up seeing what it truly meant to own a business, understands the hard work and sacrifice that owners pour into their work every day, and the struggles and challenges that go with it. She believes strongly in community engagement, volunteerism, and the power of shopping local and supporting local.
She brings to the chamber a belief that together, business owners can raise each other up, and strengthen our towns, regions, and communities, which is vital to so many in our area. While this is her first year on the board, she is looking forward to bringing her background with various non profits and event planning to the projects ahead, and believes in the vision it has for the future.
Bio
As a hairstylist, with over 46 years of experience, cut and colour specialist Rosario Greco has a great passion for the hair industry.
Internationally trained. Rosario knows the importance of ongoing education to keep up with the latest cutting techniques
and hair care products and in 2018 obtained the Ontario College of Trades Red Seal in Hairdressing. Initially a competitor and now with a Life-Time Achievement Award in the Master Judges Program, Rosario has also involved himself in many industry related fundraisers, ABA Hair Shows, and has traveled to many parts of the world for training and platform work.
In addition to the beauty side of his industry, 11 years ago, Rosario also began
to recognizing the importance of being able to help his clients with hair loss and scalp care issues and became a trained trichologist. In 2013 Rosario opened and continues to operate Rosario Greco Styles, Hair Salon and Hair Loss Centre in Port
Job Titles:
- Communications & Event Coordinator
Terry had a very successful career and has focused on inclusive hiring throughout his career. terry uses a peer mentoring approach that ensures everyone has a successful employment experience and he is. a firm believer in employment inclusion for everyone. Terry provides education and offers mentorship to many small businesses in the Durham region and is also involved in many community organizations, including the Port Perry Canada Day committee, past board member of Community Living and as well Big Brothers and Big Sister North Durham.