WHO WE ARE
The volunteer Board of Directors ensures that the various committees, businesses, and organizations in the BIA coordinate in effective and meaningful ways. As well, the Board oversees the administration of the BIA and provides a forum for issues of most importance to BIA members. Our Board of Directors are committed to improving the local business environment.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary-Anne Bjorkman: Director
Golden Girls Fashions
519-776-8555
Richard Banwell: Treasurer
Erika Banwell, CA
519-776-6407
rbanwell963@gmail.com
Dr. Mark Belisle: Director
Essex Chiropractic, Rehabilitation, and Massage
519-776-7683
drmarkbelisle@gmail.com
Ann Pittao: Vice Chair
Stepping Out
519-776-5000
steppingout@bellnet.ca
Pauline Gemmell: Director
Essex County Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic
519-776-6856
p.gemmell@ecnplc.com
Liz Engert: Director
Real Estate Broker
519-792-7979
Liz Semperger: Secretary
Essex Stained Glass
519-776-4577
lizard@mnsi.net
Shelly Hodare: Director
Employment Assessment Centre
519-776-8711
shelly.hodare@publicboard.ca
Mayor Ron McDermott: Advisor
Municipality of the Town of Essex
519-776-7336
rmcdermott@essex.ca
WHAT WE DO
The Essex Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of business people who have joined together to improve business for the more than 200 businesses and services in its jurisdiction.
Operating through a board of directors who own or work in downtown businesses, the BIA’s primary function is twofold: one is to improve the physical environment of the area, and the other is assist with economic redevelopment of the local business community through area-wide promotion and advertising. Our BIA provides both the organized structure and the source of funds to help improve our business economy and to make our town a better place in which to live and to make a living.
The board meets on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss long-range planning and to deal with new and ongoing issues.
THE ESSEX BIA MISSION
Attract and maintain customers in the area.
Build a positive image for the area.
Effectively promote the BIA.
Provide a direction of accomplishment for BIA members.
Generate greater community interest and pride.
Provide for a greater spirit of co-operation and enthusiasm within the BIA.
Provide and secure sources of funding for undertaking short and long-term projects, planned and carried out in an orderly manner.