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The governance and direction of the Cookstown & District Chamber of Commerce are entrusted to our

Board of elected Directors and Immediate Past President.

Each member of the Board contributes a unique blend of experience, leadership, and business insight, helping guide the Chamber’s initiatives and support the success of our local business community. Together, they play a vital role in shaping the growth and prosperity of Cookstown.


meet our Board of directors



President

Stephania is a young professional and co-founder of the Luxury & Lifestyle Real Estate Group, now in her 7th year helping clients across Simcoe County and the GTA find their perfect homes.

She lives in Innisfil with her spouse Simon and daughter Isabella. Stephania has a love for interior design, bringing creativity and an eye for detail to every project she undertakes. She also has a passion for animals, often spending time at her farm in Oro with her pony, Puddin’. Stephania is passionate about nurturing creativity in herself and those around her, whether through her professional work, community initiatives, or mentoring.

Excited about the group’s new office in the heart of downtown Cookstown, Stephania looks forward to continuing to provide exceptional service while contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the local community.


  • vp@cookstownchamber.ca
  • cookstownpub.ca

Vice President

Terra Brown is a long-time business owner and community leader in Cookstown. As the owner of the local pub since 1997, she has spent decades creating a welcoming space at the heart of the community—building connections, supporting local initiatives, and fostering a true sense of belonging.

In addition to her hospitality roots, Terra is a dedicated real estate professional serving Simcoe County. With deep local knowledge and a client-first approach, she helps buyers and sellers navigate the market with confidence. Her passion for design and home staging, combined with her commitment to staying current in an ever-evolving industry, allows her to deliver thoughtful, personalized service.

A lifelong resident of the area, Terra brings both experience and heart to everything she does. 

As Vice President, Terra is excited to support the Chamber’s growth, strengthen local connections, and champion the businesses that make Cookstown such a vibrant place to live and work.




Chamber Treasurer

Jordana Jones is a Cookstown resident, writer, and local engagement activist. She brings experience in community organizing and digital storytelling, with a focus on how people connect to place and to one another. 

Her background includes designing extracurricular programs at the University of Toronto and developing outreach strategies that have grown and engaged audiences. She is the founder of Cookstown Collective, a placemaking project that documents the people, places, and stories of Cookstown.

Through her work and her role on the board, Jordana is committed to supporting a vibrant, connected local community.

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Secretary

I am Ambarish Sharma, Founder and CEO of CygniSoft, a talent and technology company that bridges opportunities between Canada and India, and a proud resident of Innisfil. I built CygniSoft with a clear vision to empower businesses with the right people and innovative solutions, and to create meaningful impact through growth, efficiency, and global collaboration.

My journey extends beyond business. I am deeply committed to community leadership and social impact, serving as a Board Member of the Cancer Heroes Organization. Through my work with the Rotary Club of Innisfil and the Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, I contribute to initiatives that strengthen communities, support entrepreneurs, and build meaningful connections.

I also bring my entrepreneurial spirit into hospitality as the owner of Firangi Restaurant in Brampton, where I celebrate culture, experience, and connection through food.

At the core of everything I do is a belief in building ecosystems, where business success, community impact, and human connection come together to create lasting value.



  • heidi@heidivisser.com
  • Phone: 647-809-9673
  • www.heidi-visser.remaxhallmarkchay.com/

Past President

Heidi Visser is a dedicated REALTOR® serving Simcoe County, with a special focus on Cookstown, Innisfil, and Oro-Medonte. As a proud Cookstown resident and President of the Cookstown and District Chamber of Commerce, She is deeply connected to our community - supporting local businesses and the people who make this town such a wonderful place to live.

Heidi helps families and individuals find homes and lifestyles that truly fit them. Her approach is caring, hands-on, and relationship-focused - because real estate isn’t just about houses, it’s about people, stories, and new beginnings.





  • Direct: 416 618 2112
  • Events@BubblyBites.Co
  • https://www.bubblybites.co/


Chamber Director
Anna Kowalczyk-Slowy is the Founder and Creative Director of Bubbly Bites Co.—your go-to for Luxury Mobile Charcuterie and Mobile Bar Service. Since launching, Anna has quickly become a standout in the local business community, recently celebrating Bubbly Bites’ 1-year anniversary and being honored with the 2025 Rising Star of the Year Award.

Now in her second year on the Board of Directors for the Cookstown Chamber of Commerce, Anna brings years of experience in banquet halls, restaurants, mobile pop-up catering, and event planning to the table. She knows how powerful the right details can be in creating seamless events and unforgettable moments.

A proud Innisfil resident, Anna is dedicated to fostering a vibrant local economy and helping Cookstown’s entrepreneurs shine as a thriving hub for both heritage and innovation.


  • 647-654-2910
  • connect@cookstownchamber.ca


Administrative Operations Specialist
Laura brings over 15 years of experience in IT project delivery, specializing in transforming strategic initiatives into successful outcomes through effective collaboration and planning. As a long-time Cookstown resident and dedicated community advocate, she is committed to supporting local businesses and driving operational excellence within the Chamber. In her role as Administrative Operations Specialist, Laura oversees communications, membership coordination, and the Chamber’s daily operations, ensuring efficiency and consistency across all initiatives.


Past Presidents
  • Trish Beesley | Trish Beesley Photography
  • Guilio Kukurugya | long time member of the South Simcoe Theatre
  • Eileen Hewson | owner of store, Traditions, on the North Side of Queen Street
  • Ruth Draper | owner of Art Unique
  • Laurie Monroe | owner of Will Silk’s General Store
  • Tammy Fortin | owner of LOL Cafe
  • Linda Hobbs | owner of Damar Ltd.
  • Diana Robinson | owner of Robinson Enterprises
  • Candice Cole | owner of Pearl Decor and Events
  • Pam Arnold Playter | owner of Howl With Pride Piano Studio
  • Trish Beesley | owner of Trish Beesley Photography


Chairpersons
  • Boonanza|  Ambarish Sharma

  • Light up night|  Stephania Da Prato

  • Wing Ding|  Terra Brown & Jordana Jones
  • Grand Easter Hunt|  Heidi Visser
  • Membership & Sponsorship Committee|  Stephania & Anna
  • Cookstown Dance|  Terra Brown


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