If reinventing one’s self was an art form, Terry Guiel would be well on the way to having a museum dedicated to his professional trajectory over the past three decades.
Close to one year into his latest gig as executive director of the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce, the 57-year-old Peterborough resident says he has achieved a level of job satisfaction he has never known.
According to Guiel, it’s a byproduct of working daily in an environment where municipal partners are pulling the oars in the same direction to the great benefit of the 275-plus businesses and associations the chamber represents.
On this day, while patrolling the grounds of the 2024 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo at the Lindsay Exhibition, Guiel is distracted but as passionate as ever.
It was on October 17 of last year that Guiel announced his resignation from the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), an organization he served for 10 years as its executive director.
Shortly after, Guiel moved into his new job with the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce, having replaced Alyssa Adams who resigned in early October.
Guiel says he couldn’t be happier.
“I’ve known forever that Lindsay’s downtown is beautiful,” says Guiel.
“They do everything right. The police station is downtown. There’s ample parking with two hours free parking. They haven’t got a vacancy issue. It’s clean. It’s extremely safe. For some reason, the social economic collapse has bypassed Lindsay. I can concentrate on what my job is: supporting small business.”
While acknowledging he misses “the BIA world — I won lots of awards with my team,” Guiel says Lindsay’s unified and supportive approach to nipping any problems in the bud is as refreshing as it is invigorating.
“This is a place where council (members), the mayor and the deputy mayor come into my office weekly and say ‘What can we do for you?’ or ask my for my advice on things,” says Guiel, noting his early years at the Peterborough DBIA were marked by a similar atmosphere of cooperation, much to the benefit of the downtown core.
“Council listens, and they look way ahead in anticipation. They’re already looking at how they’re going to accommodate all the housing development that’s happening. Parking, roads, fire stations, libraries, museums … they’re doing what should be done early on. That’s a joy to see.”
Speaking for that body, City of Kawartha Lakes councillor Ron Ashmore, who represents Ward 6, can’t say enough about Guiel’s contributions to date.
“Terry’s been the best that I’ve ever seen at organizing events, and getting out there and meeting business people,” Ashmore says, adding “We’re glad to have him here in our community.”
So what lesson can other municipalities, Peterborough included, learn from Lindsay’s experience?
“Communities better cherish their small businesses because they’re the backbone of the community,” says Guiel, noting that resigning from the Peterborough DBIA was “the most difficult decision I had ever made” and “was extremely sad for me.”
“But since day one here in Lindsay, I’ve loved every minute. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I get to work with a great community. I’ve increased the members by 68 — a 25 per cent increase. I’ve gotten more than $80,000 in grants and sponsorships. I’m knocking it out of the ballpark here and I’m loving doing it.”
On that point, Guiel has been busy as of late volunteering his time as entertainment coordinator for the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo — an annual event with an estimated economic impact of $25 million every year in the region where it is held.
Calling on his many local live music friends, he has help secure some 30 acts for the October 1 to 5 event. That effort, he says, has initiated planning for what Guiel describes as “a major festival” in Lindsay in late August or early September of next year.
“This is going to be put Lindsay and area on the map,” predicts Guiel of that upcoming festival.
Other than that, Guiel says “continuing to build the strength of the chamber” will be the focus moving forward, along with continuing to guest speak before community groups, business organizations, and anyone else willing to listen about the success of Lindsay’s small businesses.
Now well settled into his role with the chamber, reflecting on his past roles as a Peterborough city councillor representing Ashburnham and, of course, his time at the head of the Peterborough DBIA (not to mention his years as a professional musician), Guiel says he has found a level of job satisfaction he has never known.
“Here I can just concentrate on what I love to do, what I’m paid for — I can stay in my lane and that makes me happy,” he explains. “If I looked at one of these executive director roles on paper and what they’re looking for, that ain’t me. But my life experience is perfectly suited for it.”
“Every role I’ve had checked off a box here,” Guiel explains. “Organizing events. I did some work in a legal office, so contracts. As a councillor, I got know about bylaws and permits and how a city operates under the hood. All roads have led to here. I don’t think I ever thought ‘Oh, I want to be an executive supporting small businesses’ but it has become an absolute passion.”
Guiel has no reluctance in tooting his own horn when it comes to being cheerleader-in-chief for the Lindsay chamber.
“I like to think I’m really good at it,” he says. “I’m inspiring members and they’re excited. They’re always telling me they see my everywhere, and the profile of the Lindsay chamber is greater than it has ever been.”
Asked if this is the happiest he’s ever been professionally, Guiel quickly answers “Oh God, yes — 100 per cent,” adding “The community has been extremely welcoming.”
“One person said to me ‘How did we get Gretzky?’,” Guiel laughs. “I’m probably more of a Börje Salming.”
