Harrow & Colchester South Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to the municipality of Harrow and Colchester South, located in Essex County, Ontario, Canada.
For nearly two centuries, we have maintained a rich history in Southern Ontario that continues to present day. As a southern community located along the scenic shores of Lake Erie, our region features the ideal soil and weather conditions to support many local wineries, agricultural festivals, and recreational activities on the water.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kristen Tell
President
Kristen Tell has 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and has resided in Essex since 2002. Kristen was born and raised on Pelee Island and feels the same sense of small-town community since joining the Chamber in Harrow in early 2022. Kristen has 2 children and enjoys reading, puzzles and spending time with her family, friends, and 2 French bulldogs.
Dennis McLean
Vice President
Dennis McLean is a local farmer with deep roots in Harrow and Colchester’s business and agricultural community. As part of the Chamber, Dennis has taken on the initiative of facilitating and implementing the annual New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Harrow Arena year-after-year. Dennis is passionate about advocating on behalf of businesses and families in the community.
Jill Marontate
Director
Jill Marontate has been a citizen of the Harrow community for 49 years.
After 35 years of working in the accounting profession, she retired and is now an employee of Gerald A. Smith Funeral Home.
She is a 30-year member of the Harrow Rotary Club and Past President and has held numerous positions within the club, currently being the treasurer for the club.
At the Rotary District level, she was the District Chair for Rotary District 6400 Interact Clubs and a member of the Conference Committee for Rotary District 6400.
She has been a board member of the Harrow and Colchester South Chamber of Commerce for over 14 years, a past president and currently a director. Jill has 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren. She loves entertaining with her family and friends and enjoys walking, yoga and working in her gardens.
Mark Clifford
Secretary
I moved out to Harrow 50 years ago from Windsor, and for the most part have been here ever since. Most of my professional life has been spent in Retail Merchandising and Retail Management. I am passionate about making our Town, the best that it can be, to serve the people who call this our home. My passion is to grow our downtown area, so that people can get what they need in town, instead of going out of town. I am also working to grow recreational Pickleball in the area, trying to introduce more people to the benefits of being active.
Erin Amond
Treasurer
Erin and her partner (Matthew) have recently moved to the county after falling in love with the small-town atmosphere. Erin was previously from Windsor but had joined the Libro Credit Union in Harrow 2 years ago and felt like the county became home. She is excited to be a part of the Chamber and looks forward to spreading awareness to others who are new to the area. She loves taking her German Shepherd for walks on the beach, fishing and mainly spending her time outdoors.
Rachael Mills
Director
Rachael Mills is a proud new director with the Harrow and Colchester South Chamber of Commerce. She is passionate about protecting the natural environment and agricultural lands while building a strong, connected community. She volunteers with local environmental groups and serves on the Town of Essex Affordable Housing Task Force and Co-An Park Committee, advocating for balanced growth. Having moved to Harrow in 2024, she wishes to champion our local businesses, recognizing them as the heart of a thriving community. Whether advocating for balanced solutions, conservation, local economic growth, or fostering inclusive and equitable spaces, she is committed to building a future where neighbours, businesses and nature flourish, together!
Nancy Burke
Director
Nancy Burke has over 25 years of experience in the Hospitality Industry. Nancy has taken her passion for wine, books, coffee and community and created Daisy & Co. Wine Bar in Harrow. As a new Director with the Chamber, she looks forward to contributing to the community’s growth and prosperity. She enjoys reading, cooking and running. Nancy recently formed Daisy & Co. In Motion Club, a walking and running group in Harrow. She was raised in Kingsville, spent several years in Windsor, and moved back to Kingsville to raise her 2 children. Nancy now resides in Harrow with her significant other, Jon and their mischievous golden retriever.
Natalie Raies
Director
Dr. Natalie Raies is a dedicated and experienced optometrist with over six years of clinical experience in eye care. Natalie earned her Bachelor of Science with Honours in Biological Sciences and a minor in French Studies from the University of Windsor, followed by her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry, graduating with honours in 2018. Natalie has a strong passion for promoting lifelong eye health and is committed to helping patients achieve and maintain clear, comfortable vision through compassionate and thorough care. Natalie is excited for the opportunity to give back to the Harrow community. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys traveling, playing soccer and pickleball, and exploring new restaurants.