Guest Presenter: Chuck Thibeault, Executive Director of Central Counties Tourism

Cost: FREE for Erin Chamber members ($25 for non-members)

The visitor economy (tourism) is all about money. Its sole purpose is to put more cash in the tills of businesses and organizations in communities across the world. Erin is competing against every other community for some of those visitors, so let’s band together and figure out how to be successful. Spend an hour with Chuck Thibeault from Central Counties Tourism as we discuss real, implementable tips and tricks to set yourself up for success this summer. If you are a consumer-facing business hoping to get more people through your doors, this session is for you!

What you’ll learn:

• Erin Visitor Data Review

• Erin Visitor Growth Plan Review

• Coopetition: What it is and how to use it

• Implementation of some collaborations to drive visitors

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Chuck Thibeault is a passionate and vocal advocate for the growth of the visitor economy. His 30+ year career has been dedicated to supporting businesses, organizations and municipalities understand and embrace the importance of attracting and retaining visitors for their own success.

As the Executive Director of Central Counties Tourism, a provincially funded organization dedicated to developing, supporting and promoting tourism in Durham Region, York Region, and Headwaters Tourism Region, he champions growth through collaboration and coordination. Chuck has facilitated the development of more than a dozen Visitor Growth Plans for communities across the region, ensuring that the visitor economy is top-of-mind when making municipal decisions.

Chuck comes from the world of attractions, starting his career at an indoor playground for kids. He then went on to grow Putting Edge to over 20 locations, worked Ontario Place, the Royal Ontario Museum and THE MUSEUM in Kitchener before taking on his current role with Central Counties. In 2016, missing the attractions business that is so near and dear to his heart, he opened GlowZone 360 in Brampton with some friends. The second location opened in 2019 in Mississauga and the partners are actively looking to open locations three and four.

Chuck approaches challenges and opportunities within the tourism sector with a unique perspective of both an operator and a support resource. He understands that visitor growth is only going to be successful when there are enough things to do to get people to visit and the people that do visit have an incredible time. Central Counties Tourism focuses on providing tools and supports that help businesses be successful for themselves.

After helping successfully grow Putting Edge to over 20 locations, Chuck sold his shares and became the Director of Sales at Ontario Place. His time there and as Director of Sales and Membership at the Royal Ontario Museum solidified his belief in the importance of visitors for the sustainability of attractions across the province and beyond.

In his spare time, Chuck teaches an Attractions Operations course at Durham College, plays disc golf whenever he can and watches a lot of lacrosse – with two of his three boys playing at rep and professional levels. He lives in Georgetown with Trish and their three boys aged 22, 21 and 18.

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Erin Chamber Business Seminars provide participants with a small group experience that encourages discussion and idea sharing. Presentations will be provided by professional experts and group discussion will focus on ideas and challenges shared by seminar participants.

• Please note that capacity is limited and advanced registration is recommended
• Brought to you by a partnership between the Erin Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Erin
• Planning support generously provided by Culture & Talent Works

May 12, 2026 – 9:00-10:00am

Cost: FREE for Erin Chamber members ($25 for non-members)

The visitor economy (tourism) is all about money. Its sole purpose is to put more cash in the tills of businesses and organizations in communities across the world. Erin is competing against every other community for some of those visitors, so let’s band together and figure out how to be successful. Spend an hour with Chuck Thibeault from Central Counties Tourism as we discuss real, implementable tips and tricks to set yourself up for success this summer. If you are a consumer-facing business hoping to get more people through your doors, this session is for you!

What you’ll learn:

• Erin Visitor Data Review

• Erin Visitor Growth Plan Review

• Coopetition: What it is and how to use it

• Implementation of some collaborations to drive visitors

~~~~

Chuck Thibeault is a passionate and vocal advocate for the growth of the visitor economy. His 30+ year career has been dedicated to supporting businesses, organizations and municipalities understand and embrace the importance of attracting and retaining visitors for their own success.

As the Executive Director of Central Counties Tourism, a provincially funded organization dedicated to developing, supporting and promoting tourism in Durham Region, York Region, and Headwaters Tourism Region, he champions growth through collaboration and coordination. Chuck has facilitated the development of more than a dozen Visitor Growth Plans for communities across the region, ensuring that the visitor economy is top-of-mind when making municipal decisions.

Chuck comes from the world of attractions, starting his career at an indoor playground for kids. He then went on to grow Putting Edge to over 20 locations, worked Ontario Place, the Royal Ontario Museum and THE MUSEUM in Kitchener before taking on his current role with Central Counties. In 2016, missing the attractions business that is so near and dear to his heart, he opened GlowZone 360 in Brampton with some friends. The second location opened in 2019 in Mississauga and the partners are actively looking to open locations three and four.

Chuck approaches challenges and opportunities within the tourism sector with a unique perspective of both an operator and a support resource. He understands that visitor growth is only going to be successful when there are enough things to do to get people to visit and the people that do visit have an incredible time. Central Counties Tourism focuses on providing tools and supports that help businesses be successful for themselves.

After helping successfully grow Putting Edge to over 20 locations, Chuck sold his shares and became the Director of Sales at Ontario Place. His time there and as Director of Sales and Membership at the Royal Ontario Museum solidified his belief in the importance of visitors for the sustainability of attractions across the province and beyond.

In his spare time, Chuck teaches an Attractions Operations course at Durham College, plays disc golf whenever he can and watches a lot of lacrosse – with two of his three boys playing at rep and professional levels. He lives in Georgetown with Trish and their three boys aged 22, 21 and 18.

~~~~

Erin Chamber Business Seminars provide participants with a small group experience that encourages discussion and idea sharing. Presentations will be provided by professional experts and group discussion will focus on ideas and challenges shared by seminar participants.

• Please note that capacity is limited and advanced registration is recommended
• Brought to you by a partnership between the Erin Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Erin
• Planning support generously provided by Culture & Talent Works