Written by
Nicole Crosby
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The Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce has been championing local business for over 120 years. From startups to industry leaders, we connect, advocate, and celebrate the people driving our local economy.
Week Two Winner: Mad Barn and Wrobel Family Pay It Forward at Petrolia Street Bakery.
The second week of the contest brought another inspiring local story, this time centered around family, entrepreneurship, and community support.
On May 16, 2026, Scott Cieslar, founder and CEO of Mad Barn, stopped by Petrolia Street Bakery to pick up baked goods. Rather than tossing the receipt afterward, he passed it along to his sister, Melissa Wrobel, owner of Wrobel Massage Therapy in Kingsville, who entered it into the Love Local 2 Win contest.
Melissa’s submission was selected as the second weekly winner, earning her $500 and bringing recognition to Petrolia Street Bakery as the winning business.
The family quickly decided to turn the win into something bigger for the community.
The $500 customer prize will be donated back to Petrolia Street Bakery to provide free baked goods for the first customers through the door on Saturday, May 30.
“For us, this is what supporting local business is all about,” said Scott Cieslar. “A simple stop at a bakery turned into something that benefits the business, the customer, and the community. Petrolia Street Bakery is the kind of place that gives a town character, and we’re happy to send the prize money right back through their front door.”
Located at 4224 Petrolia Line, Petrolia Street Bakery is known for its fresh breads, baked goods, and welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Melissa Wrobel said the contest demonstrates how interconnected local businesses truly are.“Small businesses understand how much every customer matters,” said Wrobel. “I entered the receipt because contests like this are a simple way to support the places that make our communities feel connected. It’s exciting to see the win go back to the bakery and its customers.”
For the past two days, we’ve laughed, shared memories, and celebrated someone who has meant so much to our Chamber family.
Your kindness, dedication, and heart have left a lasting mark on all of us. We’ll miss you every day, and we know your name and stories will continue to come up in conversations for years to come. From hummus and peppers to margaritas and flamingos, there will always be little reminders of you everywhere. 🦩🍹
Thank you for everything you’ve done and for being such an amazing human. Wishing you nothing but happiness, relaxation, and adventure in this next chapter. Enjoy retirement, Diane!
Len MacLachlan of Selectpath Benefits & Financial Inc. is celebrating a major achievement, earning the Edward J. Barilla Memorial Award for Highest Net Premium Volume in the small market segment category (0-3,000 employers).
This award recognizes exceptional growth and dedication to delivering meaningful benefits solutions to small business clients.
“Len’s success reflects his deep commitment to the small business community,” said Michele Mactaggart,” Regional Marketing Director (Ontario), Johnston Group, which administers the Chambers Plan.
“His work ensures more employees have access to essential benefits and wellness supports.”
About the Chambers Plan
The Chambers Plan is Canada’s leading group benefits program for small businesses, representing over 30,000 participating employers across the country. Designed specifically for small- to mid-sized operations, the plan offers flexible, comprehensive coverage including health, dental, disability, and wellness supports. Known for its pooled pricing stability, ease of administration, and local advisor expertise, the Chambers Plan helps businesses attract and retain talent while supporting employee well-being.
Carrie McEachran CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce was proud to join WEtech Alliance, Invest WindsorEssex, Procurement Assistance Canada, and regional Chamber partners at a “Buy Canadian” policy forum. Carrie was joined by several Sarnia-Lambton business and association representatives for the event, which welcomed federal procurement officials alongside the honorable Sandra Pupatello, Senator of Canada for Ontario to help local innovators and business professionals learn more about the newly launched Buy Canadian procurement portal.
Attendees gained valuable insight into what a “Buy Canadian” approach could mean for Canadian businesses, particularly SMEs looking to compete for federal procurement opportunities.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this important discussion focused on strengthening domestic supply chains, supporting Canadian industry, and creating new opportunities for businesses across our region.
Roundtable with Minister Solomon on Economic
Growth and Innovation
May 17th, Carrie McEachran attended a roundtable discussion with Minister Evan Solomon - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) hosted by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership at the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park.
The roundtable highlighted the future of the region's economy. The Chamber briefly spoke about the unique challenges that our small to medium sized businesses are facing. We also joined all participants in sharing how the federal government can best support companies in Sarnia-Lambton to safeguard operations in Canada and foster economic resilience.
Everyone welcome! Registration recommended but not required
Free Event for Members!
Province Investing $7 Million to Protect Ontario’s Agri-Food Sector
OBAA Sponsor Opportunities Now Available!!
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