Phil Archambault has officially taken on the role of president of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, with youth, workforce development and the cost of doing business among his top priorities. The Porcupine Dante Club ballroom was packed as Archambault addressed members at the chamber’s annual general meeting. He said one of his main priorities is for the business community to build a stronger connection with youth and help prepare students for the workforce. “Our businesses need to get in our schools,” Archambault said. “We need to have more of a role with kids and students. Get them more familiar (with) what’s required for work, and basically the basic and soft skills needed to get into the workforce and better apprenticeships.” He said opportunities for students to visit local businesses have declined since the pandemic, and it’s something he wants to change. He said his passion for helping young people comes from his own experience. Grew up in the tire business Archambault grew up in the tire business, starting his first job at just six years old. He also credits a hockey coach with helping him develop the drive to work hard and do better. “I think this day in age, that’s what a lot of kids need is just, you know, passion and drive to do better for themselves,” said Archambault. His second priority is working with all levels of government to reduce taxes and what he calls the regulatory burden on businesses. That message resonated with Ashley Richards, a local small-business owner and president of the Timmins Construction Association. “Every dollar that we don’t have to give back to the government is money that we can reinvest in the community,” said Richards, owner of Pop Up Balloon Shop. “So every dollar that we get to keep, we get to reinvest it in better equipment, growing our teams, giving our employees raises, keeping the skilled workers within the community here.” Tariffs are another issue facing local businesses. Archambault said the situation continues to create uncertainty, and the chamber will focus on connecting businesses with information, resources and government support. He said the chamber will also continue advocating for local projects, including road building and infrastructure, as a way of strengthening the local economy.
