County of Brant Council approved the new board for the Downtown Paris Business Improvement Area (BIA) for the next two years, following the board’s election in early March.
“The Paris BIA in an integral part of our business community,” said David Bailey, Mayor for the County of Brant. “I would like to thank the past board members for their dedication to supporting downtown Paris. Volunteering their time on top of managing a small business is no easy feat, and we truly appreciate their commitment and hard work. Their efforts have helped strengthen our local economy and create opportunities for businesses to thrive.”
Highlights from the previous BIA include securing a grant from the Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association to run Saturdays in Paris, a promotional campaign that included downtown scavenger hunts, dance parties and more; rebranding Downtown Paris and a new strategic plan.
The new board consists of six positions, as well as a member of Council. The following members will serve until February 1, 2027:
- Chair – Penny Ritchie (Pennylane Dermal Solutions)
- Vice Chair – David Mahn (Paris Dental Centre)
- Treasurer – Sandra Sousa (YNCU)
- Secretary – Zack Haight (Sotheby’s)
- Director At Large – Amy Jackson (Flawless Beauty and Health Spa)
- Director At Large – Emery Silva (Bird and Bee Vintage)
- County of Brant Council Representative – Lukas Oakley
“I am looking forward to utilizing the business diversity of our new board,” said Penny Ritchie, BIA Chair and owner of Pennylane Dermal Solutions. “Maintaining a strong relationship with the County, businesses, and our community as we head into the Downtown Dig will be essential. Rebranding incentives with promotional programs and marketing Initiatives will continue their momentum. Our goal is to ease the impact on our businesses and come out stronger as a community.”
About the Paris BIA
The Paris BIA provides a valuable connection and liaison between County of Brant Council and the downtown Paris business community. The appointment of an executive board and approval of the annual budget are two key steps in promoting the activities and programs of this organization.
The new board will be focused on supporting downtown businesses during the Downtown Dig which began earlier this year but is set to include major reconstruction of downtown Paris, beginning in early April.
