Examining how Great Lakes shipping directly connects inland economic growth to global markets will be the central focus of the second annual Huron Marine and Economic Forum.
The Forum will take place Thursday, October 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Goderich Columbus Convention Centre.
Hosted by the Huron Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Goderich Port Management Corporation, the event will feature a newly announced panel lineup under the theme, Beyond the Breakwall: Connecting inland economic growth to global trade through the Great Lakes, bringing together leaders from Ontario’s marine, transportation, energy, agriculture, trade, and economic development sectors.
The forum’s first panel, titled Infrastructure and Corridor Capacity, will tackle the critical physical networks required to move goods efficiently through the region. Moderated by Steve Salmons of the Windsor Port Authority, the session features Captain Satinder Singh of the Toronto Port Authority, Neil Johnson of GIO Rail, John Grech of Picton Terminals, and Jason Card of the Chamber of Marine Commerce. Together, they will evaluate port capacity, rail and road linkages, containerization, customs, and the broader impacts of corridor constraints on Canadian trade resilience.
A second panel, Economic Impact and Market Access, will shift the focus inland to address supply-chain resilience, export opportunities, and regional investment. Moderated by Dave Shorey of Georgian College, speakers include Chad Richards of Bruce Power, Darryl Markle of Parrish & Heimbecker, Chris Watson of Huron County Economic Development, and Ashley Kalyn of Peacock Tariff Consulting. The discussion will highlight how sectors such as food processing, manufacturing, logistics, and energy depend on integrated transportation networks to reach domestic and international markets.
Organizers emphasize that the forum addresses a vital link between shoreline logistics and local businesses.
"We wanted this year’s forum to really demonstrate that the marine economy doesn’t stop at the shoreline," said Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce. "What happens at our ports is directly connected to farms, manufacturers, energy projects, rail and trucking, local employment and our ability to reach markets across Canada and around the world. These panels bring together people who can speak to those connections from very different parts of the system."
Industry leadership echoes the importance of viewing marine transportation as part of a larger supply ecosystem.
"The Port of Goderich is an important piece of infrastructure for this region, but it operates as part of a much larger system," said Frank Hurkmans, President of Goderich Port Management Corporation. "Rail, roads, ports, agriculture, energy and industry all depend on one another. Bringing these voices together gives us an opportunity to look at where the system is working well, where the constraints are and what we need to do to position this region and Ontario for future growth."
In addition to the panel discussions, the agenda includes a dedicated conversation with provincial government representatives, featuring confirmed participation from Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson.
"Trade has become a much more immediate issue for businesses over the past year," Carmichael noted. "We have one of the most efficient transportation systems in the world sitting on our doorstep. There is a real opportunity to think more strategically about how we use it, not just for the traditional marine economy, but as an economic development asset for communities and businesses throughout the region."
