About Us
Who We Are: The Historic Downtown Chatham Business Improvement Area (BIA) represents the heart of downtown Chatham, home to the iconic Retro Suites Hotel, a diverse mix of shops and services, exceptional dining, and a vibrant, evolving evening atmosphere. Stretching along King Street West from Third Street to William Street North, the BIA supports more than 100 local businesses and residential spaces. The organization is led by Executive Director Kaitlin Goulet, working in collaboration with downtown merchants, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, community partners, and the Board of Directors.
What We Do: Guided by four core priorities—beautification and maintenance, events and experiences, advocacy and support, and marketing and promotion—the Chatham BIA works to enhance the downtown environment and strengthen the local business community. This includes improving public spaces, hosting signature events that attract visitors, advocating for safety, cleanliness, and property standards, and promoting downtown Chatham as a welcoming destination to stay, shop, dine, and explore.
Key Facts
Established: 1976
Boundaries: BIA District map.pdf (as of 2025)
Parts of:
- Third Street
- Wellington Street West
- King St West
- Including: Fifth Street, Fourth Street, Jhanke Street, Llewellyn Street, Sixth Street, The Promenade and Forsyth Street.
Merchants: Currently full: 100 + (including mall) (2025 numbers)
Press Release Request
To request past press releases please contact the office by email or phone.
Logos and Brand Assets
Primary Logo: COMING SOON: Download PNG | Download EPS
Alternate Logo: COMING SOON: Download PNG
Brand Colours: COMING SOON: CMYK, RGB, HEX
Additional details: COMING SOON: style guide or specifications
Media Contact
Name: Kaitlin Goulet
Title: Executive Director
Email: info@downtownchathambia.com
Phone: 519-352-8387
Social Media
BIA: Facebook @HistoricDowntownChathamBIA
BIA: Instagram @chathambia
Retrofest: Facebook @Retrofest
Santa Clause Parade: Facebook @DTChathamSantaParade
Resources for Media
Fact Sheet: Download PDF COMING SOON
Executive Bios: List & Profiles of Board Members (for 2026)
Executive Board Members
- Andrew Thiel, Chair - Abstract Marketing
- Jim Carrington, Vice-Chair - Sons of Kent Brewing Co.
- Paul Shettell, Treasurer
- Clair Culliford, Secretary - The Veranda/ downtown resident
- Board Members: Lucinda Harp (downtown resident), Curtis Lemieux (Willy’s Cannabis Supply Co.), Elizabeth Nauta (The Myrtle Flower Market), Dave Horneman (JP Contractors), Jen Macdonald (Apollo Property Management)
- Municipal Representatives: Conor Allin (Ward 6 Councillor), Ken Labonte (Chief of Fire Prevention & Community Safety), Anthony Wilson (Economic Development), Shaide Pallister (Chatham-Kent Police Services)
- Associate Members: St. Andrew’s United Church, Sons of Kent
FAQs: Download PDF COMING SOON
Images and Videos
To request images or video relating to the Downtown Chatham BIA please contact the office by email or phone.
How to Work with Us
We enjoy the opportunity to collaborate on projects and open to partnerships, speaking engagements, or fundraising that would have a connection to downtown Chatham.
To arrange a meeting to discuss further please contact the office by email or phone.