Chamber examines how AI is reshaping jobs in Fort Erie

The Greater Fort Erie Chamber of Commerce is putting artificial intelligence (AI) at the centre of its 2026 agenda after laying out business priorities at its annual general meeting.

Dolores Fabiano, executive director, told Fort Erie Radio the chamber outlined its yearly agenda on Tuesday following the community awards night at the Buffalo Canoe Club. The plan is to help local employers respond to fast changes to how work is done.

Fabiano identified four areas for the year ahead: workforce changes tied to AI, economic pressure from inflation and interest rates, access to financing and grants, and business planning that fits wider national priorities.

Those same themes are to be discussed at the Niagara Networks and Industry Collaborative event on May 6 at Brock University, where Niagara businesses will take part in roundtables on the effects of AI and jobs.

The chamber expects a followup report following the May 6 event. Fabiano said the report will pull together discussion themes and practical recommendations for businesses of different sizes and sectors.

Fort Erie employers are facing pressure on several fronts at once, according to Fabiano, who pointed to the aftermath of COVID-19 and the ongoing U.S.-Canada trade war as cause for companies to rethink how they operate.

“When you’re faced with a crisis, there’s always two ways: you can look at the danger that is coming because of the crisis, or you can look at the opportunity,” said Fabiano.

She described the local business community as durable and quick to adjust when conditions shift. Companies in Fort Erie have changed suppliers and changed operating methods to stay competitive during strains on the supply chain, according to Fabiano.

“Our businesses have had to adapt, shift, make real changes, find different suppliers, figure out different ways of conducting business, and they’ve done it,” she said.

The chamber is also adjusting its own events after changes in attendance patterns since the pandemic. Fabiano said the chamber’s morning Coffee Clubs are growing in popularity and may need a larger venue as more members look for face-to-face contact before the workday.

The annual meeting also recognized eight award recipients from business, community service and youth categories.

Business awards went to Fort Erie-based companies: Fleet Canada, The Manic Maker, The Pearl Spa on Erie and West Floral Works.

The Manic Maker, which opened in Bridgeburg in 2022 as a freeze-dried candy shop, expanded into a larger space and later added a cafe menu with sandwiches, coffee and doughnuts.

Megan Kelley was recognized for her work as owner of Tranquility Through Therapy and as director of the Mom to Mom Box outreach program, which provides basic items and support to families. Theresa Anzovino, a Niagara College professor, was honoured for her work in health equity and community service.

Addison Wightman and Grace Heximer received the youth honours after extensive records of volunteer work and school leadership. Heximer, a Grade 12 student at Lakeshore Catholic High School, has logged more than 570 community service hours, according to material released after the event.

“Two individuals that are so committed to giving back to the community and doing great work that is really having an impact on some of the populations in our community,” said Fabiano.

About the Author

Andrew Hawlitzky

Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. “If you don’t like the news, go out and make some.”