CEO Joanie Gerber business leader of the year

For Joani Gerber, CEO of investStratford, community support and perseverance are key factors in the city's economic success. 

“We are coming out of a once in a century time and I am blown away proud by the resiliency and creativity of our companies; not just our larger companies but our smaller companies. I am so pleased to see that there continues to be new businesses starting,” said Gerber. “The idea that when one sector is doing well and another is not, there is some shared responsibility and that speaks volumes to what Stratford is and what we have to offer. There is no backing down.”

Recognized for her leadership and commitment to local business, Gerber was selected as the 2022 business leader of the year by the Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce. 

“Personally for me, I think you have to be engaged and involved. For me, a job for me is just a job, but a career means something much more. I’ve lived in this community, my family is here, we are raising our kids here. I truly believe that to whom much is given much is expected,” she said. 

In 2017, Gerber took over as CEO of investStratford, Stratford’s economic development corporation. She brought years of experience to the role, including positions both at the Waterloo and Stratford Accelerator Centres, the Perth Community Futures Development Corporation and the Stratford Perth Centre for Business. 

She said relationship building is critical in her role including developing and building business contacts and maintaining political relations at federal, provincial and municipal levels. 

“Being out in the community is incredibly important. Leaders like myself have an obligation for our community to see us, know us and engage with us — I am quite proud of that,” said Gerber. “I like to meet people where they are and as is convenient for them. Really listening to what our companies need, what our small businesses need, what our entrepreneurs are looking for when they are thinking about Stratford."

Born and raised in Stratford, Gerber began working at an early age at the family-owned business, JS News, which operated on Wellington St. Owned by her grandparents, the business taught Gerber the importance of a strong work ethic. 

“On the day that I was born there was a board outside the store on Wellington Street that said “its a girl”, so one could argue that I had a job since day one. I spent a lot of time at that shop, learning everything about being an entrepreneur including working every day — Monday to Sunday. If the store wasn’t open, the store wasn’t making money.” 

Through JS News, Gerber was immersed into both the challenges and rewards of owning a family business. Indeed, Gerber is who she is today because of those experiences. 

“It is an interesting experience to be part of a family-run business when it is your blood, sweat and tears and when you are from time to time putting payroll on your credit card. For me, this gave me an early and incredibly important understanding of how rewardingly difficult entrepreneurship and business ownership can be,” she said. 

Gerber sits on the on the board of directors for Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance and Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce, and worked closely with the United Way Perth-Huron campaign cabinet.

The award celebrations will take place on Oct. 13 at the chamber's annual business excellence awards gala at the Best Western Arden Park Hotel. Gerber will be recognized for her contribution to supporting local businesses. 

“It is a bit shocking. I am very humbled. In the work that I do, my emphasis is helping our companies grow, expand and succeed. It is often shining the light on them and all the great things they are doing so it feels a little strange when it is in the opposite direction,” said Gerber. “I was raised to work hard and do the very best I can and it's very nice that it's being recognized and acknowledged in my home community.” 

Business leader of the year is voted through secret ballot by the Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce board of directors, from a list of nominees.