The head of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce calls 2015 a year of both successes and challenges.
Among the successes, Marchand lists having an auto czar appointed in Ontario. He says he's looking forward to next May's chamber policy forum that will feature speakers including Ray Tanguay.
He also lists the drop in the Canadian dollar.
"Some of my members, including Caesars (Windsor) have noticed a marked increase in sales," he says. "There's been a suppression to some extent of cross-border shopping and an importation of U.S. shoppers, which is a very positive thing."
As for challenges in the past year and the year ahead, Marchand says the future of hydro remains a major concern for his members.
"We are concerned about the cost structure here in Ontario with power costs -- cap and trade."
Marchand also says the chamber will continue its work to cut red tape for small business at Windsor City Hall, and implement a 5% travel incentive rebate for Americans who cross the border into Windsor to shop.
