Huron Chamber announces inaugural Huron Marine & Economic Forum set for October 2
The Huron Chamber of Commerce is launching a major new event this fall to spotlight the strategic importance of the Port of Goderich in Huron County’s economic future.
The inaugural Huron Marine & Economic Forum will take place Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Beach Street Station in Goderich, just steps from the port. Hosted by the Huron Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Goderich Port Management Corporation, the event brings together leaders from industry, government, and business to explore how the port contributes to regional growth—and how it could evolve to play an even larger role.
The Forum arrives at a time of economic uncertainty, with shifting trade relationships and rising interest in building more resilient domestic supply chains. As Canada looks to strengthen internal trade and reduce overreliance on cross-border routes, the Port of Goderich in Huron County offers untapped potential to support that shift—by moving more goods by water without adding congestion to highways and border crossings.
While container shipping is not currently offered at the Port, the concept has emerged as a future possibility. The Forum will provide a venue for high-level discussions about what infrastructure and investment might be needed to position the port as a flexible gateway to global markets in the years ahead.
Pre-registration is now open at no cost, and all those interested in marine transportation, economic development, and infrastructure investment in Huron County are encouraged to sign up. Full registration tickets will be released in the coming weeks.
“This event is about thinking bigger—not just about the port, but about what it means for the economic future of all of Huron County,” said Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce. “Now more than ever, we need to focus on building a more resilient domestic economy. The Port of Goderich can play a key role in that, and the Forum will help make sure the right people are in the room to move those conversations forward.”
“We’re excited to welcome the local and regional business community in hand with ‘Great Lakes’ marine leaders to the Port this fall,” said Frank Hurkmans, President of the Goderich Port Management Corporation. “This Forum will help demonstrate not only how critical the Port of Goderich is to marine shipping but bring to the forefront all Ontario Ports supporting local industries—and how they will continue to drive economic development across Huron County and beyond for decades to come.”
The program includes a welcome reception, breakfast, keynote luncheon, and focused conference sessions on port operations, transportation policy, and investment opportunities within Ontario’s Great Lakes corridor.
Pre-register at no cost here: Huron Marine & Economic Forum
Full registration will be available once pricing has been determined.