Circle of Excellence Award: Celebrating Tara McCaulley’s Lifelong Support of Entrepreneurs At this year’s Impact Awards, Tara McCaulley, a familiar and well-respected presence in the local business community, has been awarded the Circle of Excellence Award. Tara has dedicated over a decade to supporting and nurturing small businesses throughout Elgin County and St. Thomas. Tara currently serves as Loans Manager with the Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC). “To be honest with you, I was a little shocked when I won,” Tara admits. “When you’re up against two organizations that do so much in our community, the St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank and Railway City Rotary, it was humbling.” Tara’s journey into the world of small business began after a 15-year career in banking. Seeking more meaningful work, she made a bold move. “I wanted to do something that fed my soul a little bit more,” she explains. That decision led her to volunteer at the EBRC’s front desk. Just six weeks later, she was hired, marking the start of what would become a career filled with passion and purpose. From intake coordinator to managing the Small Business Enterprise Centre, Tara has played a key role in guiding and connecting countless entrepreneurs. “When I started in 2012, I met every single person who came through the door,” Tara recalls. “What kept me so excited and inspired was that every day was different. You never knew what you were going to see.” While many might credit her with directly launching or growing businesses, Tara says her biggest accomplishment lies in Time to accessorize your truck? • Tonneau Covers • Running Boards • Truck Racks
connecting entrepreneurs with the wider community of support. “It’s not necessarily being the one to help start or expand a business,” she explains, “It’s helping them connect with the organizations that support businesses -- our Chambers, economic development offices, and employment services. It’s really that wrap-around community support that is so critical.” Now, as Loans Manager, Tara is working to improve the funding process for local businesses by identifying and removing barriers and developing new partnerships. Reflecting on the award, Tara says, “It’s very humbling and overwhelming. There are so many people and organizations doing incredible things in our community. I feel really honoured to be among them.” For Tara, the work is far from over. With her drive, heart, and commitment to community, she continues to shape the future of small businesses in Elgin County, one connection at a time.
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2025 St. Thomas & District Impact Award Winner
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