Newsletter

A Year-End Reflection from Jason Kipfer, Founder & Chair, Locally Connected Community Hub

As we wrap up our 2025 program year, I’ve been reflecting on just how much our community has grown and how much good we’ve created together. This year alone, the Locally Connected Community Hub brought together hundreds of local-area residents who collectively participated thousands of times across 35 community-based meetups, seven thriving chapters, and more than a half-dozen unique, one-off signature events. Beyond gathering, we found meaningful and creative ways to give back by partnering with Canadian Blood Services, Food4Kids Waterloo Region, four different food banks, the Waterloo Knights of Columbus, Breast Cancer Canada, and several other charitable organizations that make our region stronger.

What we’ve built in 2025 is more than a meetup series, and certainly more than another business networking group. Yes, we attract solopreneurs, micro-businesses, and small business owners, but our doors have always been open wider than that. Month after month, we welcome young professionals, retirees, stay-at-home parents, nine-to-five workers, local leaders, and residents who simply want to feel more connected to their community. That inclusiveness has become one of the Hub’s greatest strengths. It’s now clearer than ever that we’ve grown into the largest and fastest-growing catalyst for community development and engagement in South and Southwestern Ontario.

This year also reminded me why this work matters. As artificial intelligence and modern technologies make it increasingly easy for people to “live, work, play, and shop” without ever leaving home, we’re working just as hard to remind residents why “live, work, play, and shop local” matters. Community isn’t built by apps or algorithms; it’s built by people who show up for one another.

We’re incredibly excited to cap off 2025 with one final meetup on December 8th, and I truly hope you’ll join us. It will be an evening of camaraderie, friendship, celebration, and gratitude as we look back on eight amazing years of helping the communities we serve become more inclusive, safe, and welcoming places to live, work, play, and shop.

I can’t wait to close out the year with you.
—Jason

Local Business Spotlight Series

The Local Business Spotlight Series is a special podcast feature created by the Locally Connected Community Hub to celebrate the people and businesses that help make our community stronger. Each episode highlights a key member of the Locally Connected Community Hub network, sharing their story, their passion, and the meaningful ways they contribute to building more inclusive, safe, and welcoming communities. Through candid conversations, listeners will discover the heart behind local businesses, learn what inspires these entrepreneurs, and hear firsthand how their support fuels our ability to bring residents together. Whether you're a long-time Community Hub member or new to our community, this series offers an inspiring look at the individuals who shape the local economy, uplift their neighbours, and help us all stay connected.

Top 5 Reasons to Get the Most Out of Your Locally Connected Membership

Show Up & Dive In - Commit to attending at least one meetup per month and RSVP in advance—whether it’s your home chapter or one you’ve never been to before. Every event is a chance to connect, learn, and grow.
Invite, Inspire & Include - Bring a friend, colleague, or neighbour to a meetup and share the spirit of community. Helping others feel welcome is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting local impact.
Follow Your Interests - Join at least one special interest stream—like Outdoor Adventures, Business Connections, or Cross-Generational Activities—to connect with others who share your passions and purpose.
Give Back Where It Matters - Take part in outreach and fundraising initiatives that support local causes—like blood donations, food drives, and holiday toy collections. Small actions lead to big change when we do them together.
Share the Love Online - Post a photo, write a reflection, upload your business info, or share a positive review. Engaging online builds momentum and helps others discover what makes Locally Connected so special.

As a young professional new to the Locally Connected Community Hub, I was genuinely surprised by how quickly I began to feel a sense of belonging. After my very first meetup, I started recognizing and being recognized by people around town, which was such a refreshing feeling. By the time I attended my second meetup, it already felt like I was reconnecting with old friends. Conversations picked up naturally, and the relationships I started forming began to grow right away. I’m excited to stay involved and can’t wait to deepen these connections even more in 2026.

– Bethany Eaton, Eaton Cleaning Co.