ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE
2018
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HEATHER STRATI,
EVAN MOORE,
MANPREET MANN,
JOSHUA BELCZYK,
HEATHER ARTHUR,
LOUIS VOULOUKOS,
Deloitte Private Partner
Prouse, Dash & Crouch LLP
BDC
Acretiv Partners
Rogers Communications
Lawrence, Lawrence, Stevenson LLP
TINA CHIU,
DONNA PASCAL,
MICHELLE MCCOLLUM,
VANESSA WHITE,
JOHANNE RAPPOCCIO,
KEITH REARDON,
Mandarin Corporation
Dynacare
Sheridan College
Maple Lodge Farms
Bempro Group
CN
LEADER’S MESSAGE
A
chievements this year were many. With a 37%
We appreciate your active engagement through
increase in event registration revenue, more
all of our channels - Thank you for following us on
than ever, businesses are turning to the Board
Facebook – a whopping 78% increase - more than
of Trade as a forum to work together to create solu-
4,000 business people now subscribe to our news-
tions to bolster our regional economy.
letter and our videos received over 25,000 views.
New networks, programs and services for members led to business success for many. More members are being protected through the Board’s group insurance
Your active membership, event attendance, sponsorship, advertising and advocacy keeps Brampton’s business community growing strong.
program; 16% more are getting their export documents
As we look ahead, The Board is launching new trade
certified at the Board and more Ministers and elected
accelerator programs; an innovation capacity building
officials are seeking out the Board’s advice on busi-
program and will carve more resources for advocating
ness issues that matter to our business community.
on your behalf. Thank you for another wonderful year
2018 saw even more business people participate in the
and we look forward to a prosperous 2019.
Board’s advocacy and economic development initiatives such as Canada’s Innovation Corridor and roundtables on important topics such as tomorrow’s workforce, small business tax reform and initiatives to reduce red tape and spur innovation. The Board’s efforts were recognized by attaining re-accreditation “with distinction” – the highest standard in the nation. The Board was frequently mentioned in national media for its work on trade, transit and goods movement. Active door-knocking occurred at both Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill where we shared important research and recommendations on job-creation; productivity and practical initiatives to help businesses grow.
TODD LETTS, CEO
HEATHER STRATI, Chair bramptonbot.com | 2
THE STATS Smart business people are engaging with the Brampton Board of Trade more than ever. TOTAL SPONSORSHIP INVESTMENT PLANS INCREASED BY
9.6% 4070 = NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBERS
3
33%
25%
16% INCREASE
= 28.65% OPEN RATE
40,500
9.6%
VIDEO VIEWS
EVENTS
CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN INCREASED BY
FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS INCREASED BY
25,000+ 53+
ANNUAL INVESTMENT INCREASED BY
=
16%
INCREASE IN NUMBER OF EVENTS
TWITTER IMPRESSIONS MONTHLY
=
13%
INCREASE IN ATTENDEES
#1 YEARS
82% SMALL BUSINESSES
50+ 2400+
130+ OF SERVICE
NETWORKING ORGANIZATION IN BRAMPTON
EVENTS
& OPPORTUNITIES TO NETWORK IN 2018
VOTING MEMBERS
45,000 2500+ EMPLOYED
BY BOARD OF TRADE MEMBERS
ATTENDEES
AT EVENTS IN 2018
13% MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES
5% LARGE ENTERPRISES
2400
Exports and trade documents processed. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
CHINA
200
CertiямБcate of origin and export clients.
INDIA
COLOMBIA
25+ DUBAI SAUDIA ARABIA
Active advocacy campaigns.
2350+
Volunteer hours dedicated to advocacy.
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YEAR IN REVIEW
OCTOBER 2017 AUGUST 2017 BBOT hosts Patrick Brown for a discussion with business owners
Axes are thrown for networking members at Stryke Target Range OCC, WSIB and Deloitte help members learn to Navigate Workplace Change
NOVEMBER 2017 New Board of Directors is welcomed at the Annual General Meeting Business After Hours at Performance Auto Group for members to grow their network Members learn how to increase productivity at There’s an app for that workshop
SEPTEMBER 2017 Record breaking Business After Hours is held at the new Sheridan College Skilled Trades Centre
JULY 2017 Bill Morneau speaks to Brampton’s business leaders Members gather together at The Garden to network and hear about how the Mandarin became a Brampton institution
Connectwork – the group for Brampton’s business women launches
Exporters learn how to Accelerate to International Markets with Patrick Devine
An epic day for golfers is held at Nine & Network
BBOT partners with the City of Brampton, BEC and BIA for a Holiday Mixer
BBOT asks the question “How will Brampton become an economic powerhouse?” Larry Beasley asks business leaders about their vision for Brampton
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DECEMBER 2017
International Trade Committee Reception welcomes Juan Alsace, US Consul General
APRIL 2018 FEBRUARY 2018 BBOT hosts a roundtable on business and the economy with MPP Vic Dhillon State of the City welcomes 400 guests to hear from the Mayor, Ryerson President Mohammed Lachemi and Heather Strati
Brampton U gets major announcement at In conversation with Mitzie Hunter Launch of First 10 networking group
Top 40 under 40 celebrates Brampton’s up and coming leaders
JANUARY 2018
MAY 2017
BBOT brings together elected leaders at the Elected Leaders Forum to discuss business issues in Brampton BBOT hosts Peer to Peer Roundtable to help Brampton’s largest employers implement Bill 148 Experts come together to talk about Bill 148 – Implications for your business
JUNE 2017
Over 500 guests gather to celebrate at the Business Excellence Awards
MARCH 2018 BBOT talks about innovation at Fireside Chat with Minister Bains Brampton’s businesswomen gather at InspiHER for International Women’s Day bramptonbot.com | 6
ADVOCACY More than ever, businesses are turning to the Board of Trade as a forum for positive change at City Hall, Queen’s Park and on Parliament Hill. Business leaders attend our monthly committees, task forces and roundtables to develop policies that help elected leaders better understand the impact of legislation on Brampton’s business community. BBOT brought together subject experts to help you learn how to navigate the impending workplace changes of Bill 148. A roundtable was also hosted specifically for large employers to share healthy workplace best practices and solutions. We joined with business communities across the province to successfully encourage the new provincial government to repeal many of the changes that harmed job-creation and business success. Store owners and those creating jobs in our commercial offices worked together to bring market reality to many of the infrastructure investments pending for downtown Brampton. BBOT continues to advocate for adequate marketing and communication support during construction of the downtown reimagined project. Specifically, we will continue to encourage the new city council to give full consideration of issues such as parking, loading areas and minimizing the construction period duration. 7
BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE
Exporters also participated in BBOT advocacy, in light of the tariffs imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum exports to the United States. Companies impacted by the tariffs were brought together to discuss and strategize how best to mitigate impact. Representations were made directly to MPs and the federal Standing Committee on Finance. Recruiting and developing talent is a pre-occupation for many Brampton employers. BBOT convened a meeting on tomorrow’s workforce which connected top employers and discuss current and future employment needs.
the economic development master plan. Our Policy and Government Relations committee, carried out BBOT’s annual review of the municipal budget and was successful in encouraging council to limit the annual tax increase. Collaborating with our counterparts in major city chambers of commerce across Canada, BBOT hosted a meeting of major market Chambers from Canada, USA and Mexico last year. Together at Round 5 of the NAFTA talks, our joint advocacy moved negotiations toward the final USMCA.
Leading Board of Trade members participated in meetings at city hall to create bramptonbot.com | 8
TALENT AND THE NEXT GENERATION: TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE The future of education is exciting for Brampton businesses and residents. Over the past few years, BBOT has worked closely with employers and post secondary institutions to identify the needs of employers and ensure that students will have the best education possible. Roundtables with Brampton’s top employers were hosted to 9
discuss challenges and gather insight into current and future employment opportunities for new graduates. When provincial ministers have important announcements, the Brampton Board of Trade is a favourite podium, where our business audience can share practical ideas and insights directly with our elected decision
makers. In March 2018, we welcomed the announcement of provincial funding to support the development of a new Ryerson University campus in Brampton. In October, when the new government withdrew capital funding, BBOT was first to voice the business community’s concern and first to encourage continued dialogue with all stakeholders to find a creative way of welcoming new programs from Ryerson in Brampton. Talent recruitment, retention and development are a key competitive advantage for businesses today. Algoma University expanded its School of Business and Economics which has created more options for learning in downtown Brampton. Sheridan’s investment in a new skilled trades building at the Davis Campus and continued industry partnerships through various faculties and the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, Design and Technology continue strong. More than 4300 international students currently call Brampton home as they study at Sheridan’s Brampton campus. Looking forward, Brampton Board of Trade will continue to advocate on behalf of our business community.
PROSPERITY AGENDA
KEY DIRECTIONS DRIVE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY through advocacy and programming.
DEVELOP STRATEGIC COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS by convening meetings, forums and solution-creating collaborations.
DELIVER ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE with a customer centered, proactive, responsive, reliable, caring, smart and healthy organization.
OUR MISSION PRODUCTIVITY
Deliver services that save businesses time, money and helps their enterprises grow.
PROSPERITY
Generate wealth and solutions that better Brampton’s quality of life.
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2018 THEMES
COLLABORATION
ACCOUNTABILITY AND ALIGNMENT
COURAGE
PROSPERITY PILLARS BUILDING CIVIC LEADERSHIP INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS RECRUITING TALENT AND THE NEXT GENERATION TRANSIT AND TRANSPORTATION BOOSTING GLOBAL TRADE
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GET INVOLVED. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Throughout the year, volunteers are hard at work behind the scenes working to develop policy, share information and further Brampton’s economic development.
POLICY AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE (PGR)
The Policy and Government Relations Committee focuses on the issues and policies impacting Brampton businesses.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2017-2018 Visit from MP MICHAEL COOPER, Official Opposition Written submissions to municipal, provincial and federal governments on: • • • •
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Bill 148 Municipal tax increases Proposed federal tax changes Transit and transportation
INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE (ITIC) The ITIC encourages Brampton exports and investment in Brampton. The committee consists of 24 members.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2017-2018 Guest Speakers: PATRICK DEVINE, Ontario Ministry of International Trade | LOUIE DI PALMA, Ontario Chamber of Commerce | GWENAELE MONTAGNER, World Trade Centre – Toronto | BILL MACHERAS, Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Events: International Trade Holiday Reception hosted at CN, welcoming a Turkish delegation and Consul General Juan Alsace, USA BBOT hosts delegations from Turkey, Vietnam and Ukraine
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BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS May 10, 2018 | 2018 was a record year for the Business Excellence Awards! Over 90 businesses were nominated and over 500 guests enjoyed an evening of fun, food and celebration. Thank you to all Brampton businesses who are promoting business excellence; we look forward to celebrating again in 2019. Business Person of the Year | This year, the Brampton community celebrated Robert Bedard, President and CEO of Bempro Global Group for his work in leading his industry while also actively contributing to the economic health and vibrancy of Brampton and beyond.
RECIPIENTS ADVANCED Brampton MANUFACTURING: Engineering BUSINESS SERVICES: Multivac Canada COMMUNITY IMPACT Boys and Girls Clubs (NON-PROFIT): of Peel COMMUNITY IMPACT Making Waves Swim (PROFIT): School FOOD AND BEVERAGE: Maple Lodge Farms HEALTHY WORKPLACE: Now Creative Group INNOVATION: Sheridan College INTERNATIONAL TRADE: Amcor Rigid Plastics LIFE SCIENCES: Medtronic LOGISTICS: DSV Solutions RETAIL: Showcase
HONOURABLE MENTIONS ADVANCED MANUFACTURING: Chromaflo Technologies | BUSINESS SERVICES: IT Weapons | COMMUNITY IMPACT (NON-PROFIT): ICACI | COMMUNITY IMPACT (PROFIT): Cristina’s Tortina Shop | FOOD AND BEVERAGE: Brar Group of Companies | HEALTHY WORKPLACE: Moksha Yoga | INNOVATION: Carter Architectural Panels | INTERNATIONAL TRADE: Trident Business Services | LIFE SCIENCES: Canadian Blood Services | LOGISTICS: Reefer Sales and Service | RETAIL: Love & Nudes www.bramptonbot.com | 16
TOP 40 UNDER 40
The second annual Top 40 Under 40 awards celebrated the best and brightest of Brampton’s up and coming business community. Business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals and community advocates were celebrated in June with a night to remember. Watch out for these individuals in the future as they continue to inspire, encourage and be leaders in our community.
SHIVAM BANSAL, Creative POS Ltd. FRANCAVILLA, Now Creative Group PABLA, Pabla Foundation | DWANIA | MANVIR BHANGU, Laadliyan, | RYAN GALICK, Bempro Global PEELE, Canadian Small Business Celebrating Daughters & Malton Group | SHAUN GHULAM, DMinded Women | PRASHANT PHALPHER, Neighbourhood Services | JASMEET | HARJINDER GILL, Ramz Punjabi William Osler Health System | CHAGGER, SOCH Community Health Radio & TV | HARPREET HANSRA, RUPINDER SAHOTA, The Works | Promotion Inc. | MANEET CHAHAL, William Osler Health System | DONNY SANDHER, Chalo Freshco SOCH Community Health Promotion JESSICA HOACH, Eikonic House | VRIND SHARMA, Vrind EntertainInc. | DANA CHAPMAN-CARROLL, of Barbers | SHAUNA-KAY JONES, ment Inc. | MAHAD SHAHZAD, Joanne Chapman School of Dance | Motify | DAVID KELTON, William Osler Chatting to Wellness | KIMBERLEE JESSIE CHAPMAN-CARROLL, Joanne Health System | SARAH KHETTY, Maple SHELLEY, Universal Staffing/Black Chapman School of Dance | Lodge Farms | KARANJEET KOONER, Woman Honours & Empowerment MARRION CHERIAN, Meridian Motorwise Performance Parts | PEARL | HARMINDER SINGH, Culinary Credit Union | CHRIS-BETH COWIE, MEHRA-SHAH, Avala Wellness | Stars Brampton/Coriander Green Empowered for Excellence | ANTHONY MELI, Arcadia Academy | ARVINDER SOHI, Elite Performance KARANDEEP DEVGAN, Steaming of Music | KANIZ MOULI, RBC | DR. House Ltd. | RADHA TAILOR, Cups Cafe | NAHEED DOSANI, RASHAAD NAUTH-ALI, FIT Clinic - Bramptonist | MARTIN TRUONG, William Osler Health System | Functional Integrity Therapies | Eikonic House of Barbers | ALY DANIELLE DOWDY, Independent ELANA NICHOLLS | MICHAEL TYGHTER, All Things Mom/Mommy Street Checks Review | DANIEL O’LEARY,SheridanCollege | GURPREET Connections North Peel bramptonbot.com | 18
CANADA’S INNOVATION CORRIDOR Key members of the business community join together every day to look for and develop fresh, creative and successful approaches to business success. In March 2018, BBOT welcomed the Minister of Innovation for a “fireside chat” to talk about the supercluster initiative and opportunities it brings for Brampton companies.
BRAMPTON
The Board of Trade developed the website for Canada’s Innovation Corridor and cohosted the inaugural Summit in Hamilton which featured many Brampton businesses as presenters and in attendance.
Together, with Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade along the Corridor, BBOT participated in a number of Goods Movement research papers that brought many innovative ideas forward for discussion on issues such as municipal financing; infrastructure priorities and the future needs of our corridor’s supply chain.
Moving forward, the Brampton Board of Trade is very excited to be a part one of the first ten projects launched by NGen Canada, the business organization administering supercluster funding. The project is designed to build capacity of local manufacturers toward 19
BOARD OF TRADE
Industry 4.0 technology adoption to improve competitiveness.
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NETWORKING Your network starts here. The Brampton Board of Trade brings people together to meet new people, build relationships and help you grow your business. Every month, business people come together to meet like-minded members in Brampton. BBOT is the #1 networking organization for business in Brampton, providing opportunities for business people at any stage of their business. 21
“ “
ConnectWork has given me the opportunity to make meaningful, powerful and profitable connections in a relaxed professional environment. I always look forward to the monthly meetings and discussions and make it a priority on my schedule.” It’s great to be a part of a developing group of people that are facing the same challenges and have the same questions that I do about my business.”
CONNECTWORK
Launched in September 2018, Connectwork has brought together businesswomen from across Brampton to build their networks, develop new relationships and provide opportunities for personal and professional development.
FIRST 10
First 10 is a newly created opportunity for business owners in their first ten years of business to come together, learn, encourage each other in addition to sharing successes and challenges.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Each month, members, community partners and local professionals come together at a business location in Brampton for an informal time to connect with others.
TEA WITH TODD
Each month, new members are invited to come together and meet with CEO, Todd Letts, for a time of discussion and learning about each other’s businesses.
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PROSPERITY COUNCIL INVESTORS
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LOOKING AHEAD 25
FEB 05 MAY 09 JUN 05
SEP 19
STATE OF THE CITY
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
NINE AND NETWORK
TOP 40 UNDER 40
MEET THE TEAM
TODD LETTS, CEO
KRISTI MACGIBBON, VP Operations
NATHALIE ATANDA, Events & Communications Consultant
NAYAN THAKER, Manager, Finance
SUZANNE HIGHGATE, Office Manager bramptonbot.com | 26
BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE 36 QUEEN STREET EAST, SUITE 101 BRAMPTON, ON L6V 1A2 T: 905-451-1122 | F: 905-450-0295 WWW.BRAMPTONBOT.COM @BRAMPTONBOT
@BRAMPTONBOT
@BRAMPTONBOT