2012-2013 Membership & Business Directory
Chamber President in 1969, Keith Staebler, realized they had a “tiger by the tail” which needed to be nurtured carefully if it were to realize its potential. This led to the formation of K-W Oktoberfest Inc., a non-profit corporation owned by the citizens of Kitchener and Waterloo. The following year was the watershed year that established what is today’s KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest, with its nationally broadcasted Thanksgiving Day Parade, Miss Oktoberfest, festhallen, family and sports activities and the involvement of local charities, service clubs, and businesses. More than 450 volunteers work year-round to make it all happen.
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the festival attracts tourist revenue, creates jobs and generates international awareness and goodwill for our community. It offers citizens a chance to unwind, to celebrate our region’s historic roots and we say unapologetically….. to simply have some serious fun!
Today Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest’s direct economic impact on the community is measured at over $21 million annually. More than 700,000 people take part in the festival every year. Over the past 44 years, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has learned that adaptation is the key to survival. The festival has adopted a new business model that drives all activities with a realistic business plan including a financial rationale. A strategic planning model that is lean but inclusive, and a new marketing strategy aligned with our various audiences, has put the Festival in good stead for both artistic and financial success year after year. The festival is now seen as a good investment to promote our Region, sport and culinary tourism, and Canadian heritage by corporate partners and all levels of government. New initiatives including the Tour De Hans 100km Cycle Race; the Stein & Dine Culinary Event; the Onkel Hans 5K Fun Run and corporate experiences have brought the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Experience to new audiences. Over 50 not-for-profit community organizations benefit from fundraising during the Festival each year, and relationships with our critical festhallen partners – the AGCO, WRPS, and EMS – continue to evolve. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has been consistent in our commitment to our values and traditions; to our German-Canadian heritage; and to supporting the unique quality of life in our community. Unquestionably, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, now in its 44th year, is a boon to the entire region of Waterloo. Every year
By Owen Lackenbauer & Mark Kreller Owen Lackenbauer, a retired public relations and communications consultant, is a long standing community leader with an impressive volunteer record with many organizations including the Chamber and KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest. Mark Kreller is Executive Director of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest and Past Chair of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
greaterkwchamber.com