Annual Highlights - 2017

2017 A N N U A L

H I G H L I G H T S

YOUR PARTNER FOR ENTERPRISE PRODUCTIVITY & COMMUNITY PROSPERITY

C

elebrating 130 years, The Brampton

ranges from multinational corporations to

Board of Trade is the go to organization

small startups and individual entrepreneurs.

where businesses of all sectors, con-

The Brampton Board of Trade represents a

vene, collaborate and create solutions to boost

diverse range of businesses from across Peel

regional economic prosperity. We provide so-

Region. Members of the Board of Trade have

lutions to the toughest problems businesses

access to countless tools to help grow their

face every day including overcoming barriers

business, increase productivity and control

to growth, attracting and retaining talent and

their bottom line.

making the right connections. Membership 1

LEADERS’ MESSAGE

Brampton is poised for greatness, and the Board of Trade, along with its members, volunteers and key partners, truly demonstrated that this year. Together we celebrated our 130th anniversary, welcomed many new members, and worked to make Brampton an even more attractive location to do business.

Together with our partners, BBOT volunteers were actively involved in supporting important economic development initiatives including: successful efforts to recruit Ryerson University to Brampton; development of an advanced

EVAN MOORE TODD LETTS Chair

CEO

manufacturing supercluster along the innovation corridor from Toronto to Waterloo; and more trade initiatives including investment in

our trade certification service and a life sciences mission to Dubai.

Brampton’s business community also celebrated the inaugural Top 40 Under 40 Awards, shining a light on the achievements of leaders that are not only making a difference today but also for our collective future.

The Board of Directors made a number of strategic investments in new technologies for customer relationship management, an enhanced website, and office refresh to better accommodate the growing number of business volunteers.

This year’s success can be attributed to the hard work of volunteers, dedicated staff, members for their continued support and enthusiasm, and to community partners for important collaborations.

As we look forward, Brampton continues on a path of prosperity envied by many across the country. Your continued contribution to the Board of Trade helps ensure the collective health of our regional economy. Thank you for your continued support.

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2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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EVAN MOORE

BADAR SHAMIM

HEATHER STRATI

Chair, Board of Directors Partner Prouse, Dash & Crouch LLP

Past Chair, Board of Directors Vice President Trapeze Asset Management Inc.

Chair Elect Deloitte Private Partner, Assurance & Advisory

TODD LETTS

MANPREET MANN TINA CHIU

Chief Executive Officer Brampton Board of Trade

Vice-chair, Finance Branch Manager, BDC

Chief Operating Officer Mandarin Corporation

JOSH BELCZYK

HEATHER ARTHUR HARPREET ZINGH

Partner Acretiv Partners

Director, Business Care Rogers Communications

Co-founder LAB B

IAIN MCNAB

DON CUMMING

KEITH REARDON

Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Sheridan College

Manager, Business Development TD GTA West Commercial Banking

Vice President, Intermodal CN

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BBOT’S VITAL SIGNS BRAMPTON’S LARGEST

50+ EVENTS

2400 ATTENDEES

42,000 EMPLOYED

28 CAMPAIGNS

2350+ VOLUNTEER HOURS

38.6%

56%

70%

20%

8%

6%

network of businesses and business professionals

by BBOT members

increase in new membership sign ups in 2017

increase in businesses using BBOT’s marketing and advertising tools 5

and other networking opportunities

run to support policy and advocacy efforts

increase in social media engagement and reach

increase in businesses protected through ChamberPlan benefits

at Board of Trade events

spent on business development initiatives

increase in annual economic development sponsorship investments

increase in trade documents processed through the Brampton Board of Trade

I BRAMPTON

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or the past year, the Brampton

Board

of

Trade has been on a

mission to foster stronger city pride in Brampton through our ‘I Love Brampton’ Campaign. So far the Board of Trade has handed out hundreds of t-shirts, sweaters, water bottles and other swag, allowing Brampton business owners and members of the community to take their love and passion for Brampton into the community and onto the world stage.

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WHAT’S NEW?

NEW WEBSITE

BBOT launched a new and up-to-date website that gives members easier access to information about our upcoming events, advocacy campaigns, costsavings programs and other business related resources.

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I LOVE BRAMPTON

In 2017, BBOT launched a civic pride campaign, where we worked to foster stronger city pride and grow Brampton’s presence across the province, Canada and the world through our ‘I Love Brampton’ swag.

OFFICE REFRESH

Over 200 volunteers and businesses meet at BBOT’s office each month.

This year we refreshed our workspaces and boardroom to better serve our members and to offer more room for collaboration and growth.

NEW TEAM MEMBERS

A number of talented new people have joined the BBOT team this year.

The new team dynamics are allowing us to better serve our members and continue to work for the business community in Brampton.

TEA WITH TODD

Each month new members were invited to a casual group meeting with the Board’s CEO, Todd Letts, to learn more about the services and resources available to them as members.

MORE ADVOCACY

This year BBOT actively ran more advocacy campaigns than last year. We listened to members and brought their key issues, such as tax reform and workplace legislation, to the attention of decision makers, and worked to keep those issues top of mind.

MORE NETWORKS

We love to connect businesses! After identifying a need in the community, BBOT officially launched Connectwork, a personal and professional development group for businesswomen in the Brampton area.

MORE WAYS TO ENGAGE

This year BBOT launched some exciting new events that gave members more opportunities to engage with BBOT and fellow members — among those events were the Top 40 Under 40 Awards and the Transportation Challenge.

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CELEBRATING 130 YEARS OF PRODUCTIVITY & PROSPERITY I

n 2017 Brampton Board of Trade celebrated 130 years serving the Brampton business community by honouring past successes and looking ahead at the bright future as we work together to contribute to Brampton’s success.

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WINS IN 2017

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hrough the efforts of staff and volunteers, the Board of Trade was successful in influencing key issues affecting businesses and Brampton’s overall economic vitality.

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CREATED NEW PARTNERSHIPS ABROAD Brampton Board of Trade had the opportunity to help lead a trade mission to Dubai in partnership with the World Trade Centre Toronto. Brampton business leaders and dignitaries were able to create valuable partnerships in health and life sciences, a growing sector in the city.

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OFFERED VALUABLE FACE TIME This year members had the opportunity to meet with a number of elected officials and key decision makers. They spoke on issues affecting their businesses and their bottom line.

Federal Minister of International Trade, Francois Philippe Champagne; Ontario Minister of Education Deb Matthews; Federal Minister of Finance Bill Morneau and Leader of the Ontario PC Party Patrick Brown, among others, were welcomed by BBOT to have meaningful discussions about key issues.

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FURTHERED BRAMPTON’S INNOVATION AGENDA Along with other area Chambers, Brampton Board of Trade has been working for three years to better position Brampton on the innovation corridor from Toronto to Waterloo through the Canada’s Innovation Corridor Working Group. BBOT has continued its work by contributing to a bid to build an advanced manufacturing supercluster in the GTHA.

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HELPED REDUCE THE REGULATORY BURDEN BBOT has been actively working with its network across the province and the country to decrease the growing regulatory burden being placed on businesses. In last year’s municipal budget consultations, BBOT offered recommendations that resulted in a lower than forecasted tax increase by city council. BBOT also played an active role in the reversal of the proposed federal tax changes and the reduction in the small business tax rate from 10.5% to 9%.

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PROSPERITY AGENDA T

his year the Brampton Board of Trade worked with its members to identify major issues affecting the Brampton business community. Through the Prosperity Roundtable, BBOT developed five areas of focus to guide the organization’s policy and advocacy agenda in late 2016 and 2017. The Board of Trade plans to carry these five pillars into 2018 to guide our advocacy work and collaborations with stakeholders.

TALENT & THE NEXT GENERATION

BBOT is advocating for an increase in access to post-secondary education, jobs and transit infrastructure in order to retain talent and set the stage for young innovators to succeed and carry the community forward.

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TRANSIT & TRANSPORTATION

INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

CIVIC LEADERSHIP

An effective, efficient, and regionally connected transit and transportation system is the backbone of a strong and competitive economy and livable city.

Encouraging local businesses to find new markets in the US, Europe and emerging markets will accelerate regional economic growth. BBOT orients and equips businesses on export strategies that build both confidence and capacity.

The Board of Trade is working with local decision makers and community partners to attract more commercial and industrial investment.

BBOT believes that public and private leaders need to align to develop a common plan, secure resources and oversee implementation of the activities required to move Brampton forward.

YOU WERE HEARD IN 2017

Addressing Ontario’s skills gap by bridging the expectations of the business community and post secondary institutions.

Advocating for more robust transit and transportation networks in Brampton and the surrounding region.

Positioning Brampton as a more attractive place to invest and do business.

Growing Brampton’s post secondary Reducing the impact of impending legislation and regulatory changes

offerings by securing a new university for the city.

on businesses.

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BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS 15

2017 Recipients: Community Impact: JN Asen-

national Ambassador: Howard Eng, Greater

sio Realty Inc. Communications: Brampton Fo-

Toronto Airport Authority. Leadership: Coca-

cus. Healthy Workplace: Zgemi. Community

Cola Refreshments Canada. Teamwork: Khanu-

Impact (Nonprofit): Rotary Club of Brampton.

ja Dentistry. Spirit of Innovation: Armacell Can-

Mentoring: Razor Creative Solutions Inc. Inter-

ada Inc. Chairman’s Award: Kanwar Dhanjal.

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n 2017 the Board of Trade had the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of some outstanding busi-

nesses and business people. This year’s awards honoured Mohamad Fakih, President and Founder of Paramount Fine Foods as Business Person of the Year. The 2017 awards also saw a significant increase in nominees! The Board of Trade is excited to take the momentum and enthusiasm into the 2018 Business Excellence Awards.

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THE VOICE OF THE BRAMPTON BUSINESS COMMUNITY T

his year we focused on bringing businesses to the table with decision makers so they could be heard on the issues affecting them.

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FEDERAL ISSUES FORUM

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PROSPERITY ROUNDTABLE

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STATE OF THE CITY 2017

Businesses had the opportunity

BBOT brought together some of

Hundreds of businesses heard

to meet with Minister Francois

Brampton’s biggest employers

from Mayor Linda Jeffrey in her

Philippe

Minister

for a half day of workshopping to

annual address to the business

of International Trade and local

identify key issues and challeng-

community. The Mayor focused

Members of Parliament to dis-

es facing their businesses and to

on innovation and rising above

cuss key issues including trade,

conceptualize tangible solutions

the status quo. Howard Eng, CEO

innovation, taxation, infrastruc-

to these issues.

of GTAA also spoke at the event

Champagne,

ture and more.

about the airport’s future regional transit hub.

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BRAMPTON U: SHAPING SUCCESS

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TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGE

The Board of Trade hosted On-

BBOT brought together leaders

tario Minister of Education Deb

from across the region including

Matthews to discuss the prov-

Leslie Woo, Chief Planning Officer

ince’s skills gap and the business

of Metrolinx, Keith Reardon of

community’s role in fixing it. Mat-

CN and the Mayor of Waterloo to

thews also opened the request

discuss transit and transportation

for proposals process for Bramp-

challenges in the region, and how

ton’s future post-secondary insti-

cities across the GTHA can work

tution.

together moving forward.

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IN CONVERSATION WITH LARRY BEASLEY

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ECONOMIC GROWTH ROUNDTABLE I

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ECONOMIC GROWTH ROUNDTABLE II

Urban planning visionary, and

Minister of Finance Bill Morneau

The Board of Trade hosted On-

special advisor to Brampton’s

joined a small focus group of

tario PC Leader Patrick Brown to

Chief

Beasley

businesses to discuss challenges

discuss opportunities and chal-

joined BBOT members to discuss

Planner,

Larry

and opportunities in transit and

lenges currently facing Brampton

how to propel Brampton into a

transportation, trade, investment

businesses including the cumu-

more forward-thinking city of the

attractiveness, taxation and the

lative regulatory burden, issues

future.

need for ongoing consultation

with impending legislation and

with the business community.

more.

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SAY HELLO TO BRAMPTON’S INAUGURAL TOP 40 UNDER 40 21

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rampton is filled with talented and inspiring individuals deserving of recognition. It is with this foresight that the Brampton Board of Trade has made a commitment to

recognize, mentor, and encourage these individuals to climb to greater heights by initiating the Top 40 Under 40 Awards. The inaugural awards recognized entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals and community advocates who are actively shaping Brampton positively, contributing to the community and taking Brampton to the world stage.

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HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? TODD LETTS

NAYAN THAKER

KRISTI MACGIBBON

Chief Executive Officer

Manager, Finance & Operations

Manager, Volunteer & Business Development

NIKITA BROWN

DAVID MCGREW

SUZANNE HIGHGATE

Manager, Communications & Business Development

Manager, Business Development

Office Manager

Get in touch

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BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE 36 QUEEN STREET EAST, SUITE 101 BRAMPTON, ON L6V 1A2 T: 905-451-1122 F: 905-450-0295

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