Message from the CEO

The March issue of InTouch has traditionally focused on our Business Excellence Awards Finalists – with good reason. One of the perks of my role is the absolute honour of assisting in the production of the three minute videos that the Chamber produces with the help of Atomic Spark each year, as interviews and visual representations of the businesses and organizations and the work they do. For the past 39 years, our members have nominated their fellow members across categories important to the community, and our finalists have confirmed their eligibility, before they sit down with the CEO to discuss the how and why their organization is delivering an exceptional experience to their clients, staff, and the community.

Many, if not all, finalists are simply doing what they love, and that passion is transforming our community through great organizations led by warm and caring people, whether a technical trade, exceptional service, volunteering and supporting others, or being a quiet leader. A consistent message with nearly every finalist is that they want to give back to the community that supports them. The 39th Annual Business Excellence Awards, presented by BDO Canada LLP, will continue the tradition of telling the story of our community through its businesses. Please mark your calendars for Thursday, May 4th, and join us at what will be a very memorable evening.

This issue also leads into our AGM on March 28th. Please join us at the Rope Factory Event Hall to meet your 2023 Board, review our updated Strategic Plan, learn directly about some of the new initiatives of the Chamber and how it is evolving with your help, and toast to a strong set of core financial and operational practices that have led to our Re-Accreditation as a Chamber of Commerce demonstrating excellence in practice amongst our peers across Canada. See you there! I