2022
ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
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LEADERS’ MESSAGE At last year’s AGM we met virtually and expressed the hope that we would be gathered in person by the same time next year. Despite challenges and a non-linear path to recovery, 2022 saw a return to in-person convening, collaborating and connecting for the Brampton Board of Trade – culminating in today’s AGM and transition in leadership. While the pandemic has no doubt changed some of our operations, the past year saw us continue to innovate and find new ways to best serve our members. We have been fully staffed for all of 2022, with full time managers of marketing, government relations, operations, events and finance. This has resulted in a renewed focus on member care and business development. The years impacted by the pandemic required creativity and flexibility in how we delivered value to our members, partners and sponsors. The return to in-person events in 2022 has opened even more doors for us, as we saw at our inaugural Energy & Environment Forum in April, as one example. Thanks to the hard work of our team and the dedication of our partners, 2022 was a banner year for sponsorship and we continue to see sustained growth in new members and membership retention. Successive Boards of Directors have given us a clear mandate to be bold in trying new initiatives and re-asserting our relevance to members. Our four categories of membership offer value to businesses of all sizes, and we monitor our value proposition on an on-going basis through membership surveys and other forms of engagement. Indeed, at a time of unprecedented change, challenge and opportunity, the Brampton Board of Trade has never been more needed. On files ranging from downtown revitalization to the emergence of new, economy-transforming innovation, we have been active and put the interests of Brampton businesses at the forefront every step of the way. All throughout 2022 we have focused on making connections,getting our members in the room with decision-makers and forging a strong and resilient community. Our third annual Business Confidence Index shows us in no uncertain terms what our member priorities are: a focus on the infrastructure our city badly needs, namely transit and transportation, as well as a reclaiming of civic leadership. At the end of 2022, we remain the largest, oldest and only accredited business association in Brampton. As we look to the future, we will be bold and courageous in creating opportunity for our members.
Donna Fagon-Pascal Chair 2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Todd Letts Chief Executive Officer BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE bramptonbot.com
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BUSINESS LEADERSHIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES ADVOCACY & REPRESENTATION Representing you and helping governments understand the needs of business. CONNECTIONS & SOLUTIONS Introducing you to the people, suppliers, customers, and experts that can accelerate your success journey. VISION & GROWTH We attract the visionaries, creatives and the smartest businesses in Brampton. LEADERSHIP & ACCOUNTABILITY Together, we will build the best business association in the world. “As a Government and Community Relations professional I find I am far more successful because we are a member of the Brampton Board of Trade. Their programming and access to decision makers is second to none and as a result they are able to successfully advocate on behalf of the businesses in Brampton.” John Cruickshank - Government & Community Relations Manager, triOS College
Thank You to Retiring Board Members
Vanessa White Maple Lodge Farms
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Michelle McCollum Keith Reardon Sheridan College CN
BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE
Steve Stevens RioCan
Scott Thomson Rogers Communications
2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
2023 Board of Directors
Daniel Lewis 2023 BBOT Chair Daniel’s Chai Bar
Donna Fagon-Pascal 2022 BBOT Chair Dynacare
Johanne Rappoccio 2022 BBOT VP Finance BMP Metals Inc.
Joe Jackman Almag Aluminum
Lindsay Engel Sheridan College
Louis Vouloukos Lawrence, Lawrence, Stevenson LLP
Usha Srinivasan Brampton Venture Zone by TMU
Kanwar Dhanjal Just Instruments Inc.
Fred Marques Maple Lodge Farms
Aman Sandhu TD Commercial Banking
2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Girish Nair CN
Jeremy MacBean IT Weapons
Kath Saldanha Prouse, Dash & Crouch
Todd Letts Brampton Board of Trade
BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE bramptonbot.com
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BUSINESS LEADERSHIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE The Prosperity Agenda is a road map designed to help business leaders become more aware of the key drivers of our economy and their role in moving Brampton forward. Focus is on these six pillars:
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BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE
2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
ADVOCACY WINS
Council approval of $2.5 million for Sheridan’s Centre for Healthy Communities, an innovative training centre that will bring the cutting edge of medical innovation to Brampton Increased the number of skilled autoworkers to meet workforce shortages by providing up to $5 million in training for underrepresented groups, with full-time employment offered following the completion of training programs. Commitment to the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine, which will open its doors in the middle of this decade as the first new medical school in Ontario in over 100 years, training the next generation of medical talent right here in Brampton Implementation of an investment tax credit of up to 30% for net-zero technologies, battery storage solutions and clean hydrogen.
Removed accreditation costs for internationally trained healthcare workers including nurses, adding much needed healthcare capacity to help keep businesses open Successfully passed policy resolutions calling on increased support for international students and relief on auto insurance rates Pushed for introduction of affordable childcare for Brampton, which later materialized in the form of an agreement between the federal and provincial governments Successful amendment of the Employment Insurance Act to provide more support for worker retraining, along with a commitment to update existing Labour Market Transfer Agreements. Steps to address workforce shortages by securing funding of $29.3 million over three years for a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Trusted Employer Model to reduce red tape for frequent users of the program 2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
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A commitment of $450 million over five years for the National Trade Corridor Fund, with a renewed focus on supply chain resiliency Brampton Board of Trade participated in the 12th World Chambers Congress making trade policy and connections worldwide
Advocated for increased service across regional transit networks, including Two-Way All Day GO Pushed for provincial fulfillment of Highway 413, the GTA West Corridor, through a variety of tactics including op-eds, media interviews and individual meetings
Won community praise for critical analysis of the municipal budget process, including a delegation to council that drove media coverage of the city budget Hosted all candidates debates for all five Brampton ridings during the June provincial election, drawing attention to local issues and priorities Participation in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Hill Day, including meetings with senior political advisors in the areas of talent, employment and innovation
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BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE
2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Council approval of the Riverwalk Update and Urban Design Master Plan, moving us closer to implementing the full vision and unlocking the downtown’s true potential Advocated for Brampton’s downtown, including calling for increased business community consultation on initiatives that directly impact the business climate such as the introduction of a pilot supervised consumption site Participated in City of Brampton community engagement processes, including related to the development of Heritage Heights and the introduction of inclusionary zoning to increase housing supply Advocated for much needed infrastructure, including advancing planning work and funding commitments for a third hospital Led on-going advocacy for continued upgrades and state of good repair work on downtown utilities, including pushing for minimal disruptions to business operations Highlighted the importance of the Main Street LRT Extension and engaged with the consortium building the Hazel McCallion Line in Mississauga and south Brampton to ensure that Brampton businesses were well represented Strong advocacy for a national urban strategy, including funding to help revitalize and grow downtown cores
“As new members of BBOT we are very impressed with the ability of staff to place our public policy concerns in front of Government decision makers. The education and round table events hosted by BBOT have been a key part of our successful advocacy program.” -Paul Grenier, Manager Government Affairs, Clorox Canada
2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
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WORKING TOGETHER Through facilitating strategic relationships, advocating on behalf of businesses, and developing cost savings programs, the mission is fulfilled by helping members find solutions to the toughest problems that businesses face every day including overcoming barriers to growth, attracting, and retaining talent, and making the right connections.
BY THE NUMBERS Facebook Followers 2,875, 11% increase
Instagram Followers 2,922, 15% increase
LinkedIn Followers 1,755, 27% increase
Twitter Followers 4,940, 3% increase
Members Employ 61,000
Network Meetings Held 50+
Website Page Views 8,917 per month
Newsletter Open Rate 26%
Social Media Impressions 6,535 per month
“As a new member of BBOT we found that it is a very favorable place to market, grow your business and increase your professional network. The education, Open Door Discussions and other business meetings with like-minded people are very important to find new business networks. We are very impressed with the ability of staff to help us find right type of program to develop our business.” -Varinder Kalia – Bay Financial
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BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE
2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
HONOURS, IMPACT & INVESTMENT 2022 was a year of significant collaboration and accomplishment. Brampton Board of Trade celebrated its 135th anniversary by hosting the Ontario Chamber of Commerce AGM. Our work with the Canadian Global Cities Council focused on removing interprovincial trade barriers. We honoured the memory of Naseem Somani with an honorary street sign. Directors Johanne Rappoccio, Kanwar Dhanjal and Donna Fagon-Pascal were awarded Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee pins. BBOT’s CEO was name Executive of the Year by the Canadian Chamber Executives of Canada. We celebrated Stellantis’ billion dollar investment in Brampton for Electric Vehicle production and accepted many invitations to present at national and international conferences. The Halton Peel Supply Chain Council was formed. Heather Strati was named Business Person of the Year and Dr. Janet Morrison received the Naseem Somani Memorial Leadership Award for Excellence.
2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
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MEMBER FEEDBACK
Each year Board of Trade members provide feedback on their confidence of economic conditions and the key drivers of our local economy.
“I would like to express my gratitude for being a part of the Brampton Board of Trade, and for helping widen my horizons through networking. Our business gained more exposure and helped propel us forward in the community.” - Poonam Batish, Owner, Crock A Doodle Pottery 10
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BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE
2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
MEMBER FEEDBACK
“Brampton Board of Trade is an asset to our community. Connecting with a vast business network, access to helpful resources and year-wide professional growth opportunities.” Tina Chiu, COO, Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corp.
2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
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THANK YOU PROSPERITY PARTNERS
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BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE
2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
2022 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS Community Impact Help a Girl Out Charity
Culture Experience Réveiller Afriq
Service Excellence Happy Baby Spa
Workplace Wellness & Talent Development DSV Global Transport & Logistics
Community Builder Def Events & Beyond
Global Trade Impact Generation PMCA
Environmental Sustainability The Food Quotient Inc.
Innovation Canon Canada
Retail Experience Decathlon
Smart Solutions Brampton Transit, City of Brampton 2022 Business Person of the Year Heather Strati, Partner, Deloitte
2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE bramptonbot.com
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MEMBERSHIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Smart businesses are Board of Trade members. Make a referral? What can you contribute?
Make change happen Knock-down barriers to growth at all 4 levels of government. Stand together to encourage economic growth and pro-business policies that make it easier for your business to thrive
Attract new clients Find potential new clients and customers through our online member directory or at our many business development opportunities
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BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE
Build partnerships Take advantage of our local, national, and global connections to stay informed and help you to find new partners to reach your business aspirations.
Grow your network Meet fellow members, local community leaders, and decisionmakers at monthly events. Connect directly with Brampton’s business leaders.
2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
2023 KEY DATES State of the City
InspiHER
February 7, 2023
In Celebration of International Women’s Day March 1, 2023
Business Excellence Awards
Comedy & Auction Night
May 4, 2023
February 17, 2023
“The Brampton Board of Trade has been and continues to directly impact the growth of Hop In Technologies. From fun networking events and direct introductions to meet companies experiencing commuting issues with their staff, to platforms to highlight our business to the community, being a member has provided so many opportunities to increase sales and build our network.” -Boyd Reid, Co-Founder & COO, Hop In Microtransit Technologies 2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE bramptonbot.com
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Raise Your Profile
Promote your business through the Brampton Board of Trade to reach a new, wider audience and gain credibility for your business. In doing so, you align your brand to our community’s most trusted and respected businesses.
Sponsorship Website & E-newsletter Advertising Business Directory Listing Member Spotlights Contact Kristi for more information: kmacgibbon@bramptonbot.com 16
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BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE
2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
MEET THE TEAM
Todd Letts CEO
Kristi MacGibbon VP, Operations
Maureen Turner Manager, Community Networks
Jennifer Oppermann Account Development Manager
Ansar Khan Finance & Operations Manager
Jennifer LaLonde Operations Manager
Kevin Draper Manager, Government Relations & Communications Strategy 2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Justyna Toeppner Marketing & Communications Manager BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE bramptonbot.com
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BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE 36 Queen Street East, Suite 101 Brampton, ON L6V 1A2 www.bramptonbot.com | 905.451.1122