WELCOME TO
CITY STATE OF THE 2025
With Mayor Patrick Brown
FEBRUARY 4, 2025
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
PLATINUM SPONSORS
SPONSORS
SPONSORS
SILVER
10:45 am: 11:00 am: 11:15 am: 11:20 am: 11:55 am 12:00 pm: 12:25 pm: 12:35 pm: 12:50 pm: 1:00 pm:
Call to Tables
1st Course served - Soup
Welcome Remarks
Sponsor Remarks – GTAA
City of Brampton Presentation
2nd Course Served - Main
Sponsor Remarks – CN
Mayor Patrick Brown Presentation
Mayor’s Recognition of Business Excellence Award
Sponsor Remarks – Sheridan College
3rd Course served - Dessert
Closing Remarks
Event Ends
Welcome to the 2025 State of the City Luncheon, Brampton’s premier gathering of business leaders, city officials, and key stakeholders. This annual Brampton Board of Trade event is a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the city’s economic development, hear directly from Mayor Patrick Brown, and celebrate the businesses that drive Brampton’s success.
As a thriving and dynamic city, Brampton continues to evolve, presenting new opportunities for innovation, investment, and growth. Navigating this changing landscape requires vision, collaboration, and a shared commitment to shaping a prosperous future Businesses that embrace these opportunities will not only strengthen their resilience but also contribute to the city’s long-term economic vitality.
Today, we bring together influential voices and key updates on Brampton’s progress and future direction. Whether you’re looking to expand your business, forge strategic partnerships, or gain a deeper understanding of the city’s economic outlook, this event provides invaluable perspectives to help you move forward with confidence. We trust you’ll leave inspired, informed, and ready to be part of Brampton’s continued success. Thank you for joining us as we explore the future of our city and celebrate the people and businesses that make it thrive.
Built in Brampton (New Announcement!)
Built in Brampton is a call to action for our community to invest in the products and people that make our city thrive. This campaign celebrates locally produced goods and services, each one a testament to Brampton's skilled workforce and innovative businesses. When you choose a Brampton-made product, you’re strengthening local employment and reinforcing community solidarity, sending a powerful message of support and unity. Submit your product today to be part of the movement!
Send your requests here to be
Sponsor Remarks – GTAA
Chris Rickett Executive Director, Stakeholder Relations and Social Impact
Chris Rickett, a civic innovator and community builder, has led transformative initiatives like Digital Main Street and My Main Street. Recognized as one of Toronto Life's Most Influential Torontonians, he now drives economic and community impact as Executive Director of Stakeholder Relations and Communications at Toronto Pearson.
City of Brampton Presentation
Gurpartap Singh Toor Regional Councillor Wards 1 and 5
Gurpartap Singh Toor, Brampton’s youngest Regional Councillor, champions economic growth, job creation, and investment. He played a key role in the Logistics Innovation Zone, TMU’s School of Medicine, and community expansions. Passionate about arts, sports, and sustainability, he remains dedicated to innovation and engaging with residents
Rowena Santos
Regional Councillor Wards 9 and 10
Rowena, Brampton’s first Filipino City Councillor (Wards 1 & 5), is dedicated to community and political change. With degrees from Schulich and LSE, she brings corporate and legislative experience A mentor and arts supporter, she enjoys music, fitness, and raising her son while shaping Brampton’s future.
Upcoming Signature BBOT Events
Business Person of the Year
Bill Kanellopoulos
President, Kallo Developments
Celebrating Brampton’s 2025 Business Person of the Year: Bill Kanellopoulos
The Brampton Board of Trade proudly honors Bill Kanellopoulos, President of Kallo Developments, as the 2025 Business Person of the Year. From his humble beginnings in Greece to building a legacy in Brampton, Bill’s journey is a testament to leadership, resilience, and community commitment.
After opening Queens Pizzeria in 1972, Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit sparked decades of success in hospitality, real estate development, and city-building.
As a co-founding member of The Inzola Group, he played a key role in iconic projects like Brampton’s original City Hall, while his family business, Kallo Developments, continues to shape the city’s future.
At 80, Bill remains dedicated to Brampton, contributing visibly through development projects and invisibly through impactful community initiatives. His vision and commitment to economic growth leave a lasting legacy.
Congratulations, Bill, on this well-deserved recognition!
Sponsor Remarks - CN Gabriel Lagunes
Director of Marketing and Asia, Intermodal International, CN
Gabriel Lagunes, CN’s Director of Marketing & Asia, oversees international container marketing and shipping partnerships With 25+ years in transportation, he has held leadership roles at CN and Maersk. He holds degrees in international trade and transport from institutions in Mexico, the UK, and Belgium, and speaks English and Spanish.
State of the City Address
Patrick Brown Mayor, City of Brampton
Welcome to the Brampton Board of Trade's Annual State of the City Luncheon.
It’s an honour to address this esteemed gathering of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community advocates. The theme for my speech this year is: "Think Big". It reflects the progress we’ve made in recent years and the exciting future that lies ahead for Brampton, now the third largest city in Ontario. From infrastructure advancements to innovation in our economy, we are building a city that thrives on hard work and creativity.
I would like to recognize the Brampton Board of Trade for their unwavering commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering a strong, vibrant community.
Together, we’re shaping Brampton’s future.
www.bramptonbot.com
2025 Mayor Patrick Brown’s Recognition of Business Excellence Award Recipient
Sun Pharma is the world’s leading specialty generics company with a presence in Specialty, Generics and Consumer Healthcare products. It is the largest pharmaceutical company in India and is a leading generic company in Global Emerging Markets. Sun’s high growth Global Specialty portfolio spans innovative products in dermatology, ophthalmology, and oncodermatology. In Canada, the Brampton site (formerly Taro Pharmaceuticals) is a SUN Global
Excellence Center with world-class Research & Development and manufacturing capability. From modest beginnings 40 years ago the Canadian business has grown to over 700 employees. The site is currently working on major expansions to strengthen its position as a global leader.
Andreas Wegner Ph. D Vice-President, Head of Manufacturing
Jerzy Zadykowicz, Ph. D Senior Director, R&D
Sponsor Remarks - Sheridan College
Dr. Janet Morrison
President, and Vice
Chancellor Sheridan College
Dr. Janet Morrison is a passionate advocate for student success and community engagement With extensive experience in post-secondary education, she fosters innovation, equity, and collaboration. Her leadership has driven transformative initiatives that empower learners, advance research, and strengthen partnerships, contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the broader community.
Closing Remarks
Kate Saldanha Chair, Board of Directors, Brampton Board of Trade
Kate Saldanha, a lawyer at Prouse, Dash & Crouch LLP, specializes in real estate and wills & estate law.
As the 2025 Chair of the Brampton Board of Trade’s Board of Directors, she brings her leadership and dedication to fostering business growth and community development in Brampton
Upcoming BBOT Events
SPONSORS
