Member Notables

Major Announcement on Additional Service at YKF

On February 10, 2021, Flair Airlines announced a formal arrangement with the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) to provide non-stop domestic air service to Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Halifax multiple times weekly. The current anticipated start of service is May 1, 2021 pending the lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Launched in 2017, Flair Airlines is Canada’s only independent ultra-low cost carrier (ULCC) and provides customer service at a much lower price. As of December 2020, Flair has flown almost 18,000 flights with approximately 2.3 million passengers. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, they will expand service from 10 to 19 Canadian destinations. A February 10 news release from the Region of Waterloo International Airport notes that Flair’s new non-stop service will help drive our regional economy through tourism, job creation, and the purchase of local goods and services.

Execulink Makes First Donation of 2021 to Emergency Shelter Fundraising Campaign

Woodstock-based Execulink Telecom has made their first 2021 community donation to the Coldest Night of the Year initiative. The Coldest Night of the Year Walk, founded 11 years ago in Kitchener-Waterloo, is now held in more than 150 cities across Canada with each municipality raising funds for a local shelter. The Woodstock Coldest Night of the Year event is donating all proceeds to The Inn of Oxford, the county’s only emergency shelter. Support of local community initiatives is a regular practice at Execulink Telecom. President and CEO Ian Stevens noted in a company media release that “our service communities are also our homes. This is as simple for us as supporting our family in a time of need and we are delighted to be able to do so.”

Senior Management Changes at Accelerator Centre

Paul Salvini, who served as Chief Executive Officer of the Waterloo Accelerator Centre (AC) from 2014 to 2020, recently departed to assume the position of Global Chief Technology Officer for VFX and animation company DNEG. Julie Barker-Merz, Accelerator Centre board chair, noted in an organization news release that Paul’s leadership has positioned them to confidently continue on a trajectory of excellence while forging an even stronger future that continues to respond to the changing innovation ecosystem. Looking to the future, the AC is well-positioned for leading in the sector.

John Stevens, Vice President Strategy and External Relations, is leading the organization during the search for Dr. Salvini’s replacement. John is a long-serving Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce volunteer on the Federal and Provincial Affairs Committee.

Member Notables

WLU Launches Master of Supply Chain Management

Supply chains have become increasingly complex at the national and global level during the COVID-19 pandemic, with consumers demanding goods at a rapidly accelerating pace. The Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) recently established the Master of Supply Chain Management, a graduate program designed for professionals looking to advance their careers across the industry. Applications are now being accepted for the first cohort in September of 2021. A Laurier news release from January 25, 2021 notes that the curriculum will supply a strong analytics component to ensure the program is future-focused and graduates are future-ready. Classes will be conducted on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate working professionals. The Master of Supply Chain Management program will also incorporate the latest best practices in computer modelling and process design to keep graduates ahead of the curve as they navigate this dynamic business environment.

Record Alumni Donation for Conestoga College

Montreal native Bernard Forster, a 1974 graduate of Conestoga College’s Broadcasting – Radio & Television program, has provided a contribution of $250,019.70 to support the expansion and growth of the institution’s School of Creative Industries. The donation is the largest from a graduate in school history. Forster commenced his studies at Conestoga in 1970 when the college had a total enrolment of approximately 1,200 students and translated the skills and knowledge he gained into a successful and rewarding 25-year career with CBC Television. Now retired, Forster views education as “the great equalizer” and looks back on his Conestoga education as the catalyst that gave him the opportunity to learn, grow and prosper. “We are very grateful for this gift which will have a significant impact on our School of Creative Industries,” said Conestoga President John Tibbits in an institutional release. “While Conestoga graduates are widely recognized for their many contributions to the success, well-being and prosperity of the businesses and communities they serve, Mr. Forster’s decision to invest in the success of future generations of graduates is a remarkable testament to his personal generosity as well as his commitment to our college.”

United Way Waterloo Region Communities Distributes over $4.6 Million

United Way Waterloo Region Communities (UWWRC) recently announced the distribution of $4,600,753.55 to 129 local agencies and programs across Waterloo Region during 2020. Funds distributed include donations via the COVID-19 Community Fund, which was created in March of 2020 to respond to immediate community needs related to the pandemic, as well as the General Community Fund, which was modernized to be more responsive to all community needs and local solutions. “It is very heartening to see, during a year when many experienced unforeseen difficulties, our community come together and support so many people in Waterloo Region,” said UWWRC CEO Joan Fisk in a February 9, 2021 news release. “It is only through the generosity of donors that many of our local support services and programs are still able to be there for those in need.”

There’s a new event venue in town...

Get people talking about your next meeting, conference, or team building event.

Unique & Flexible Spaces

Fifty-three acres, plenty of parking, and a variety of unique spaces make us the perfect place for an event of any shape or size.

Your event is unique, and your package should be too. Work with us or your favourite vendors to bring your vision to life. On-site entertainment options like live horse racing and a casino make it easy to work hard all day and then jump into an evening of play.

Using only the freshest ingredients, our talented chefs are dedicated to delivering unforgettable food experiences for your guests.

Creative & Customized Plans Work Hard, Play Hard

In-House Catering

Irvine Boardroom GrandWay Hall River Room

LEXUS IS

2021

THE ALL NEW 2021 LEXUS IS

CUTTING EDGE. NEVER CORNERS. The new 2021 Lexus IS writes the next chapter of luxury sports sedans. Developed on the highly demanding Shimoyama Test Track, the IS features a more rigid chassis, sport-tuned suspension, wider stance and precision handling. Available in two naturally aspirated V6 AWD models, and a turbo RWD model, the IS inspires confidence by forging a closer bond between driver and machine. And with a new multimedia system with an available 10.3-inch touchscreen and next generation Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, the IS is as innovative as it is thrilling.

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Compatible with standard Lexus Enform Remote,

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• New Dynamic Handling Package on Lexus IS 350 with

Adaptive Variable Suspension, carbon-fibre spoiler and 19" forged BBS wheels