Event Highlights

After an exceptionally busy Fall season, we took the opportunity over the holidays to recharge… but not before we reflected on some highlights over the past couple months!

The Inspiring Women Event is always a personal favourite of ours, but this year’s event was special. Although virtual again this year, the 15th annual event hosted meaningful discussions around resilience, caring for ourselves (and others) through times of grief, getting better sleep, and using our voice as our ultimate superpower. The tools and recommendations provided by the speakers, will help us Forge a Path Forward. We heard from the Hon. Lisa Raitt (@LisaRaittMP), Christa Couture (@ChristaCouture), Bridget Jensen (@BetterBedtimeSleep), Jam Gamble (@IAmJamGamble), Tracy Valko (@TracyValko), and Komal Minhas (@KomalMinhas). Plus, we had interactive sessions that were led by Monika McKinley, Lee-Anne Reuber (@Sekond_Skin_Society), and Marilia Pereira (@ FleurishWithMarilia)

We also hosted a YNCU Chamber Young Professionals event in November, where we had 6 Community Leaders each share 10 of their top leadership lessons, for a total of 60 leadership tips in 60 minutes! Speakers included: Cavell Johnson (KW Titans), Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang (Waterloo Region Public Health), Jody Palubiski (The Charcoal Group), Beisan Zubi (The New Rules / KW Get on Board), John Hazell (Future Focus), and Melissa Durrell (Durrell Communications). We’ve already started implementing some of these tips into our professional (and personal) lives, and they work great!

On December 14th we officially announced the nominees for the 2022 Business Excellence Awards Gala. This is a record year for nominations, which is a testament to the hustle and heart that these organizations have put in over the past 12 months. They’ve been working hard for their clients, and their community across areas such as Health & Wellness, Environment & Sustainability, Innovation, and more. The lengthy judging process has started, and winners will be announced at the Gala on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

Finally, as the year ended, we recognized and thanked our many volunteers who help organize the 90+ events we do each year. Thank you to Esta Chocolates for helping us provide our volunteers with a sweet treat over the holiday season.

We are so excited to celebrate with everyone as we recognize our local business community on April 28th, and we’re looking forward to our return to live events in spring 2022!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Carolyn Marsh

Carolyn is Events Manager for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mhari Reid

Mhari is Events Coordinator for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce