FROM OUR CHAIR
Welcoming
2024 MBOT CHAIR
SAMEER SHARMA
2024 MBOT Chair President, Crown Group of Hotels
After being an active member and Board of Director for many years, it is my privilege and honour to become the incoming Chair of Mississauga Board of Trade. As President of Crown Group of Hotels, I am always excited to contribute my time and resources to the Mississauga Board of Trade and the community we call home. MBOT has been an integral part of my personal and professional journey. This statement is and can be true for many; attributable to the influential people you meet, connections you make as you expand your network, and most importantly, the collective business community voice we have representing us to all three levels of government. With members from all sectors of the economy, MBOT represents a knowledgeable, balanced and influential hub for its patrons. I will endeavour to uphold those values and expand on them for the benefit of our members. I have been a part of and witnessed MBOT operate prior to, through and post-COVID. The stability, resiliency and recovery presented by the Board is commendable. During these times, Mississauga Economic Residency Group (MERG) was created and I was honoured to lead the Hospitality, Tourism, Entertainment and Retail Sector. Ultimately, this benefits us all as the Board truly does exist solely to support you, our diverse business community in the City of Mississauga. Here, I must recognize and appreciate our past Chairs, Ken Tencer from Spyder Works, Lucy Shaw from Nurse Next Door Mississauga and Steve Rhone, President & CEO Weston Forest, for their
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commendable leadership and dedicated efforts through the challenging times. It has been a pleasure working with and learning from them all. While the economy is recovering, there are mixed reactions about the year ahead and what direction our economy will take; I am positive about MBOTs growth potential and for it to remain strong in advocating for us. MBOT’s reputable CEO Trevor McPherson and team are excellent at bringing the people and business community together, engaging and encouraging them so their voices are heard to all of those who matter, sharing ideas and birthing new creative opportunities which benefit those involved and the community as a whole. Whether your business is small, medium or large I encourage all to get involved and be a part of the City’s collective growth. From small shops and restaurants, to medium sized enterprises grappling with challenges and growth strategies, to large sized projects including development of expansive residential communities through the city core and waterfront and to Hurontario LRT – MBOT is involved and contributing where it can for the growth and future of the City of Mississauga. I would personally also endeavour to organize trade missions to facilitate investments into Mississauga from fastest growing economies around the world including India. I look forward to continuing the legacy and contributing to the opportunities and continued growth for all in our business community as the Chair of Mississauga Board of Trade. It is a privilege to serve you all and I am optimistic about the year ahead as we enter 2024.
CONNECT | 2024 ISSUE 1
