Celebrating Chamber Excellence at the 2014 OCC AGM in Cornwall

From April 31 – May 3, 2015, over 150 members of the Ontario Chamber Network gathered in Cornwall for the 103^rd Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) to shape the OCC’s advocacy agenda for the year to come.

Every year at the AGM, chambers of commerce and boards of trade are awarded for demonstrating excellence in advancing business success in their communities.

The 2015 AGM award winners are:

Burnie Gillespie Memorial Award

The Burnie Gillespie Memorial Award recognizes a chamber professional who demonstrates excellence in chamber management and outstanding commitment to the community through volunteer service. This year’s winner is Kathy McKay, Executive Director of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade.

James Carnegie Memorial Award

The James Gordon Carnegie Memorial Award is awarded to a Chamber Executives of Ontario member who is perceived as a leader and mentor by their peers. This year’s winner is Todd Letts, CEO of the Brampton Board of Trade.

Richard A. Dolphin Community Service Award

The Richard A. Dolphin Community Service Award is awarded to a board member whose dedication to community service and the Chamber Network has led to significant chamber success. This year’s winner is Debbie DeCaire, President of the Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce.

Excellence in Advocacy Award

Chambers of commerce and boards of trade are the voice of business in their community and work diligently to ensure the issues of business are acknowledged and addressed. The Excellence in Advocacy Award is awarded to a chamber/board that has demonstrated forward thinking policy within their community. The winner of this year’s Excellence in Advocacy Award is the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.

OCC Chair’s Award

Chambers of commerce and boards of trade excel through innovation in their business practices. The OCC Chair’s Award is awarded to a chamber/board that has demonstrated success in the following areas: operations, member services, and/or community leadership. The winner of this year’s OCC Chair’s Award is the London Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations to all of this year’s deserving award winners, and the many other nominees who have also made outstanding contributions to the Ontario Chamber Network over the past year.

Next year, the OCC’s 104^th AGM will be hosted by the Oakville Chamber of Commerce from April 28 – May 1, 2016.