In this issue...
Your Connection // CEO Speaker Series, Ireland Trip & BAA's Save the Date
Your Low Down // What you need to know Lowdown
Celebrating our 40th Anniversary!

Happy New Year! We're excited to kick off 2017, and thrilled to be celebrating a phenomenal  milestone... the 40th Anniversary of the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce!

Rather than write some eloquent piece about the Chamber's upbringings, principles and  product enhancements, let me just say that we
 couldn't be prouder to be Bringing Together Vaughan's Business Community!

We have lots in store throughout 2017 to celebrate our milestone. Notice our freshly minted 40th Anniversary commemorative logo, watch out for some exciting throwbacks and shout-outs in upcoming newsletters, as well as creative social media pieces, and look forward to our 40th Anniversary BBQ celebration taking place this summer.

Forty years could not be possible without the continued support of our loyal, entrepreneurial and community-inspired members. Thank you all!

Brian Shifman
President & CEO
Vaughan Chamber of Commerce
Registration Now Open!
2017 Annual Mayor's Luncheon

We are very proud to once again host the Annual Mayor's Luncheon. 

Last year we welcomed close to 700 guests - the largest attendance ever! 

The Terrace Banquet Centre   

Presenting Sponsor: 

And the Pitch Contest winner is...

The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce constantly looks for ways to promote and give value to  our members. We were very excited to launch a new competi tion - The Vaughan
Chamber of Commerce Pitch Contest - this past summer. 

We were so proud to see so many businesses submit their videos highlighting their businesses and why they love the Vaughan Chamber. But of course, there can only be one winner of the contest. A panel of judges got together to review all the submissions. Their critiques were based on the contestant's introduction, their pitch, and their Vaughan Chamber love. 

Without further ado, we would like to present the winner of the Pitch Contest....

Mary Patrick of Dave & Buster's

Mary has been awarded with a $150 Pre-Paid VISA! Check out Mary's Pitch:
 
Your Connection // Upcoming Events Connection
CEOCEO Speaker Series - Less than 2 weeks away!
Featuring Robert J. Deluce, Founder of Porter Airlines



Calling all those in Leadership & Executive roles!
Join us for an interactive fireside chat with one of Canada's most highly regarded business leaders. 

The Vaughan Chamber is pleased to announce Robert J. Deluce, Founder of Porter Airlines as our keynote speaker at the 2nd CEO Speaker Series. Be a part of the exclusive conversation on business success, challenges, and best practices.

Robert J. Deluce is one of Canada's most knowledgeable and respected airline owners and operators. He is part of a decades-long Canadian aviation legacy that began when his parents started White River Air Services Limited in 1951.

As Porter's Founding President and CEO, Robert is responsible for overseeing the airline's strategy, finances, commercial objectives and operational performance. His leadership has been recognized through a number of awards, including the E&Y Ontario Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, the Canadian Marketing Association Marketer of the Year, and the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (Entrepreneur of the Year).

Date: Wednesday, January 18th, 2017
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 am
Location: McMichael Canadian Art Collection - 10365 Islington Ave, Kleinburg

 
 
mayorsAnnual Mayor's Luncheon


Ireland Trip Information Session


Join the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, in the stunning country of Ireland on this 10-day tour.  You will have the chance to tour the culture-rich cities of Dublin and Galway and explore some of the country's beautiful and unspoilt countryside.  From scenic Country Kerry to the lunar-like Burren region and the wilds of Connemara, Ireland will captivate and impress the most well travelled visitor.  

Your Ireland adventure awaits. Attend our FREE information session on  January 17th with Harish Shroff of Indus Travels Inc.!

Tuesday, January 17, 2017
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Office
SAVE THE DATE!



It's time to recognize Vaughan's thriving  business community!



Please save the date for the 2017 Business Achievement Awards:

When: Thursday, April 6, 2017
Where: Universal EventSpace
Time: 5:30 p.m. Cocktails | 6:30 p.m. Dinner & Awards

Nominations flooded in this year, and we are now on to the interviewing process! 

Please stay tuned for sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales.  


Proud Sponsors:
          


View highlights from last year's awards!
View highlights from last year's awards!

Vaughan Chamber Connects 

You're invited to our next Vaughan Chamber Connects session for new, existing & potential members!

Get connected with the Vaughan Chamber and learn how to make the most of your membership.

Topics include:
* Benefits & Services included in your membership (Home & Auto Insurance, Gas Card, Group Benefits Plan, etc.)
* Chamber events (big and small)
* Getting involved & volunteer opportunities
* Tips on how to network successfully

Find out how you can save up to $3,800/year with your membership through our many events & savings programs

- Light continental breakfast on us!
- Only 30 Spots Available - First Come First Serve

Date: Tuesday, January 31st, 2017
Time: 7:30am-9am
Location: Vaughan Chamber Office - 25 Edilcan Drive, Unit 2, Vaughan

Please RSVP to: Fiorina Riga by email [email protected]
or phone 905.761.1366 ext. 225  
Your Membership // Benefits & Programs membership
Q&A with Fiorina Riga, Membership Representative 

Q: What are the best ways to advertise with the Vaughan Chamber?

A: There are many ways to advertise with the chamber that give your business great exposure. You can advertise right here in our e-newsletter, which reaches over 5000 chamber members and contacts. 

Another great advertising opportunity is in our community banners, which we print annually. You buy a space on the banner and we put your logo on it showcasing your business wherever we go. We bring our banners to every event we attend and they are also always on display in our boardroom at the Vaughan Chamber office. 

If you're looking to get more involved with event sponsorship, there are many sponsor levels you can take advantage of. Whether you're a small or large business, we have opportunities that fit all your needs! 
 
Save big on payment technology 



 
Member Coupons Plus
Did you know members offer coupons/discounts for other members? 
erplain
Home Instead Senior Care
ilovekickboxing.com
Mr. Henry Tse
(Bench-Stength Mail) 
Sparks Premium Grill + Bar
Your Network  //   December New Members - Welcome! 
  • Ambia Windows & Doors
     
  • Bellevue Landscaping
     
  • Eco Choice Windows & Doors
     
  • Iskandar Gadirzade
     
  • Ivyed Learning Centres
  • M & M Food Market
     
  • MCI The Doctor's Office
     
  • Northern Narrative
     
  • Stem Wine Group Inc.
     
  • Sun Life Financial
Your Community // Events Recap community
7th Annual Women to Women Symposium
Tuesday, November 1st, 2016

The video is here! Catch a glimpse of the 7th Annual Women to Women Symposium this past November. 
 


This day-long event  welcomed  Zahra Al-Harazi, President & CEO of Foundry Communications as our keynote speaker. She truly inspired the audience with her stories of her incredible life journey, and winding road to success.  Also joining the panel was Carrie Kirkman, Former President, Chief Merchant & Director of Sears Canada as well as Past President of Jones Group Canada, a true leader in the fashion industry. Carrie shared some of her real-life workplace challenges, giving amazing advice on how to feel empowered at work.
 
The Vaughan Chamber gratefully acknowledges our sponsors,  emcee Romina Monaco, the 40+ vendors, swag bag sponsors, the Women's Committee, and over 500 women in attendance from across York Region. 
 
Inspire | Empower | Connect


Click Here to see all event photos!


Thank you once again to our sponsors! 

Checkout #VCCW2W to see what people were saying about the event!
Holiday Mingle
T hur sday, Dec ember 15th , 2016

Despite the inclement weather, we still had quite the crowd out enjoying our Holiday Mingle, and keeping warm at the Vaughan Chamber office! We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Cheers to a prosperous New Year! 


This joyful group braved the storm. Thank you for coming to mingle and celebrate the holiday season with us! Shout out to Ablaze Lighting, The Career Foundation, Greybrook Realty Partners,Helium Video, IOPW Inc., Personal Joy, Million Dollar Smiles, PwC Canada, Rossi Rodriguez McNeill & Lee LLP, & Zero 20 Kids!