A message from the Executive Director of the South Niagara Chambers
On January 31st our South Niagara Chambers of Commerce will be introducing a new annual event entitled “Champions of Commerce”. The goal of the event is to uncover some of the great stories of commerce here in Niagara. We want to learn the history of how certain companies evolved and about the people who had the vision, the stamina, and in some cases the luck to become successful. Some of these folks started their journey with no capital, no funding, and sometimes no education or experience, yet despite the odds they were able to build a successful business.
How did they accomplish such unlikely feats and what can we as entrepreneurs learn from them?
As we began researching for this project, we were amazed at some of the incredible facts we learned. We didn’t know, for example, that James L. Kraft, founder of Kraft Foods was born in Stevensville. He attended school in Stevensville and worked at nearby Ferguson’s General Store in Fort Erie. Although he emigrated to the U.S.A. in 1902 the Kraft family farm is still located at Bowen and Winger Road in Stevensville.
We also didn’t realize that it was two families who basically led the development of Clifton Hill. Both families with their own fascinating stories of generations of challenges and opportunity.
Our Champions of Commerce evening will highlight one or two of these kinds of stories. The event will be held at Ruth Chris Steak House in Niagara Falls and will kick off with a champagne reception, followed by dinner. Following dinner, we will have a fireside chat with our champions.
We anticipate an informative and inspiring evening! Tickets for this event are $150 per person and will be limited to 100. While ticket sales have not yet begun, we expect a sold out venue. Keep reading your What’s Up Wednesday for ticket information and more details.