The South Niagara Chambers of Commerce in the Community
Niagara’s Game Changers Series Inaugural Event
The South Niagara Chambers of Commerce kicked off their new ‘Game Changers Series’ by identifying its first Game Changer in the series; a local Champion of Commerce who made the greatest economic investment the region has seen in the past 30 years; Casino Niagara. Niagara’s Game Changer series features conversations around initiatives that changed the landscape of the Niagara Region. This inaugural event took place at Ruth Chris Steak House on January 31st. Guests sat down for a formal dinner to listen to a fireside chat led by Kevin Vallier of the Niagara Independent with former Niagara Falls Mayor Wayne Thomson. Thomson recounted the backstory of how Niagara Falls landed its first Casino, revealing the vision, challenges and eventual success that lead to one of Niagara’s biggest game changers. Stay tuned for details for the next installment of Niagara’s Game Changers. Thank you to our Series host Niagara Casinos
Southern Tier Mayors’ Luncheon
Five of Niagara’s political leaders gathered for the annual Southern Tier Mayors’ Luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 14 at the Bridgewater Golf and Country Club in Fort Erie. Mayors Marvin Junkin from Pelham, Wayne Redekop from Fort Erie, Terry Ugulini from Thorold, Bill Steele from Port Colborne and Kevin Gibson from Wainfleet were invited to speak on their future plans and vision for the community. Some of the topics discussed at the event include the surge of cannabis farms, political amalgamation, regional identity, and transit. A special thank you to our sponsors PenFinancial Credit Union and Grant Thornton LLP Canada for making this event possible. Photos courtesy of LEV8.
International Women’s Day
The Fort Erie Chamber of Commerce’ 14th annual International Women’s Day luncheon was held at the Cherry Hill Club in Fort Erie and featured Ann Mantini-Celima as the keynote speaker. Mantini-Celima reflected on her journey to start Wellspring Niagara after losing her brother, Aldo, to cancer in 1999. Her story of courage and perseverance captured the very essence of what International Women’s Day represents. The event was sponsored by Walker Industries and the Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre.
Port Colborne Wainfleet President’s Awards
The Port Colborne – Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce held their annual Presidents Awards at the Roselawn Centre on Thursday March 21. The evening was a celebration of the business community as it showcased the best and brightest that Port Colborne-Wainfleet has to offer. The evening began with a cocktail reception catered by the Smokin’ Buddha and drinks were provided by Reif Estate Winery and Niagara Falls Craft Distillers. Following the reception, five awards were presented. Junior Youth Citizen was Violet Sardella, Youth Citizen of the Year went to Caitlynn van Kralingen, Breakwall Brewery was named New Business of the Year, Janet Pilon won Citizen of the Year, and Tender Cut Meat and Produce was presented with Business of the Year.