After serving for 17 years as the executive director of the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), Dave Cage has decided to retire. He was honoured for his many years of service at a tribute dinner earlier this week in Winona. Executive Director Arend Kersten and his wife Dianne represented the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce (FCC) at the event. Dave has been Arend’s mentor since he assumed his FCC duties over 11 years ago. Dave’s retirement is especially noteworthy as a recent survey by the Chambers of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC) indicates that fewer than six percent of chambers of commerce/boards of trade senior executives have served in their current positions for a decade or longer.  Before joining the SCCC, Dave was a senior executive with BMO.

Allan O’Dette, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) was the guest speaker and thanked Dave for his many contributions. Also present was Sheldon Leiba, the former CEO and President of the Mississauga Board of Trade who was recently appointed the OCC Vice President for Network and Membership Relations.

Stoney Creek Councillors Doug Conley and Maria Pearson were on hand to thank Dave, as was Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MP Wayne Marston. President and CEO Keanin Loomis of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce (HCC) and Executive Director Jinny Day of the Grimsby and District Chamber of Commerce also attended.

Dave’s replacement is Arnie Strub, who enjoyed a long career with Strubs Pickles in Dundas. The FCC is committed to continuing to work together with the SCCC and the HCC on majors of mutual concern.

THE FCC IN THE NEWS

The FCC was mentioned in two recent articles in theFlamborough Review. One dealt with the car wash proposal for Parkside Drive in Waterdown (click HERE) and the other with appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) re the new Rural Zoning Bylaw (clickHERE).

COME JOIN THE CELEBRATION

To celebrate 40 years as a dancer, Melanie Perron of Rising Star Performing Arts is inviting the community to join her at an Open House this Saturday starting at 6 p.m. at 937 Centre Road in Flamborough Centre. Special guests include Briar Nolet (Richelle from the hit television series The Next Step) as well as the Liverpool 4 Tribute Band honouring the Beatles.

All the information can be found HERE.

FCC AGM AND MEMBERS ONLY ELECTION DEBATE

We hope that many members of the FCC will attendnext Wednesday’s (September 23) Annual General Meeting (AGM) beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Harry Howell Arena at Clappison’s Corners. This meeting is open to all FCC members and their invited guests.

In addition to the ‘normal’ business of an AGM, the FCC will host an informal discussion/debate with the declared candidates in the Monday, October 19 federal election representing parties that currently hold seats in the House of Commons.

This informal, more intimate discussion will provide attendees the opportunity to ask questions that are important to them and their businesses as the country prepares to vote. We hope many will take advantage of this opportunity and join us.

To better prepare for the evening, please confirm your attendance to the FCC office via return email. See you there!!