Business must build better community

By: Carman McClelland July 1, 2008 12:00 AM - As the new President for The Brampton Board of Trade, Brampton’s leading business association, it is a pleasure to have this opportunity over the next year to contribute as a monthly columnist in the Brampton Business Times.  Communication is key to connecting any community, and I would like to thank the Brampton Business Times for not only providing The Brampton Board of Trade with this forum to discuss business issues, but also for its greater role in better connecting Brampton’s business community.
The Brampton Board of Trade strives to bring business and business people together.  Our organization boasts a long and proud history dating back over 120 years, where Brampton businesses and business people have recognized the value of belonging to an association that is committed to business development and enhanced quality of life in our community.  Collectively, our over 1,150 corporate members have a true sense of community which is reflected in everything we do as an organization.
We understand that business does not operate in a vacuum. Business is only one part of the intricate fabric of a community, where we have an impact on and are affected by the larger social, economic and political environment.  This is why we, as a business association, are so committed to making a difference in our community.  A strong vibrant and attractive community for residents is good for business.   
One of the best measures of the vibrancy of any community is its level of volunteerism – and Brampton is second to none.  Without our member volunteers, The Brampton Board of Trade would simply not exist. Our members volunteer their time, expertise and energy to our various committees and our Governing Council. Together, they help organize the wide range of programs, services and vitally important networking opportunities that business people require to make their businesses prosper. They also add their collective weight to the Board’s lobbying efforts on all political matters of interests to business.  Equally noteworthy are our volunteers that contribute annually to organizing Brampton’s Santa Claus Parade, one of the largest and best parades in Canada.  With the support of an enthusiastic and professional staff at the Board of Trade office, the Board is extremely proud to be an active and integral part of the Brampton community.
As Brampton grows, we too must grow.  We must strive to reflect the interests of our diverse business community and, at the same time, continue to identify and promote its common interests.   For this, we rely upon the guidance and participation of our members, and if you are not a member, we would welcome the opportunity to engage, serve and represent you more actively.
Connecting, serving and representing business is what The Brampton Board of Trade is all about. That connection and our collective support of the community is what makes this organization as strong as it is. I look forward to serving as President over the next year and to assisting our members to build upon our past success.


I would be remiss if I did not take the opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to my colleague and predecessor, Linda Ford, for the exceptional leadership and commitment that she provided to The Brampton Board of Trade during the year of her Presidency.  Over the past year, Linda made it her personal mission to increase the profile of the Board of Trade in the community by working more closely with community partners, elected officials, and engaging the business community and our members more actively in our events and activities.  On behalf of all of us at The Brampton Board of Trade, thank you Linda for an outstanding job.