Brampton Board of Trade
Posted by Rita Gayle
Glen Williams introduced Stephen Rhodes, Past President of the Brampton Board of Trade. Stephen had a great one and a half years at the Board of Trade, he stayed on an extra six months. Stephen hasn’t been to Rotary because of his BBOT position. When he started as President at the BBOT, they lost members because of the recession, but over time membership stabilized and is growing again.
His term as president has been active, with three elections, a visit from both the Prime Minister and the Premier and the usual events hosted by the Board of Trade, including four golf tournaments, two Business Person of the Year dinners, two Mayor's luncheons and 16 After Business events including one at Rotary Glen.
Steve Shields, CEO, spoke about operations. He is a tremendous asset to the Board. He has been in Brampton for 24 years, married with three kids. His career has been mostly in business. In 2003 he stopped working as his wife developed breast cancer. He ended up being a consultant and helping companies to grow.
Brampton Board of Trade is profitable, membership is growing and the volunteers are doing an excellent job. The BOT is developing more powerful relations within the business community. These are some of the things they want to do and why:
- They believe the youth is tomorrow. They are reaching out to high schools such as Fletcher Meadow as they help students focus on their gifts and desires. The BOT is working with them to help them develop business models. The BOT also want to develop new programs with Sheridan College.
- Research Innovation Centre – the purpose is to bring entrepreneurs and research into the needs and wants of Brampton businesses.
- Bring in people who are experts to focus on business.
- Sponsoring - we want to be able to deliver and connect our sponsors. Being holistic is forward looking.
The Brampton Board of Trade is going somewhere. They are taking the steps and decision to make the future strong. It has been 125 years since beginning. There will be a Gala this fall where they will look at all Presidents and Past Presidents and celebrate them.
Brampton Board of Trade is profitable, membership is growing and the volunteers are doing an excellent job. The BOT is developing more powerful relations within the business community. These are some of the things they want to do and why:
- They believe the youth is tomorrow. They are reaching out to high schools such as Fletcher Meadow as they help students focus on their gifts and desires. The BOT is working with them to help them develop business models. The BOT also want to develop new programs with Sheridan College.
- Research Innovation Centre – the purpose is to bring entrepreneurs and research into the needs and wants of Brampton businesses.
- Bring in people who are experts to focus on business.
- Sponsoring - we want to be able to deliver and connect our sponsors. Being holistic is forward looking.
The Brampton Board of Trade is going somewhere. They are taking the steps and decision to make the future strong. It has been 125 years since beginning. There will be a Gala this fall where they will look at all Presidents and Past Presidents and celebrate them.