Increased Volunteer Support- We are in need of more volunteers this year for Beverage tents and Recycling.
Operational Streamlining
- Over the years, we have scaled back certain aspects to enhance efficiency. This year, we have further refined our operations by reducing the number of beverage lines to just two.
Food Vendors and Ribbers
- We will have 16 ribbers participating, consistent with last year’s count.
- Crabby's has been replaced by Gators.
- Expecting 15-18 other food vendors, with 2-3 positioned outside the gate.
Logistics and Setup
- Volunteer operations have been shifted to the gazebo area, and curtains will be used—no building permit required.
- The trailer has also been moved to this side to centralize operations.
- We have expanded the Midway this year, with vendors now working on a percentage basis of their sales.
VIP Area and Sponsorships
- Pilots will be relocated to the VIP area, accompanied by increased sponsorship opportunities.
- Overall, sponsorships have increased by nearly $100,000, with a notable $10,000 sponsorship secured for the Midway.
Event Layout and Amenities
- The largest tent, measuring 200x80 feet, will be positioned down the middle of the park to provide shade.
- The stage placement ensures it is not obstructed by the tent.
- The overall feel of the event is more intimate this year, given the central tent—a major undertaking.
Entrance Fee and Beverage Options
- Entrance fee remains at $2, even though other events charge $5.
- Labatt’s will be providing beverages, with a reduced drink list.
- Drinks are priced at $12, while non-alcoholic beer is priced at $5-6.
Permitting and Safety
- All required permits are on track to be finalized this week.
- Halton Police, Burlington Fire, and Halton EMS will be on-site, with EMS services provided at no cost.
- Private security will also be present to ensure safety.
Economic Impact
- The event is projected to have a $7 million impact on the region.
Event Experience
Thanks to the changes, this year's atmosphere is expected to be more intimate, particularly with the large tent. Monitoring the tent's capacity will be important.
- There will be no kickoff dinner again this year; but this year there will be a club event after Ribfest to thank Rotarians who helped.
Final Notes
- The last service will be at 10:45 PM, with a limit of two drinks per person.
- This year, we will operate without government grants, city funding, or additional external financial support.
Classification Talk Shafiq Mohamed
Early Life and Family
In 1969, he emigrated from Kenya to Kitchener-Waterloo, where he began building a life rooted in family and opportunity. With two siblings by his side, he forged ahead, eventually marrying Monica 28 years ago. The couple has since been blessed with two grandchildren, underscoring the importance of family in his journey.
Career in the Restaurant Industry
His professional life began in the restaurant industry, where he served as an area manager for various establishments from 1984 to 2014. This 30-year tenure honed his leadership skills and prepared him for future entrepreneurial endeavours.
Transition to Business Ownership
In 2014, he took a significant step by joining Rotary Burlington and fully investing in his franchise, EmbroidMe ( Fully Promoted), which specializes in promotional products. Unlike many business owners, he enjoys the unique flexibility to close his doors for vacations—a testament to his success and autonomy. Fully Promoted, now part of a network with 300 locations worldwide, caters mainly to B2B clients but remains open to individual requests, such as photo prints on T-shirts.
His business acumen has not gone unnoticed. The City of Burlington has recognized him with awards for his contributions to the local economy. He has also expanded his offerings by developing customer showrooms and building websites for various companies, allowing businesses to outsource their branded merchandise needs.
Community Engagement and Leadership
A true Rotarian at heart, he has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Burlington since 2014 and recently joined Rotary Burlington Lakeshore. He is in the process of building a dedicated website for Rotary printings, further contributing to the organization. His leadership within Rotary is evident through his roles, including chairing the Lobster Fest and serving as the club’s president from 2021 to 2022. His dedication was further recognized when he received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award in 2018.
In addition to Rotary, he has also contributed significantly to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton Halton (BBBS) from 2018 to 2022, demonstrating his commitment to mentoring and giving back to the community. His philanthropic spirit is further evident through his involvement in the Joseph Brant Hospital Golf Tournament.
Expanding Horizons: Stratus Commercial Cleaning Services
Beyond his work in promotional products, he also oversees Stratus Commercial Cleaning Services, managing 118 franchises within a territory spanning Burlington to Niagara, Brantford, and Kitchener-Waterloo. His leadership in this venture earned him the 2023 Franchisee of the Year award from the international group, marking another milestone in his distinguished career.
A New Chapter: Focus on Health
In 2023, a stroke prompted him to reassess his priorities, leading him to focus on his health. This life-altering experience has shaped his current outlook, emphasizing the importance of well-being alongside business success.
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