Celebrating Leaders Across Ontario’s Chamber Network

(Toronto – April 30, 2024) – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has proudly recognized outstanding leaders at its Chair’s Dinner, Reception and Awards Presentation in Timmins, Ontario. This prestigious evening celebrated the achievements of leaders driving economic prosperity within their communities.

“I congratulate this year’s award recipients, including both outstanding Chambers and outstanding leaders,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the OCC. “Their commitment, passion, and integrity have been driving forces behind their remarkable achievements. They embody our shared values through impactful, non-partisan advocacy, integrity, inclusion, service excellence, entrepreneurial thinking, and outstanding leadership.”

The OCC recognized the following award recipients:

• Outstanding Advocacy Campaign Award: Mississauga Board of Trade
• Chair’s Award for Innovative Program or Service: Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
• Richard Dolphin Community Service Award: Kraymr Grenke, Board President, Timmins Chamber of Commerce and President, MLG Consulting
• James Gordon Carnegie Memorial Award: Brenda Whitehead, Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce

“This year, we also celebrated the many years of service and leadership of three exemplary individuals within the Chamber Network who have announced their upcoming retirements. I offer sincere thanks to Gail Hundt, Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce, Suzanne Renken, Tillsonburg Chamber of Commerce and Debbi Nicholson, Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, for their dedication to our province’s economic and social prosperity. You are an inspiration to us all.” added Tisch.

The OCC’s AGM and Convention was held in Timmins from April 25 – 27, 2024, and was hosted by the Timmins Chamber of Commerce. The Chair’s Dinner, Reception and Awards were made possible by the generosity of Hydro One. For more details on the awards, please see the backgrounder below.

-30-

About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and inclusive, sustainable economic growth in the province.

For more information, please contact:
Samir Janmohamed
Senior Public Affairs Specialist
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
samirjanmohamed@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 882-9878

BACKGROUNDER

• The Outstanding Advocacy Campaign Award is presented to a member chamber of commerce or board of trade that has delivered an exceptional piece of advocacy work.
• The Chair’s Award recognizes a chamber of commerce or board of trade for outstanding success in the design, development, and delivery of an innovative program or service.
• The Richard Dolphin Community Service Award is given to a Chamber Network volunteer (board member) who is dedicated to community service and consistently goes beyond the call of duty to represent the interests of their chamber of commerce or board of trade.
• The James Gordon Carnegie Memorial Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment, and service to their chamber and community.