Flavio Volpe Awarded Inaugural Association CEO of the Year Award

(TORONTO – September 25, 2023) – As part of its 41^st annual Ontario Business Achievement Awards (OBAAs), the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is proud to present the inaugural Association CEO of the Year Award to Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA). This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in bringing their industry to a new level of growth and success by advocating for its members.

“The OCC is honoured to recognize Flavio Volpe as the first recipient of the Association CEO of the Year Award,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the OCC. “This award was created to celebrate and acknowledge the immense talent and work that association leaders do each day to support their members and drive economic growth. Volpe’s exemplary leadership and dedication to the automotive industry has been instrumental in advancing the interests of the sector while positioning Canada as a global technology leader.”

Under his leadership, the APMA has achieved success, promoting investment, innovation, and sustainability. Most notably, he worked closely with officials in Ottawa, Washington, and Mexico City during the 2017-19 NAFTA renegotiations, leading the effort to secure an unprecedented increase in Regional Content for suppliers in the new USMCA.

“It is an honour to accept this special award recognizing the innovative work my team does every day for the sector, Canadian entrepreneurs and workers,” said Flavio Volpe.

In response to the Prime Minister’s challenge for a net-zero economy by 2050, he launched an all-Canadian, zero-emissions, autonomous concept prototype, Project Arrow, released to global fanfare at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Dubbed a ‘Manufacturing Hero,’ Volpe’s prowess as a trailblazer in Canada’s auto sector has led him to be named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Government and Politics by The Hill Times and Industry Leader of the Year by Automotive News Canada.

The OBAAs are the most distinguished industry celebration in the province, recognizing business success.  Don’t miss the 2023 OBAAs on Saturday, October 14 at 3:30 pm ET on TLN TV – now on free preview across Canada. The televised Association CEO of the Year Award episode will highlight Volpe’s career, showcasing the incredible potential of Ontario’s homegrown talent and solutions in addressing sustainability challenges.

This year’s OBAAs are supported by our Series Presenting Partner, CN and Broadcast Partner, TLN Media Group. The Association CEO of the Year Award’s Episode Partner is Martinrea International.  To learn more about the broadcast and our partners, visit the OBAAs website.

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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 economic growth in the province.

About the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association
The Automotive Parts Manufacturer’s Association PMA is Canada’s national association representing OEM producers of parts, equipment, tools, supplies, advanced technology, and services for the worldwide automotive industry. The Association was founded in 1952 and its members account for 90% of independent parts production in Canada.

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

Ashley Harnden
Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association
Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Communications
aharnden@apma.ca  | T: 416-620-4220  | 613-438-1946