FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Board of Trade Welcomes 2012 Governing Council
Gary Strange Named President
AJAX/PICKERING, January 27, 2012 – The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade (APBOT) inducted its 2012 governing Council Thursday night, naming Gary Strange, of First Durham Insurance and Financial as 2012 President.
Mr. Strange was sworn in along with members of the Board's 2012 Council, who took the oath of office administered by Durham Regional Chair Roger Anderson. The ceremonies were once again held at Deer Creek Golf Clubs in Ajax.
The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs was the guest speaker for the event.
“Congratulations to the 2012 council and to the Region of Durham for your work in boosting the economies of Ajax and Pickering. Our government is focused on creating jobs and stimulating the economy by working together with groups, like yours, to support independent businesses,” said Minister Wynne, addressing the roughly 130 attendees.
In his inaugural remarks, the incoming president praised the work of his predecessors and pledged to build on their legacy.
“It is my great honour and distinct privilege to serve as the 43rd president of the Ajax Pickering Board of Trade,” said Strange. “I will endeavour to live up to the high standards that those who have served before me have set.”
Strange said the Board will continue to speak out on issues that are important to the local business community such as transportation, the use of the Federal Airport Lands, Government assisted training of the employed, crime and more.
New additions to the Council include; Paul Przybylo of Walker, Head Barristers and Solicitors - who will serve as Corporate Secretary, Karen Snow of Intact Insurance and Chris Vale of CLH Designs. The new inductees will serve a three-year term. Returning Members of the Council include:
- Donna McFarlane, Durham College
- Denise Jones CA, Hobb & Company Chartered Accountants and Tax Specialists
- Jason Cameron, BMO Bank of Montreal
- Peter Forint, Wardell Professional Development
- Ian McCutcheon, ServiceMaster of Durham
- Joan Wideman, The Lenbrook Group of Companies
- Bill Zolis, The Callery Group
- Dave Johnson, Northstar Promotions
- Mary Cunningham, Cunningham and Associates.; and
- Rob Rock, Search Engine People
Strange struck a positive, forward-looking tone as he reaffirmed the Board of Trade's mission and pledged to continue to work on behalf of the membership; the business community of Ajax/Pickering.
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For additional information or to arrange interview please contact:
Nathan MacDonald
Communications Specialist
905-686-0883 ext 229
nathan.macdonald@apboardoftrade.com
www.apboardoftrade.com
About the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade is the voice of the business community in Ajax and Pickering. Established in 1955, the 600-plus members represent an array of business sectors ranging from the service industry to manufacturers and distributors. The group's advocacy and policy initiatives focus on issues relating to such things as economic development, healthcare, education, transportation issues, community and social development, environment, and energy.
Click here to view the President's speech and here to view Minister Wynne's Remarks.
