It is difficult to believe that we are already in August!  Although summer often means a slightly more relaxed and slowed-down approach to business, it has been "business as usual" at the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce.   

Last month, we were pleased to welcome a special guest speaker on July 21: Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Deb Matthews.  Ms. Matthews addressed an attentive crowd of Chamber members, immediately followed by the announcement of the official approval of Vaughan's future hospital by Ms. Matthews and Vaughan MPP Greg Sorbara.  It was a high profile moment for both Vaughan and for your Chamber, as we have been involved with the hospital vision for many months.  Last year, I was invited by the Vaughan Health Campus of Care to participate in a "Future Thinking and Breakthrough Visioning Session" regarding the new hospital.  This session led to input by community stakeholders and resulted in a unified project vision that was shared by numerous leaders in the city.  

The upcoming months promise to be exciting and informative.  Stay tuned for news on a Provincial Election Debate that the Chamber will host on September 22, 2011.  In addition, I, along with VCC President & CEO Deborah Bonk Greenwood, will be attending the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting in St. John's, Newfoundland from September 17 - 19 in which the VCC will take an active voting role on federal policy resolutions on your behalf.  And finally, our Policy Committee is currently developing a 2012 Federal Budget submission on "Green Energy" that will support our Region's initiative towards the growth of a viable green energy industry which will encourage the creation of new jobs for our area.

Business never stops, and neither does the Vaughan Chamber.  Make the most of your membership and stay involved with your Chamber.