Mississauga, Ontario (April 9, 2012) - Over 300 attendees came out to an "East Coast" evening at Mississauga Board of Trade's 2012 Annual Chair's Gala, held April 5 at the International Centre, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK).
The Gala celebrates the work of MBOT over the past year, including honouring its 2011 Chair, Ian MacFadden, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), whose leadership and dedication helped the board through the 2011 year.
MBOT 2012 Chair, Grant Clark, introduced MacFadden, saying that, "Nova Scotia produces people of character and strength."
"Thanks to everyone for supporting MBOT and the business community," said MacFadden. "It's been such a great pleasure to work with MBOT, the board of directors, staff and members, for the past year."
The event also included a special presentation to John B Keyser Q.C; Founding Partner of Keyser Mason Ball, LLP, recipient of the Board's Lifetime Business Achievement Award. The award honours a leader that has achieved business success and made significant contributions to the community, and most in the city would agree that John B Keyser Q.C. fits the profile being a well-valued, tenacious and savvy business professional.
"This award was introduced in 2009 to recognize a great Canadian business leader for their exceptional business success, achievement and personal commitment to community, and is presented at our Annual Chair's Gala," said 2011 MBOT Chair, Ian MacFadden. "We are pleased to have the 2009 inaugural recipient Harold Shipp, 2010 recipient Mayor Hazel McCallion, and 2011 recipient Dr. Ignat Kaneff with us this evening. Tonight we are very pleased to be honouring our 2012 recipient, Mr. John B. Keyser, Founding partner of Keyser Mason Ball, LLP," said MacFadden.
Mayor Hazel McCallion was invited to the stage before Mr. Keyser accepted his award, referring to him as a builder in the community. Mayor McCallion also paid tribute to MBOT President and CEO, Sheldon Leiba, for his new approach with Mississauga Board of Trade.
"As a team, we can develop an economic base that no one can beat," said McCallion.
Guests were first welcomed into the main lobby for a cocktail reception sponsored by MCC, which featured live entertainment and opportunities to begin bidding on the many silent auction prizes available. Individuals were then seated for dinner and formal remarks, led by popular entertainer and emcee, Jimmy Flynn, who kept the evening on track with humour.
The evening featured East Coast-themed elements, including materials incorporated throughout the room and a culturally-diverse gourmet dinner provided by International Centre.
Sheldon and 2012 Chair Grant Clark kept things lively with a creative introduction of Ian, via a slideshow of himself and his family life, throughout the years. They also highlighted his many achievements at BDC, his strong presence at MBOT events, his passion for business, and overall leadership to MBOT.
"I won't deny that I'm overwhelmed, but also thrilled to be a part of this," said Keyser, who shared his delight to be honoured alongside another leader in the business community. "I compliment you, Ian."
Keyser went on to thank his wife for providing him with the support he needed to pursue his career, as well as his partners at Keyser Mason Ball LLP. "Without these great people, you wouldn't see me here tonight."
After thanking the Council of Mississauga and the outstanding clients of Keyser Mason Ball LLP, he closed his remarks by commenting on MBOT, referring to the organization as leaders among Canadian business associations. "For you, MBOT members, are the heart and soul of Mississauga."
The evening also included an exciting live auction, which included items such as a day with the Peel Police Chief, a wheelbarrow of wine, a day with Mayor McCallion and an all-inclusive trip to Panama. Highland dancers, a bagpiper, and fiddler provided lively entertainment throughout the evening.
Many thanks to all the event sponsors for their help in making the event such a success!
As the voice of business since 1976, Mississauga Board of Trade is a private-sector, not-for-profit business organization representing approximately 1,500 businesses, employing 65,000 people in Mississauga. MBOT is well positioned to meet the needs of business by using its considerable influence at all levels of government. As the forum for business, MBOT works together to influence public policy and promote a better understanding of the marketplace among policy makers, media and the general public.
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Media Contact:
Sheldon Leiba
President & CEO
Mississauga Board of Trade
905-273-6151 ext. 27
[email protected]
www.mbot.com
