Click on icon below to sign up as a volunteer.

Click on Committee Name to link to more information on this page.

Ambassador | Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala Committee | Auction & Comedy Night | Business After 5 | Chamber Contact Industry Committee | Chamber Corporate Challenge | Chamber Plus Networks | Contact Centre Industry Committee | Environment | Federal and Provincial Affairs | Membership | Networking and Breakfast Series |Physician Recruitment Committee | Regional & Municipal Affairs | Special Events | Training & Education | View from the Top | Volunteer Management| Women's Leadership Committee

Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner Committee
Chair Janet Taylor, CTV		The Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner Committee organizes one of the largest Business Excellence Galas in the KW area.  The Gala has drawn a record number of over 700 respected and recognized business leaders from every industry and size.  The evening is designed to provide an opportunity for our members to receive recognition as well as an opportunity for Chamber Members to celebrate excellence in our community.
Top of page

Auction and Comedy Night
Chair Kent Dunbar, Quarry Integrated Communication		Get ready for laughter and great deals at the Auction and Comedy Night in May. This Chamber fundraiser draws a crowd to enjoy the talent portion of the evening, while auction donations market our members’ products and services to the hundreds who attend.
Top of page

Business After 5
Chair Elizabeth Bonkink,  KW Humane Society		BA5 is a monthly mini-trade show hosted by member businesses around town. Members mingle, get to know each other in a casual and friendly setting, while visiting product displays and meeting the sponsors. Once a year, the Business After 5 goes regional - showcasing members from K-W, Guelph and Cambridge. BA5 is a great way to not only connect with a broad range of area businesses, but it is also a lot of fun!
Top of page

Chamber Corporate Challenge
		Based on feedback from our partners, sponsors and participating teams, the Chamber’s Board of Directors has decided to discontinue the Chamber Corporate Challenge this year. In its annual review of programs and services, the Board agreed to focus resources on new events and programs to better serve our members, such as the Chamber Young Professionals, the Manufacturing Action Group Network and other economic development initiatives. The Chamber will continue to make contributions from the Chamber Corporate Challenge Fund to charities throughout our community. Thank you to all that have participated in this event over its history. For more information contact Todd Letts, President & CEO at 519-576-5000.
Top of page

Chamber Plus Networks
Chair Dave Potje, Twin City Dwyer Printing Co. Ltd.		This is an outstanding tool to effectively improve sales performance. Members of this group meet over breakfast or lunch in a series of continuing networks of business people who meet to share information, tips and leads. This innovative program developed by the Chamber has proven itself to be a great success, growing to 4 active groups meeting weekly. The groups on average share monthly leads valued at more than $80,000. Click Here for more information on Chamber Plus Networks
Top of page

Environment
Chair Jeff Thompson, Thompson Environmental Planning & Design		This Committee promotes awareness of environmental issues within the business community and the community at large through ongoing educational programs and events. These events include the Energy & Environment Forum, plant tours to see best practices in action, and Arbor Week activities. This committee encourages ethical and environmentally responsible business decision making among Chamber members with respect to purchasing, manufacturing, recycling, resource conservation and other aspects of business.
Top of page

Federal & Provincial Affairs
Chair Diane Hawrylenko, Nicholsen Realty Inc.		The Federal & Provincial Affairs Committee connects volunteers and members to key issues and decision-makers on vital issues such as the economy, taxation, labour, social reform and healthcare. The committee monitors government initiatives of interest to Chamber members, surveys and informs members of the impact of such initiatives, and formulates responses to the government on behalf of our business community. They also organize events such as the MPP’s Breakfast and MP’s Luncheon to bring elected officials and members together to share views and answer questions.
Top of page

Networking Breakfast Committee
Chair Scott Murphy, Data Perceptions Inc.		NETWORK * LEARN * GROW The Networking Breakfast Committee (NBC) delivers a strong annual program for practical, yet fun business learning with an emphasis on networking. The Networking Breakfast Series (NBS) events are generally held the 4th Thursday of each month and speakers provide relevant, practical and timely insights into managing and improving your business. The NBC is also known for its ´Speed´ events, such as Speed Networking and Speed Legal. The NBC´s ideal committee size is 15 members. Current NBC committee size is 12 members. The NBC meets the first Thursday of every month at 8am in the lower boardroom of the Chamber of Commerce. If you are interested in finding out more about the NBC, please contact Megan Harris at 749-6045 or mharris@greaterkwchamber.com. View upcoming events.
Top of page

Physician Recruitment Committee
Chair Bruce Antonello, BMA Consulting		The Chamber launched the Physician Recruitment Task Force in 1998 to recruit established physicians and medical school graduates to Kitchener-Waterloo. The project has been cited as one of Canada´s most successful physician recruitment campaigns. It has brought new, much-needed doctors to our area; over 35 general practitioners to date. We also work with hospital committees that have brought in more than 30 specialists in recent years. We continue to fundraise and work to attract physicians.
Top of page

Regional & Municipal Affairs
Chair Andrew Attridge, Prestige Business Interiors Inc.		The Regional & Municipal Affairs Committee provides a positive opportunity to influence important choices that impact our business community such as infrastructure and development decisions. Volunteers provide advice to decision makers on issues that impact not only our economic opportunities but also our community’s quality of life. The committee acts to inform and involve members through events such as the Mayors & Regional Chair Breakfast. It monitors municipal and regional government initiatives of interest to members, and formulates responses to governments on behalf of the Chamber.
Top of page

View from the Top
		View From The Top is an extraordinary forum to connect with senior business and political leaders on topical issues. The program meets monthly and features speakers on a monthly basis. Its purpose is to give Chamber members an insight into the wisdom of top local and national business leaders and to discuss timely and relevant issues affecting the regional business community. Included in this series are annual events such as breakfasts with area MPs, MPPs and Mayors and Regional Chairs. Past topics include business development, employee recruitment and retention, positive employee relations, taxation, and competitiveness.
Top of page

Volunteer and Member Services Committee
Chair Tim Sothern, BDO Dunwoody		The Volunteer and Member Services Committee plays a dynamic role in the training, orientation and recognition of Chamber volunteers. The Committee is the perfect place for members to learn about volunteer management and to connect with a variety of projects and people!This comittee represents a superb opportunity to network and build the Chamber membership. The committee ensures a growing and vibrant membership base at the Chamber through a review of services to members, and through events such as New Member Welcome Receptions. Click here to download the Volunteer Orientation Guide
Top of page

Women´s Leadership Committee
Chair Moni Lagonia, RBC Royal Bank		The Women’s Leadership Committee organizes events to address the role of women as leaders in business. This committee provides an excellent opportunity to network with dynamic women in business.
Top of page