Scarborough businesses have a new organization dedicated to improving the business community.
“There are a lot of positive efforts in the business community underway in Scarborough. We feel this association helps provide a united voice on interests specific to Scarborough business,” said President Marg Middleton.
The association was formed, the result of a recommendation of last year’s ambitious Scarborough Community Renewal Campaign, undertaken by Scarborough Rotary clubs.
The association has a formal launch, Thursday Oct. 22, 6-8 p.m. at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. Registration is necessary. Please contact 416-289-5000 ext. 2345 or go to http://tiny.cc/SBAlaunch to register and for more information.
“We are intensely focused on helping Scarborough business by driving prosperity, creating forums for networking, providing education and opportunity. We recognize Scarborough’s strengths of location, skilled labour and diversity. Strong business benefits the entire community,” said Middleton.
Joining Middleton on the association’s first board are Andrew Petrou (Centennial College) Scott Hua (Intelligence Office) lawyer Mandy Nwobu, Hilbert Chan (Telus) Barry O’Brien (Centennial College) Jacqueline Meredith (Meridian Credit Union) Raffy Choulijian, Shelvan Kannuthurai (Metro Zen), Wei Hua (Wei Hua CA) and marketing consultant Peter Haggert.
“The organization has been hard at work developing community partnerships, membership benefits and a long term direction for what we want to accomplish,” said Middleton. “It’s absolutely critical, however, that this organization takes direction from the Scarborough business community.”
The organization has signed a number of founding community partners and has a number of surprises in store for future plans, to be released at the launch.
Member benefits include discounted pricing for organization events, and networking opportunities with others within the Scarborough business community. Also planned is an affinity program offering merchant discounts. There are corporate, business, individual and student membership rates.
“Above all, it’s a chance to network and to play a role in bringing education, resources and opportunity to the Scarborough business community,” said Middleton.
She encourages those interested to attend the Oct. 22 launch, and, of course, join the association. Businesses can join at the launch, or at the association website at www.scarboroughbusinessassociation.com.