1. The Business Achievement Awards are coming up on May 13, 2025! What makes the Business Achievement Awards special?
The Business Achievement Awards stands out as a premier event celebrating business excellence in the region. This gala is the largest of its kind in Canada, attracting over 1,200 attendees. This event has grown over the years to include specific awards for the agricultural, manufacturing, environmental and nonprofit sectors, highlighting the importance of these businesses for London’s economy.
A highlight of the 2025 Business Achievement Awards is the presentation of the Corporate Icon Award to Digital Extremes, recognizing their significant contributions to enhancing London’s image and reputation, and their commitment to community investment.
There is still time to get your tickets to this year’s event! Purchase your tickets here.
2. What other events do you have coming up that you would like the community to know about?
The London Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 59th Annual Past Chairs' Golf Classic on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the West Haven Golf & Country Club. Whether you are an experienced golfer or new to the sport, we invite you to join us for a day of competition, camaraderie and delicious food. Register for the event here!
In addition to this annual event, we also host monthly Coffee Connections throughout the City. These informal networking events offer valuable opportunities to help grow your business and meet other Chamber members. The next one is May 8, 2025. RSVP for Coffee Connections here.
3. Tell us about some of the London Chamber of Commerce's advocacy work. How can people get involved?
The London Chamber of Commerce plays a pivotal role in advocating for the business community in London, Ontario. Their efforts focus on fostering economic growth and addressing key issues that impact local businesses.
A recent example of their advocacy is their collaboration with 13 other chambers across Ontario, urging the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to prioritize homelessness, mental health, and addiction support. This collective action underscores the pressing need for coordinated strategies to tackle social challenges affecting businesses in various communities.
Currently, the Chamber is advocating against harmful tariffs as we strengthen and diversify our economy. The Chamber is dedicated to supporting local businesses as they navigate complex and evolving trade challenges. The Chamber urges the public to prioritize local spending when possible.
To keep members informed about their ongoing advocacy efforts, the Chamber publishes "The Advocate," a newsletter detailing their initiatives and policy engagements. To read recent editions, visit our website here.
4. The Chamber is launching a Women's Mentorship Program this Spring. What inspired the Chamber to launch this program?
The Women’s Mentorship Program is designed to connect women with mentors who offer guidance, support, and advice to help them achieve their personal, professional, or academic goals. This initiative aims to empower women by fostering skill development, leadership growth, and career advancement while addressing their unique challenges. The program also equips women with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in business.
This program is important because there are not very many programs that are specifically geared to supporting women entrepreneurs, despite women making up just under 17% of all private sector businesses in Canada. We have an opportunity to fill this need by matching experienced entrepreneurs with women who are just starting out or are looking for support with their businesses. If you are interested in being matched with a mentor, please fill out this application form.
5. Why is the London Chamber of Commerce a member of Pillar Nonprofit Network? How has being a member support the work that the Chamber is doing?
The London Chamber of Commerce has been a Pillar member since 2022. We see Pillar Nonprofit Network as an important partner in supporting the nonprofit sector in London. We are proud to work with Pillar to deliver the Pillar Nonprofit Award category at the Business Achievement Awards, which had one of the highest number of applications this year. We have benefitted from the advocacy work that Pillar is doing to strengthen the nonprofit sector, helping us to have a voice and a home in government. The Chamber looks forward to continuing our relationship with Pillar.