January, 2016

It is with great honour that I take over the Presidency of the Toronto Transportation Club. This club, for me, has opened many doors and introduced me to countless friends and colleagues. I can think back to the first annual dinner I attended. To be honest, it was a bit overwhelming. Now, as I walk through the crowd it astounds me at how many people I know. People who have helped me progress in my career and personally; colleagues, friends and mentors.

We celebrated our 102nd Annual Dinner on December 3rd at the Royal York with a sell-out crowd. Keynote speaker, Manjit Minhas, kept us entertained with her business and life experiences as she navigated the rise of her Company in the brewing industry. We were proud to recognize Apps Transport Group with the Platinum Standard Recognition Award for outstanding contribution and participation in the Club. Brent Byers accepted the award on behalf of the Company. We were also thrilled to present Olga Ricci with the Board of Directors Award for her contribution as a volunteer to the Club. Thank you to both.

I have to take a look back at some summer events that I couldn’t cover in my last blog because of deadlines; Spring Golf, and the Ladies Lunch and Learn “Living It!”.

I would like to take thank Tim Roulston, the Board, the Social Event Committees, and all the volunteers for another successful year of events. A very special thank you to Denise Cardy. We continue to grow our membership with the help of the transportation community and continue to create a solid financial position to support our two scholarships, with a goal to do more.

We had to say goodbye to Mary Clarke (Air Canada Cargo) who decided to leave the board after 5 wonderful years of volunteering. Mary, you will be missed. We welcomed new Board members Paul Granger (Ryder Systems Inc.), Chris Peterson (Air Canada Cargo) and Brian Ledson (Cavalier Group).

Congratulations to Mike Fontaine (C.H. Robinson Company) who was elected to the role of Second Vice President at our December AGM, for 20 16. Mike has been a key contributing member of our Board, and C.H. Robinson a great supporter of the club. We are set for a great year with Gary Fast as our First Vice President, Mike as our Second and a Board of Directors committed to providing another year of “must attend” networking events.

If you aren’t a member, take advantage of the opportunities the Club offers and join. Payback is immediate with the benefit you will get from the networking. If you are already a member, don’t forget to renew or take advantage of a Corporate Membership and get your Company involved.

Please take the time to enter all events for 2016 in your calendar so you don’t miss anything. And watch for “Pop Up” events. From everyone on the board, we wish you all a very prosperous, and healthy 2016. We look forward seeing you.

Lori McCreight
President, The Toronto Transportation Club