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continued from p.1 Hanna cited a number of successes the chamber enjoyed during her time at its helm. These included receiving accreditation with distinction from the Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada, launching the Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs YPEG program, partnering with TV Cogeco on the cable TV show In Good Company, hosting its first annual symposium on sustainable cities, and renewal of a Rotary Club Oakville West partnership in presenting the 18th annual Awards for Business Excellence. During Hanna's tenure the chamber also hosted such guest speakers as the new Governor of the Bank of Canada Stephen Poloz, RBC Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Craig Wright, Ipsos Reid Senior Vice President Ray Kong, Minister Tony Clement, the U.S. Consul General Jim Dickmeyer, Oakville Mayor Rob Burton, Selec- Hanna lauds successes, Johnston looks ahead tUSA's Steve Olson and others. Hanna said by bringing leaders to the chamber, members get not just a media sound-bite, but a real connection to the people who affect them. Hanna also had words for her successor. "Orla you are dedicated, you are strong, intelligent and absolutely lovely. The chamber is in good hands," she said. "I hope to be for you what (past chair) Wendy (Rinella) was for me, a strong source of support, but most of all a hell of a lot of fun." Johnston is president of SOCS Retail Solutions Inc., an award-winning, full service marketing and advertising agency in Oakville. She is also co-founder of Terava Sales, a sales and distribution company that partners with more than 30 others to bring their products to online retailers. Johnston, a past chamber board member, holds an honours BA in Geography (Urban DevelopListen Up Canada Real Estate, Rona Home and Garden, Hyundai of Oakville, West Oakville Preschool, national Sports, Bouclair, Henry's Cameras, Staples, Home Depot, Mark's Work Wearhouse, Sears 3 | Thursday, September 19, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Oakville Chamber of Commerce past-chair Julia Hanna, left, and incoming Chair Orla Johnston. | photo by David Lea ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) inside today's Editorial Sports Beaver www.insideHALTON.com 6 18 Artscene Classified 16 20 *All flyers not necessarily delivered to all homes For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com ment) from the University of Western Ontario. Prior to SOCS, Johnston held management and senior management positions with Kyocera Wireless, Qualcomm International, Bell Distribution Inc., Bell Mobility, Granada Canada, Panasonic and Compusearch Market Research. In her first speech as chair Johnston praised Hanna's leadership stating Hanna had left her with some big shoes to fill. "We joined the chamber seven years ago and I knew when I attended my very first business after-hours event that I wanted to get involved and that's exactly what I did. I joined the golf committee because I love golf and I joined the marketing committee and I ended up co-chairing both," said Johnston. "I have witnessed the chamber's amazing growth and development over these past seven years and with your support, your board, your President John Sawyer and chamber staff we will continue to advocate on your behalf to all levels of government. We'll be the voice of business and continue the momentum with membership growth and network opportunities. Get ready for a busy year." For related story, see p.11 INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca Choral Music Excellence for Children and Youth ages 4 - 25 An agency of the Government of Ontario. Relève du gouvernement de l'Ontario. CONTACT THE OAKVILLE CHILDREN'S YOUR CHOIR TO BOOK AUDITION Audition Location: St. Simon's Mon. June 10 ­ 4:30 ­ 9:30pm Anglican Church, Sat. June 22 ­ 9:00am ­ 1:00pm 1450 Litchfield Rd., Oakville Audition Location: St. Simon's Anglican Book your child's audition today: 1450 Litchfield Rd, Oakville Church, phone 905-337-7104 Book your child's audition today: Mon. June 3 ­ 4:30 ­ 9:30pm phone Little Notes905-337-7104 Preparatory Choir Theory Instruction Cherub Choir Music Festivals Intermediate Choir Community Performances Senior Choir Social Activities Chamber Choir Recordings Boys & Young Men's Choir International Tours Vocal Coaching Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law The Oakville Children's Choir www.oakvillechildrenschoir.org