What’s generating the investment buzz in downtown Hamilton?  Who’s fixing up our vintage buildings?  Why do people hunger for authentic urban experiences?

Find out at New Beginnings, the premiere screening of documentary-style video case studies that track the regeneration of downtown Hamilton and adjacent neighbourhoods.  It’s part of The Renew Hamilton Project, an initiative of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Hamilton and myriad other partners.

Tuesday April 16 at 7 pm
Art Gallery of Hamilton
$10/Person at the Door
Complimentary Appetizers | Cash Bar

For tickets, contact Whitney Simmons at 905-522-1151 x 100 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The evening will feature unreleased videos that tell the inside story of five transformational renewal projects in Hamilton: Gore Block, Gore Park Master Plan, Treble Hall, Waterfront and Witton Lofts.  There will also be a moderated discussion with local renewal leaders as well as updates on new and emerging projects.

This community event will be of interest to a variety of people from film buffs and city builders to developers and real estate professionals.

“Urban renewal is a hot topic in Hamilton that’s attracting national attention among all generations,” said Richard Allen, director of Renew Hamilton.  “And it continues to gain momentum daily as more people rediscover the special characteristics of downtown Hamilton.”

New Beginnings is hosted by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by the Art Gallery of Hamilton, City of Hamilton and Urbanicity. Special thanks to the AGH I Love Film Series.

Visit renewhamilton.ca to learn more.

HAMILTON (April 9, 2013) – Last night, three awards were presented at the Ancaster Mill to honour excellence and achievement in the community. The Ancaster division of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce congratulates the following individuals:

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by RBC Royal Bank):  John & Ellie Voortman

John & Ellie Voortman were a team from the very first day they met.  There wasn’t one without the other and together they thrived on each other’s strengths in everything they did.
John & Ellie changed a horse farm to Oakrun Farm Bakery in 1979 with a vision and drive to succeed.   Their generosity in taking care of their community through time serving on a variety of committees; employing those who some would find unemployable; and sharing their commitment of caring to those less fortunate is what they are known for in Ancaster.

Upon retirement instead of relaxing they set up a charitable bakery where they bake bread...300-400 loaves per week to be donated to local food banks, Wesley Urban Ministries, The Hamilton Dream Centre, Brantford and Caledonia Food Banks.

YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by Ancaster Mill):  Rebecca Collings
 
Rebecca Collings is a charitable young lady who exemplifies leadership qualities and is a truly uplifting spirit.  Rebecca scholastically participates in Cops vs Ancaster High Basketball; Grade 9 Weekend Group Leader and Fundraising Leader for the 2012 Triathalon Planning Committee.  Within the community Rebecca volunteers for the Ancaster Food Drive, Step 4 Kids Challenge, Camp Maple Leaf and on the City’s Synchronized Swimming Club.  As an accomplished synchronized swimmer she has swum competitively for nine years, from recreation level up to and including national level.  Her 1006 volunteer hours were balanced between a part-time job, school academics, varsity teams and competing in her sport.
 
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by Heritage Household Services): 
Stephen J. Dunn Insurance Agency Ltd.

Stephen has built his business from a shoebox of potential clients to serving the insurance and financials needs of over 3400 households encompassing over 10,000 car, home, life, business, disability and mutual fund accounts.  His dream team of four full-time and two part-time employees have been with him well over 10 years and they believe in giving back to the community by sponsoring various local sports teams, golf tournaments and community service through participation on many Boards of charitable causes.

Thanks to sponsors RBC Royal Bank, Ancaster Mill, Heritage Household Services, Ancaster News, Rotary Clubs of Ancaster and Realtors Association of Hamilton/Burlington.

The WINNERS have been announced!!

At a 500+ gala dinner on Monday evening at Carmen’s Banquet Centre members and guests enjoyed a great evening celebrating Hamilton’s Best Businesses.

Our Outstanding Business Achievement Award Winners are……

SMALL BUSINESS (up to 50 employees):
•    Albanese Branding

LARGE BUSINESS (more than 50 employees):
•    FirstOntario Credit Union

IRONMAN (sustained performance over a period of minimum 15 years):
•    FELLFAB Limited

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR (up to age 35):
•    Alexis Fletcher (Kabuki Spa and Skin Care Centre)

COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY:
•    CareGo

NOT FOR PROFIT:
•    Mark Preece Family House

CENTURY: (serving Hamilton continuously for 100 years or more) all listed will receive a Century Award
•    ArcelorMittal Dofasco
•    Hamilton Port Authority
•    National Steel Car
•    Robert Soper Ltd.

Thanks for Major Sponsors:
BMO Bank of Montreal, Bell Canada, Hamilton Economic Development, OLG, Taylor Leibow
Nomination Sponsor:  The Hamilton Spectator
Nominee/VIP Reception Sponsor:  Dan Lawrie Insuranc eBrokers Ltd.
Main Reception Sponsor:  Yourhamiltonbiz.com