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  • 27 Sep 2018 8:00 PM | Anonymous
    Pranav Patel elected   
     
    ICCC's 30th President
     
    Committed for engaging members 
     
     Pranav Patel

    Mr. Pranav Patel was unanimously elected the 30th President of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) Thursday, September 27, 2018, by his colleagues on board. The elections were conducted online and recorded an unprecedented 75 percent participation from the Chamber’s members. 

    Mr. Patel is one of the youngest president ever. Mr. Patel is a practicing barrister, solicitor and notary public, having outstanding reputation in community at large with enriched experience in public and private sector. He is actively involved with community forums, professional, business & social service organizations, Toronto District School Board, Law Society of Ontario, City of Toronto, and bilateral trade relations at international level.

    Mr. Patel speaking about his priorities after becoming the President, said he would endeavour to encourage his team of directors to engage our members and stakeholder. He also said that he would like to take the ICCC to new heights and will enhance the membership of the Chamber.  



    From L to R: Abu Becker, Pranav Patel, Sunita Vyas, Devika Penekelapati, Pramod Goyal, Chirag Shah
     

    Ms. Devika Penekelapati was re-elected on the board for another two years. Additionally three new directors have also been elected to the board for the first time including Mr. Rakesh Joshi, Mr. Chirag Shah and Ms. Sunita Vyas. The remaining directors, who are currently in the middle of their two-year term, are Mr. Abu Becker, Mr. Pramod Goyal and Mr. Tauseef Sheikh. 

    The AGM was attended by over 150 members, a majority of whom participated in a lively discussion on all the agenda items  including an update on sale of the building by the Corporate Secretary, and a report by the Chamber’s audit committee chair Mr. Imtiaz Seyid.

    Ms. Penekelapati, the Corporate Secretary, initiated the meeting and then handed over the proceedings to the chair, Mr. Ajit Someshwar, a former President of the ICCC. Mr. Sanjay Makkar, Past President of the Chamber, oversaw the ballot counting online and declared the results.

    Altogether 8 candidates had contested elections for the four vacancies on the board. A number of past presidents, vice presidents, and board members participated in the meeting.

    Mr. Kanwar Dhanjal, the outgoing President, thanked his board for making his tenure memorable. 


    Members at AGM 2018


  • 18 Sep 2018 6:30 PM | Anonymous

    If you want to stand out, then you need to do something outstanding

    Book Launch of Mr. Shiv Khera

     
    From L to R: MPP Deepak Anand, Mr. Shiv Khera, Mr. Kanwar Dhanjal, Amb. Dinesh Bhatia & Mr. Andy Jasuja

    Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) in partnership with Sigma Group of Companies organized an event to launch the latest book “You Can Achieve More” of Shiv Khera, the renowned Author, Educationist and Motivational Speaker at the ICCC office on 18 September 2018.

    Mr. Shiv Khera, in his address to the ICCC members said that while it is often said that a person with a negative attitude cannot be helped. It is also true that a person with a positive attitude cannot be stopped. Life is an obstacle course in which we can often become our own biggest obstacle, but a positive attitude can be transformed.

    Mr. Khera said that in his new book, “You Can Achieve More”, one can effectively learn not only the principles of success but also how to avoid expensive and demoralizing mistakes. 

    The principles themselves are universal, cutting across country, culture and religion. But practicing them diligently will help you develop confidence and allow your life to become more meaningful and rewarding. 

    Applying these principles may require a lot of self-discipline and commitment but once learned and applied the results can be rewarding and gratifying.

    He further said that principles contained in this book can help one to:

    • Live by design, not by default
    • Gain confidence and optimize your potential
    • Become more proactive and develop a winning attitude
    • Add meaningful balance to your health, wealth and relationship
    • Overcome day-to-day problems and enable better decision making
    • Make more  positive life choices and avoid common pitfalls

    Amb. Dinesh Bhatia, Chief Guest of the evening launched the book. He said that Mr. Khera changed the life of many leaders in all walks of life and listening to him is always a matter of pride.

    Mr. Kanwar Dhanjal, president ICCC welcomed all the guests at the evening. Mr. Andy Jasuja introduced the speaker to the audience.

       
    Mr. Khera with Kanwar, Dinesh & Andy  Mr. Khera with ICCC Board members

    Mr. Abu Becker, Vice President ICCC introduced the evening. ICCC board members Ms. Devika Penekelapati, Mr. Nareshkumar N Chavda, Mr. Pramod Goyal, Mr. Pranav Patel, Mr. Pradyuman Jhala and Mr. Rakesh Joshi were present at the evening. ICCC past President Mr. Sanjay Makkar and Mr. Arun Srivastava were also present at the event.

    The event was sponsored by Sigma Group of Companies.


    Event sponsor:

     


    Participants at the event


  • 12 Sep 2018 6:30 PM | Anonymous
    WEP Mix & Mingle
     
    From L to R: Gursharan Kandra, Vijeta Tokas, Devika Penekelapati, Shibani Sahney & Anu Kalra

    Women Entrepreneurs & Professional Committee of Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce organised a joint Mix & Mingle for women entrepreneurs with Canadian Tamil’s Chamber of Commerce at Frankie Tomato’s on 12 September 2018.

    Joint event ICCC WEP with CTCC Attended by over 60 people.This was the second successful event with the CTCC. The joint event was focused to provide a networking platform for women entrepreneurs within the south Asian community.

    Ms. Devika Penekelapati, Vice President ICCC welcomed the guests on behalf of the chamber and said that ICCC always pursued the interests of the women entrepreneurs. The event was held at an Italian restaurant Frankie Tomatto’s. President of CTCC Dilani Gunarajah welcomed everyone to the joint event and said that this cooperation with the ICCC is an initiative to promote the women business leaders.

    Ms. Shibani Sahney, Chair ICCC’s WEP Committee spoke about the benefits of being a member at ICCC and about the WEP Committee and what they do to help women entrepreneurs. Each member got an opportunity to introduce themselves and speak briefly about their business and profession.

    TELUS gave out a Samsung 8 cell phone as a prize at the event. Lucky draw was taken out by Ms. Khushboo from TELUS. Along with Vice President Ms. Penekelapati, Ms. Sahney thanked all the participants.

       
       


  • 21 Aug 2018 6:30 PM | Anonymous

    ICCC welcomes Apparel & Textile delegation from India

     
    Session in progress

    Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce hosted a dinner reception in honor of visiting delegation from Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and the Wool and Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC) on 21 August 2018. The delegation comprised of apparel and textile manufacturers and traders from India who were in the city to participate in the Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada Expo at the International Centre in Toronto.

    Speaking on the occasion Mr. Kanwar Dhanjal, President ICCC welcomed the delegation and said that the Apparel Textile Sourcing is a premier exhibition to meet International apparel, textile, fashion and fabric manufacturers and leaders. It provides a single platform to meet hundreds of international manufacturers, touching the fabrics and fashions first-hand, and hearing directly from industry leaders - all at one convenient destination.

    Mr. Sandip Samaddar, Director International Division FICCI said that FICCI is leading this delegation in partnership with the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), sponsored by Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and The Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC), an autonomous organisation under the ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

    Mr. Mahesh N Sahil Executive Director and Secretary, Wool & Woollens Export Promotional Council, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India briefed the audience regarding the The Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council which helps Indian exporters in marketing, branding and showcasing “Made in India” products to the world. The council also helps overseas buyers in locating suitable Indian manufacturers and provides information about their technical and production strengths.

    Ms. Chandrima Chatterjee Advisor – Research & Policy Advocacy, Apparel Export Promotion Council said that the Apparel Export Promotion Council is mandated to promote, increase and develop exports of all types of ready made garments. AEPC is helping the Indian manufacturers to explore the international market to promote their products.

    ICCC board members Ms. Devika Penekelapati, Mr. Pramod Goyal, Mr. Nareshkumar Chavda, and Mr. Sanjay Brahmbhatt were also present. Mr. Pradyuman Jhala introduced the evening to the members. Over 70 participants attended the event which was concluded with a Q & A session.


    Participants


  • 16 Aug 2018 6:30 PM | Anonymous
    ICCC felicitates volunteers

    Celebrating Volunteerism!

    Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) honored its volunteers at the ICCC headquarters on 16 August 2018. Chamber benefits immensely from volunteerism. Right from the committee member who organizes the programs to the President of the Chamber and the board of directors, everyone who has helped built the chamber to what it has become during the last four decades has been, is, and will be a volunteer.

    Recognizing volunteers’ contribution to the Chamber is a much awaited annual event. The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce celebrated volunteerism by honouring its volunteers and handing out certificates of appreciation. In an important precedent, the Chamber also singled out four volunteers who went above and beyond their responsibilities as committee members and contributed significantly to the Chamber’s multifarious activities.

    These outstanding volunteers are:

    • Vijay Thomas
    • Gurpreet Bedi
    • Sanjay Kulkarni
    • Imtiaz Seyid

    Thanks to the contributions of these volunteers, their committees were able to perform exceptionally. They made the Chamber look good.


     
    Gurpreet Bedi   Sanjay Kulkarni 



       
    Ajinkya & Mark for Vijay Thomas    Audience at the event

    Speaking on the occasion, Kanwar Dhanjal, President, ICCC, said, “The volunteerism contributing n number of hours for the welfare of the society at large. Canadians are among the front runners in giving away volunteer hours in the service of humanity. By working with others, sharing experiences and identifying best practices, one starts to identify key qualities and considers how to develop these qualities in themselves. Serving on Chamber’s committees is a great way to learn about the organization and develop your skills.”

    Abu Becker, Vice President, ICCC emceed the program, and emphasized that volunteerism is quintessential Canadian characteristic that has become an integral part of the Chamber’s functioning. He invited all the members of the board who were present at the program – Kanwar Dhanjal, Nareshkumar Chavda, Pramod Goyal, Pranav Patel, Rakesh Joshi, Pradyuman Jhala and himself –to come to the forefront to be acknowledged for their volunteerism for the Chamber.


  • 01 Aug 2018 6:30 PM | Anonymous

    Immigration of skilled workers to Canada


    From L to R: Rakesh Goenka, Kanwar Dhanjal, Jagmohan Nanda & Vasim Shaikh

    Toronto: Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) organised a seminar on hiring temporary foreign workers with Nanda & Associate Lawyers on August 1, 2018 in Mississauga. The focus of the seminar was to address the labour shortage and find and hire the suitable manpower from outside Canada.

    Mr. Kanwar Dhanjal President ICCC along with Mr. Jagmohan Nanda welcomed the guests. Mr. Dhanjal said that ICCC is organising such programs to upgrade the knowledge of its members.

    Mr. Vasim Shaikh from Nanda & Associate Lawyers gave a detailed presentation on hiring the foreign skilled workers. He said that Temporary Foreign worker program for Canada is in place to help Canadian employers bring temporary foreign workers with the help of Service Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. As a business owner, you may have experience difficulties in finding right skills and to keep workers in order to grow your business. These challenges are overwhelming particularly if your business is dealing with skilled trades. Despite trying to hire Canadian workers, sometimes business owners are left with no choice but to hire a temporary foreign worker.

         
     Nareshkumar Chavda  Kanwar Dhanjal Linda Starova   Jagmohan Nanda  Vasim Shaikh

    He further said that Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is essential to the survival of many small businesses. The TFWP allows you to hire a worker from abroad to fill a temporary position when a Canadian worker isn’t available. While the TFWP is designed to temporarily fill gaps in your workforce, it is often used to fill permanent positions that employers consistently have trouble filling. This is why it is important for employer to find a permanent solution to labour shortages, especially for employers who need low- and un-skilled workers.

    Mr. Nareshkumar Chavda introduced the evening to the audience. Over 70 business owners attended the event.


  • 25 Jul 2018 7:30 PM | Anonymous

    ICCC Signed MoU with MBOT

    From L to R: Ranjeet Mehta, Nareshkumar Chavda, Pradyuman Jhala, Abu Becker, Brad Butt, 

    Kanwar Dhanjal, Saifullah Khan, Sanjay Brahmbhatt, Pranav Patel & Ajay Tandon

    Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) President Mr. Kanwar Dhanjal signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mississauga Board Of Trade (MBOT) represented by Mr. Brad Butt at the ICCC headquarter on 25 July 2018. The Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT) proactively serves the interests of its members and the business community in the City of Mississauga through advocacy and business development; and is a progressive and relevant business organization serving as the ‘Voice of Business’ in local and international markets.

    ICCC and MBOT will work together to identify and explore business opportunities between India and the Mississauga business community and beyond; including joint ventures, strategic alliances and technology transfers. Both the organisations will promote direct linkages between MBOT and ICCC business members. Advocates to the Canadian government on policies that hinder the development of business linkages between Indian and Canadian companies. Provide a platform for networking, exchanging ideas and information and advancing the interests of the ICCC and MBOT. ICCC and MBOT will work collaboratively with Government to address members’ needs and the trade related barriers they encounter from time to time.

    Mr. Saifullah Khan, Consul Commercial and Dr Ranjeet Singh, Principal Director PHDCCI were also present at the signing ceremony along with ICCC’s Vice President Mr. Nareshkumar Chavda and Mr. Ajay Tandon. ICCC Directors Mr. Abu Becker, Mr. Sanjay Brahmbhatt, Mr. Pranav Patel, Mr. Pradyuman Jhala were also present at the ceremony.


  • 25 Jul 2018 6:30 PM | Anonymous

    India is open for business and investment

     http://IndoCanadaChamberOfCommerce.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/_MG_9415.JPG
    ICCC board with the delegation

    Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce hosted a business delegation led by Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Principal Director PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry for an interactive session with the members of ICCC. ICCC’s MoU partner PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is a proactive and dynamic national apex chamber, working at the grass-root level and with strong national and international linkages. It acts as a catalyst in the promotion of industry, trade and entrepreneurship. The visiting delegates represent sectors such as IT, AI & Automation, Advanced manufacturing, Education (Ties with Universities/colleges), Agricultural Products & Research, Food Processing, Renewable Energy etc.

    Mr. Kanwar Dhanjal, President ICCC welcome the delegation and said that the time has come to rethink for doing business with India as at present it is not up to its full potential. Canada needs India more than India needs Canada. The Indian diaspora in Canada can play a very robust role as bridge builder to take the commercial ties to a different level. Canadian entrepreneurs can collaborate and cooperate with their Indian counterparts in developing ties in Indian hosiery, education and skill development, engineering outsourcing and advance manufacturing.

    http://IndoCanadaChamberOfCommerce.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/_MG_9311.JPG

     

    http://IndoCanadaChamberOfCommerce.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/_MG_9430.JPG

    Dr. Ranjeet Mehta 

     

     Dr. Mehta, Mr. Dhanjal with others

    Speaking on the occasion Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Principal Director PHDCCI said that India is the fastest growing economy of the world now and is open for business. India’s growth is generating new opportunities for businesses to invest in India. As developing economy (over 7% Annual GDP growth) it needs more power. Indian government set a target to achieve over 175 GW of power through renewable energy resources by the year 2022. Canada do have a robust technology in the sector which can be helpful for India. He invited the Canadian entrepreneurs to join hands with their Indian counterparts and invest in the sectors such as food processing, infrastructure development, cold chain management and housing market.

    Dr. Mehta also invited the ICCC to lead a delegation in Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX). The 13th Edition of Pitex 2018, Signature event of PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry, will be held at Amritsar from 7-11 December 2018. The conclave and Exhibition will open new avenues of networking and scaling up of business in Punjab.

    Mr. Saifullah Khan, Consul Commercial assured all types of help for the promotion of trade and commerce ties between the two countries. ICCC’s Vice President Mr. Nareshkumar Chavda and Mr. Ajay Tandon. ICCC Directors Mr. Abu Becker, Mr. Sanjay Brahmbhatt, Mr. Pranav Patel, Mr. Pradyuman Jhala were also present at the ceremony along with ICCC members.

     

     http://IndoCanadaChamberOfCommerce.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/_MG_9287.JPG


  • 18 Jul 2018 6:30 PM | Anonymous

    ICCC & CTCC Women Entrepreneurs Network 


     From L to R: Shibani, Kanwar, Gugni, Dilani & Ajay

    On Wednesday, July 18th, 2018 the WEP Committee of Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Tamils' Chamber of Commerce joined together to host a networking event for women entrepreneurs.

    Mr. Kanwar Dhanjal President ICCC and Ms. Dilani Gunarajah, President CTCC welcomed the guests at the event and shared a common view of promoting women entrepreneurs.

    The event also had three guest speakers.

    Anne Wootten, choreographer and theatre director who spoke about presentation skills and proper networking etiquettes that help in the promotion of businesses.

    Gugni Gill, a well-known Punjabi actor/director, politician and philanthropist, spoke about the importance of women empowerment in the contemporary society. Women comprise of half of the total population so they should come forward in all the sectors and show the world that there is more to women than just a pretty face.

    Susan Sommers, a health and fitness expert, discussed the benefits of nourishing your mind, body and soul. A good health is essential for all the human beings for excelling and enjoying the life.

    The event was closed with the amazing dance performance by Kala Kalalaya Performing Arts.

    Appetizers and the spectacular dinner for the evening was served by renowned Chef Ramanna and his team.


    Participants at the event


  • 26 Jun 2018 10:58 AM | Anonymous

    ICCC's 20th Charity Golf Classic

      Funds raised for Mackenzie Health Foundation 

     

     Venki Raman from CIBC  & Mayor of Milton Gordon Krantz presenting the Trophy to the winning team

    Charity for Mackenzie Health Foundation

     

     

     

     

     

    ICCC had a successful 20th Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce’s Charity Golf Classic tournament at the Graystone Golf Club in Milton on Tuesday June 26.

    The annual golf event is a traditional meeting place for the veteran and the new members of the Chamber. In fact, some members are regulars at the golf event, and participate in the tourney because the Chamber contributes the proceeds to a charity. This year, the ICCC raised funds for Mackenzie Health Foundation. The tournament was an overwhelming success with nearly 100 enthusiastic amateur golfers having a great time.

    The team comprising Avtar Brar, Indy Brar, Mohinder Singh and  Bhinder Singh won the tournament. Kanwar Dhanjal, President, ICCC, Venki Raman Vice President CIBC, Mayor of Milton His Worship Gordon Krantz and Sanjay Makkar, Chair Golf Committee presented the winning team with the rotating trophy. 

    Speaking on the occasion, Kanwar Dhanjal emphasized that the Chamber has taken important measures to engage the business community to ensure accountability and rapid growth of chamber. Talking about his team’s efforts, the ICCC President said, “We have a great successful business Expo in November which was attended by over 300 Indian business delegates and Annual Gala 2018 early this month and provided great value to our members and stakeholders.”


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