On behalf of the Leaside Business Park Association (LBPA) Board of Directors, I would like to update you on the current and planned activities of the association. I hope that you and your families had a relaxing festive season break and a wonderful New Year’s celebration together. I am pleased to share with you the highlights and achievements of the LBPA in 2022 and its plans for 2023.
There has never been a greater time to get involved in LBPA activities. I would like to thank all LBPA members for their continuous support through renewing your membership. The majority of our members have renewed their membership. If you have yet to renew please visit the renewals section on leasidebusinesspark.com website. Please let us know at admin@leasidebusinesspark.com if you have any suggestions about how we can best achieve our mission.
In 1913, on April 23, the Town of Leaside, with a population of 43 residents, was officially incorporated and operated as its own town with a mayor and council until it became part of the Borough of East York on Jan. 1, 1967. That relationship continued until the megacity amalgamation of the former cities and borough of Metropolitan Toronto into the City of Toronto. This year Leaside celebrates its 110 anniversary there has been an incredible amount of growth and change during that time. Now more than ever I am excited about our future, the future of business, and the future of the Leaside and Thorncliff park communities.
We were cautiously optimistic that the supply chain disruptions, inflation, soaring commodity, and raw good prices will settle down this year and that we will avoid a recession, or if we are not able to avoid a recession that it will not be severe or protracted. At the beginning of the year, while many businesses are still suffering the effects of the pandemic or the knock-on impacts of it, there are many businesses that are thriving in spite of these difficulties, I am proud of the achievements of all of our members and their business in 2022. I am proud of the work the LBPA has done and continues to do. We stood up and made our voices heard, we actively contributed to important discussions across all levels of government and community stakeholder groups. Provided more opportunities for engagement for our members and many of the businesses within the community. 2022 was an impressive year for our association. We were able to hold our very first hybrid AGM which turned out to be the most successful we’ve ever held. We also were able to host our first in-person networking event since 2019.
We are excited to be able to offer more programs and events this year. We are open for business. With a 2023 membership at LBPA, you have access to multiple services, programs, and events. We are planning numerous events for our members to come out and enjoy. We have networking events planned, panel discussions, and many more exciting events. As well, we have subcommittees that are looking for participants in the community to contribute and to network with other businesses.
I want to thank everyone that attended our AGM in December, as well as, Jaye Robinson, Stephanie Bowman, and Patricia LeFebour from Rob Oliphant’s office. I would also like to thank the Board of Directors for helping to make decisions for the operations and strategy of the association. It was a pleasure having your input and assistance. The AGM was highly informative and enjoyable. Additionally, I want to welcome Vanessa Rose, Andre Grace Estrella, and Matt Peacock to the LBPA BOD for 2023. We look forward to working with everyone to maintain the same standard of service to all members they are expecting and deserve. I always look forward to seeing everyone and am thankful we can meet in a friendly and healthy atmosphere.
This year will be our best year yet looking forward to meeting our members, welcoming new businesses, and working with all the community leaders as we continue to make our community a standout across Canada.
Sincerely,
Leslie Kellen, MBA
President- Leaside Business Park Association.
