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2010 Business Headlines Archive

Life Sciences Theme as Four Brampton Companies among Greater Toronto’s Top Employers

William Osler Health System and Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories Inc. were recently named among Greater Toronto’s Top Employers. The pair joins two other Brampton based companies Loblaw Companies Limited and Medtronic of Canada Inc., who earlier this year were also named among Canada’s Top 100 Employers. Three of the four Brampton companies named have primary actives in the life sciences sector.

Canada Trade Mission to Turkey and Greece

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is organizing a Canada Trade Mission to Istanbul, Turkey, and Athens, Greece from December 6 to 10, 2010.

Brampton School is one of six in North America selected to pilot new animation program with industry leader

Brampton’s Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School has been selected as one of six schools in North America to pilot the new Autodesk Animation Academy Curriculum during the 2010-11 school year. Students enrolled in the animation program will work in groups to develop storylines and create 3D games using the same technology used in iPhone, Xbox, Sony Playstation and Wii games.

Business Delegation from Turkey is Coming to Toronto, Canada, October 21-23, 2010

The State Minister of Turkey and 50 Turkish Businessmen will be in Toronto between October 21-23, 2010.

As the 15th largest economy in the world, this Turkish Trade Mission has as its main goals to introduce exporters to Canadian Companies; to establish new bilateral business relationships, including investments and to promote the following sectors:

Neighbouring Brampton Companies listed among Canada’s Top 100 Employers

Two Brampton companies, neighbours actually, are among the 2011 winners of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers competition. Located in the Churchill Business Park, Loblaw Companies Limited and Medtronic of Canada Inc. both have head offices in Brampton.

Brampton secondary school first in Canada to be named for David Suzuki

Peel District School Board's newest secondary school is the first secondary school in Canada to be named for award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster, David Suzuki. David Suzuki Secondary School is located in the Springbrook area of Brampton and will open in fall 2011

Brampton to host BMO Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships for second straight year

Brampton, Ontario will once again play host to a major figure skating event. The 2011 BMO Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships will be held at the Powerade Centre from February 24-26, 2011. Brampton also played host to the same event last year.

Sustainable Manufacturing Consortium launched by local companies and Partners in Project Green

Partners in Project Green and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) have established a new Sustainable Manufacturing Consortium. The consortium is a group of 11 manufacturers from cities across Ontario, including two from Brampton, that are committed to attaining World Class Environmental Sustainability Performance. Approximately one-third of businesses in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone, a 12,000 hectare area surrounding the Toronto Pearson International Airport, are in the manufacturing sector. This sector alone accounts for at total energy consumption of 13,757,000 GJ in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone.

Monterey Park Breaks Ground Brampton’s Newest Office and Retail Development Site

Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell, accompanied by Regional Councillors Sandra Hames and Gael Miles, recently joined company representatives from Monterey Park at the official groundbreaking ceremony of Brampton’s newest office and retail development. The groundbreaking took place on September 14th, 2010 to mark the start of construction on the new site.

United States and Mexico focus of next Brampton Business Ambassador Breakfast

Over the next 14 months, the City of Brampton Economic Development Office will host a series of Business Ambassador Business breakfast seminars focused around international trade and exposing Brampton business owners to the opportunities of growing markets, partnership opportunities and expanding their business globally.

New look for Brampton Economic Indicators

The City of Brampton Economic Development Office has introduced a new, more robust, Economic Indicators publication.

ACCO Brands Canada Extends Brampton Lease for Ten Years

ACCO Brands Canada, Inc., a subsidiary of ACCO Brands Corporation, recently announced that it has signed a definitive agreement extending the lease on its Canadian manufacturing, distribution, and administrative office center through March 31, 2020. The property, located at 5 Precidio Court, Brampton, is leased from Bentall LP. Bentall is the largest Canadian-based real estate advisory and services organization.

Brampton Business Ambassador Breakfast Series

Over the next 16 months, the City of Brampton Economic Development Office will host a series of Business Ambassador Business breakfast seminars focused around international trade and exposing Brampton business owners to the opportunities of growing markets, partnership opportunities and expanding their business globally.

Courtyard Marriott Brampton Receives Worldwide Recognition

The Courtyard by Marriott Brampton has been recognized as a Diamond Circle Hotel by Marriot International Inc. The award places the local hotel in the top five of the 850 Marriott Courtyard Hotels that make-up the brand worldwide.

Brampton to host 2012 Ontario Senior Games Actifest

The City of Brampton has been named to host the 2012 Ontario Senior Games Actifest. Brampton was selected as the event host by the Sport Alliance of Ontario and the Ontario Senior Games Association.

Vast-Auto Distribution Announces Official Opening of New Brampton Distribution Centre

John Del Vasto, President of Vast-Auto Distribution Ltd, has announced the official opening of its new distribution centre located at 10 Driver Road (major intersection is Airport and Steeles) in Brampton, Ontario.

StackTeck Announces Acquisition of Matrix Technology Specialists

StackTeck President and CEO Randy Yakimishyn recenlty announced that the Brampton based company has acquired Matrix Technology Specialists based in Hong Kong. The new company, StackTeck Matrix Systems will have operations in Toronto, Canada, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Matrix, founded in 2007 by a team of industry specialists, has focused its business on “forward thinking” integrated solutions that can be customized for each application. The solutions leverage proven technologies optimized into efficient work cells that provide savings through reduced consumption, waste and energy.

New Hotel Breaks Ground in Brampton

JM Hospitality Group has broken ground on the location for their new Hilton Garden Inn in Brampton. Located adjacent to the Pearson Convention Centre at 2648 Steeles Ave. E., the new Hilton will be over 81,000 square feet, 7 storeys, with 132 suites, meeting rooms and an indoor swimming pool.

Brampton Business Ambassador Breakfast Series Launched

The City of Brampton’s Economic Development Office held its introductory seminar for the Business Ambassador Breakfast Series in partnership with the BBOT on May 28th, at the Courtyard Marriott in Brampton. The seminar featured keynote speaker, the Honorable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade.

IT Weapons Celebrates 10th Year in Business

On Wednesday, June 16th, 2010, IT Weapons, who recently relocated to Brampton, celebrated 10 years in business with an event at their new 36,000 square foot Head Office on Goreway Drive.

Office Business Centre Services

Meeting space and office suites are available for rent in Downtown Brampton.

Brampton Based Par-Pak Recognized at CPIA 2010 Industry Awards

Brampton based Par-Pak Ltd. was recently recognized by The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) as a winner at the 2010 Plastics Industry Awards. Par-Pak was one of two companies presented with The Plastics Stewardship Award.

Frito Lay Canada is Canada's First Food Manufacturer to Introduce Zero-Emission Electric Vehicles - Three Being Used at Brampton Facility

In collaboration with Transport Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Frito Lay Canada, a division of PepsiCo Canada, is the country's first food manufacturer to introduce zero-emission electric vehicles into its delivery fleet. Six vehicles will be based at Frito Lay Canada’s major distribution centres across the country – three here in Brampton, one in Ottawa, one in Surrey (BC) and one in Laval (QC).

Wild Water Kingdom Adds Drive-in Theater

Brampton's Wild Water Kingdom has announced the addition of The WWK Drive-in Theatre. This summer, patrons will be able to enjoy all of the latest Hollywood releases in the comfort of their front seat. Blockbusters like Iron Man 2, Shrek Forever After and Robin Hood. This nostalgic family experience is the perfect way to finish off a fun filled day at the park. It all comes with a fully licensed concession area offering popcorn and a bevy of tasty treats. With every major highway connecting to WWK, there is easy access from anywhere in and around the GTA.

Pearson Airport's Evolution Recognized with "Most Improved" Global Industry Award

Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada’s busiest airport, has been honoured by airlines around the globe with the 2010 IATA Eagle Award for Most Improved Airport. Awarded by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global industry award recognizes the significant strides made by Toronto Pearson in its commitment to working with the air carrier industry.

LKQ Corporation Opens New Brampton Location

LKQ Corporation has officially opened a new 75,000 square foot facility in Brampton providing them with a space that is approximately five times larger than their previous location.

Brampton Construction Activity Ends First Quarter on High

According to Statistics Canada figures released last week, Brampton’s building activity surged in the first quarter of 2010 with a more than 200 percent increase from the same period in 2009.

Sobeys Inc. Chooses Brampton to Launch FreshCo. Discount Stores

Sobeys Inc. has opened four FreshCo discount stores in Brampton and an additional four in Mississauga. The Company has significantly retooled, refreshed and redefined discount food retailing.

Brampton Outstanding Businesses Recognized

The City of Brampton Economic Development Office and the Brampton Board of Trade are pleased to honour the exemplary accomplishments of Brampton’s outstanding local businesses. Congratulations to all of the 2010 Brampton Outstanding Business Achievement Award winners. The Awards were presented during a Gala Evening at Brampton's Rose Theater on Tuesday, May 11.

A second sun is shining in Brampton - The Canadian breakfast leader successfully launched its newest restaurant in Ontario

Cora Franchise Group, Inc., Canada’s breakfast leader is proud to announce a new Cora Breakfast and Lunch restaurant successfully opened its doors in Brampton, the 115th across the country. The Grand Opening ceremony took place on Monday, April 12th at 9045 Airport Road on the corner of Queen Street in Brampton.

Brampton Welcomes IT Weapons Head Office

IT Weapons, listed as one of Canada’s Top Technology Companies on the 2010 Branham 300 , has opened a new 36,000 square foot Head Office in Brampton. This facility is approximately six times larger than their previous location and allows them to operate a state-of-the-art highly secure Data Centre while provide a comprehensive suite of managed services for over 6000 users in small businesses and large enterprises across North America.

The Hon. William G. Davis to Receive 2010 Jane Jacobs Lifetime Achievement Award

During more than 25 years in public life, Brampton resident and former Ontario Premier William “Bill” Davis made extraordinary contributions to the public realm in at least three distinct areas: education, urban development and the environment.

Loblaw's commitment to respect the environment earns spot on Canada's Greenest Employers list

Brampton based Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw), one of Canada's largest private sector employers, has been named one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2010 in recognition of the Company's leading earth-friendly initiatives and efforts to incorporate environmental values into its corporate culture.

Business Ambassador Breakfast Series

The City of Brampton’s Economic Development Office will begin a series of breakfast seminars on growing markets, partnership opportunities and how businesses can expand their markets globally.

Brampton-based Craft Brewery Launches Lawn Chair "Classic" Weisse beer

Spring just sprung but the brewmasters at Hop City Brewing Company - Ontario's craft brewery with attitude - are already preparing for the summer heat with the launch of Lawn Chair "Classic" Weisse beer.

Canada's largest employment area gets greener with Partners in Project Green

After only a year, Canada's largest employment area consisting of 12,500 businesses and employing more than 350,000, is getting greener because of a sustainability initiative called Partners in Project Green (PPG): A Pearson Eco-Business Zone, a program led by Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA).

Sims Recycling Solutions Becomes Canada's First Electronics Recycler Registered to OHSAS 18001

Brampton based Sims Recycling Solutions Canada has successfully become the first electronics recycling company in Canada registered to the international standard OHSAS 18001. OHSAS 18001 is an occupational health and safety management system enabling organizations to control and continuously improve its occupational health and safety risks.

Strategic Marketing Plan Workshops Scheduled for March 29, 30 and 31 2010

The Economic Development Office is undertaking a broad-ranging review of our economic development marketing strategy. This review will enable us to better understand future trends in select industries, sectors and markets, and guide our efforts to attract and sustain future economic growth. The final result will be the creation of a multi-year Economic Development Marketing Plan for 2011-2014.

Brampton Economic Development Tops in Province

The City of Brampton won three top honours at this year’s Ontario Economic Development Awards. The awards recognize municipalities for their efforts in promoting their communities as economic investment opportunities and for tourism.

Brampton Based Graham Bros. Wins Paver of the Year Award

Brampton based Graham Bros. Construction Limited was recently honoured with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation Paver of the Year award. The announcement was made at the Ontario Road Builders' Association convention and recognizes Graham Bros. for their exceptional pavement rehabilitation work on Highway 10/Hurontario Street from King Street in Caledon, to just south of the Forks of the Credit Road.

Brampton’s A1 Taxi Contracts with DDS Wireless for Improved Customer Service

A1 Taxi, the largest fleet in Brampton, has contracted with DDS Wireless International’s taxi business unit, Digital Dispatch. The contract includes the implementation and licensing of Digital Dispatch’s leading Pathfinder™ taxi dispatch solution along with the DDS’s iMax 8000™ mobile data terminals.

MDA Corporation Part of Development Team for SickKids KidsArm

Brampton’s MDA Corporation is part of a group leading the Hospital for Sick Children’s (SickKids) development of KidsArm, the first robotic surgical arm in the world specifically designed for paediatric surgery. Recently the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario announced they will be investing $10 million in the project.

Making Waves Swim School Announces Opening of Second Brampton location

Making Waves Swim School is set to unveil a second Brampton location. The new 8000-square-foot facility is located 99 Rosedale Avenue in the heart of downtown Brampton.

Businesses can Join Brampton’s Spring Cleanup!

Get your business involved! Form a team and help keep Brampton clean and green by volunteering in your community to clean up litter.

New Days Inn Hotel Opens In Brampton

Realstar Hospitality announced the opening of a new hotel in Brampton. A 61-room conversion property, Days Inn - Brampton offers free Daybreak Café breakfast, free high-speed Internet access, free parking to all guests and is a 100% smoke-free hotel.

Earth Hour - See your world in a whole new light

On March 27, from 8:30 – 9:30 pm, it will be lights out across Brampton. All non-essential lights will be turned off for one hour – Earth Hour – as the City of Brampton once again unites with millions around the world in the fight against climate change.

Brampton Company Signs Contract With Major Ethanol Producer in China

Brampton headquartered SunOpta Inc. has announced that its' subsidiary SunOpta BioProcess(SBI) has been awarded a contract to supply a major ethanol producer in China with the Company’s proprietary fiber preparation and pretreatment equipment for use in the production of cellulosic ethanol.

Rejuvenating the Economy of Southern Ontario - The Honourable Gary Goodyear to speak in Brampton

On March 4, 2010, the Government of Canada will introduce a new budget - Canada' Economic Action Plan, year two. On Friday, January 29, 2010 join the Hon. Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, at the Courtyard Marriott in Brampton to find out what initiatives are underway at the new FedDev Ontario, and how the government's Plan is helping, people, communities, and businesses of southern Ontario as the government prepares for the new budget.

North Peel students serve culinary creations to Olympic officials in Whistler, B.C.

From high school students to high-profile personal chefs-the transformation is like a reality show and three students from Brampton's North Peel Secondary School are the stars. The students and two staff members make up a unique Olympic team that is travelling to Whistler, B.C. from Feb. 10 to 17 to take over the kitchen at a Whistler chalet. For five days, the group will prepare and serve meals, ranging from full-course feasts to a 50-person cocktail reception, for Olympic officials and other international guests.

Brampton Resident Tells His Story in A Referee's Life

Brampton resident Ron Wicks was an NHL referee for more than twenty-five years. As a whistle blower in hockey games all over the United States, Canada, and Europe, Ron tells his story in A Referee’s Life.

Province of Ontario Announces New Tourism Regions - Brampton Part of Region 5

Ontario is paving the way for a stronger, more competitive tourism industry by supporting the formation of 13 new tourism regions and Regional Tourism Organizations. This announcement includes the City of Brampton which is now part of Region 5, an area that also takes in Toronto and Mississauga.