York Region business leaders will gather in East Gwillimbury to learn how to "shift" and evolve their businesses as the Central York Chamber of Commerce hosts its second annual summit on May 16.
SHIFT24 offers a platform for guest speakers to provide interactive discussions on market trends, attraction, talent retention, strategy, and best practices for reaching customers to drive sales and increase brand awareness.
“Businesses are always evolving and growing,” said Chris Emanuel, president and CEO of the Central York Chamber of Commerce. “We want to bring together businesses from all over York Region and we want to bring in the best speakers possible to help inspire, motivate, and help those businesses grow.”
The event takes place at SilverCity Cineplex at 18195 Yonge St. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost of admission is $95.
Emanuel said businesses need to shift, alter and re-invest themselves, even through challenges, such as a global pandemic.
“We try to identify the common challenges businesses are facing, and then we put together a roster of speakers who will speak to those issues,” said Emanuel.
Confirmed speakers for the event include Justice Faith Betty, co-founder of Révolutionnaire, Jenn Harper, founder of Cheekbone Beauty, Tony Gareri, CEO of Roma Moulding, Amanda Stassen, founder and chief strategist of BIZU Innovation Group, Joel MacCharles, president and CEO of Success Acceleration Academy, and Stephen Clements, business advisor of PACE Network, founding partner of Next Chapter Ventures, and past president of Canadian Tire Corporation.
“I have been passionate about creating a business that empowers Indigenous voices from the moment the idea entered my mind,” said Harper. “I truly believe that through hard work and commitment you can make a difference in the world and that representation saves lives. If you experience an intense calling to do something, follow it. That is exactly what happened with me when I had the vision of Cheekbone Beauty, and though it has not been a smooth ride, every day has been worth it.”
Cheekbone Beauty offers a variety of lip gloss, bronzer, lipstick eyeliner, and mascara available at Sephora stores. It is the first Indigenous-owned and founded cosmetics company. It aims to make a difference in the lives of Indigenous youth through donations that support educational opportunities for them and to create a space in the beauty industry where everyone, including Indigenous people, feels represented and seen.
“I think what makes Cheekbone Beauty stand out in the sea of current beauty brands is our beliefs,” said Harper. We are a brand with a mission that extends beyond making people feel beautiful. We want to uplift communities, help the environment, give back, and build awareness. I truly believe that our mission is a special thing, which our warriors and supporters can recognize that as well.”
Participants will have plenty of time to network with business leaders in technology, manufacturing, hospitality, government, communications, and more. Lunch and coffee breaks will be provided.
