THUNDER BAY – Business – SHIFT Network held its annual general meeting this week. There were quite the variety of like-minded professionals in the room at SHIFT’s AGM & Speed Networking Event, presented by Investors Group on Thursday May 9th, 2013 in the Tiberio Room at the Airlane Hotel & Conference Centre. This event will be fondly remembered as there were eight candidates nominated to fill six positions within the SHIFT Board of Directors and the room was filled with supporters cheering them on. The speed networking was the topping on the cake.
SHIFT Celebrates New Board
The networking buzz was in the air before Michael Nitz (RBC Branch Manager) and the past President of SHIFT, led guests into the AGM portion of the evening, where he introduced the eight nominees; Brett Sharman, Dayna Bobrowski-Vogt, Jake Satten, Samantha Mihalus, Sanjay Uppal, Scott Schooler, Seija Makelainen, and Shelby Ch’ng.
Each candidate spoke briefly regarding their ability to help continue to move SHIFT forward. After the speeches, guests had the difficult task of voting for only six of the eight candidates.
After a smooth collection of votes, and some networking while enjoying a cocktail and lovely hors d’oeurvres prepared by the Airlane Hotel & Conference Centre, the count was performed and the new Board Directors were decided.
Brett Sharman (Confederation College), Dayna Bobrowski-Vogt (Lakehead University), Jake Satten (Modo), Samantha Mihalus (Jones & Associates), Scott Schooler (Northshore Financial Services) and Shelby Ch’ng (Unveiled Bridal) are the new additions to the SHIFT Board of Directors.
SHIFT President, Nathan Lawrence stated, “SHIFT’s 5th Annual AGM was an incredible success. I am very excited with our roster of New Board Directors joining the SHIFT Team following the best attended AGM SHIFT has had to date. We have a team made up of very engaged and community oriented professionals from a wide range of career fields within our community”.
“I am confident that working together, our Board will have the energy and drive to take our organization to the next level over the years ahead. I am very much looking forward to getting the 2013/14 Board of Directors working on projects and initiatives that matter to the Young Professionals in Thunder Bay and the Region!”
A new SHIFT welcome “hoo-rah” welcomed each new Board member to the SHIFT team, courtesy of Michael Nitz. Congratulations to the new SHIFT Board Directors!
Once the formalities of the AGM were complete it was on to speed networking where Herp Lamba (Investors Group) began with his comedic flair and it was off to the networking races. Pairs sat across from one another, and were alerted to SHIFT over by a ringing bell every 2.5 minutes, sharing minimal time together but making every second count. Peter Marchl, SHIFT Member Engagement & Recruitment Co-Director explained, “I felt the event went off without a hitch and I was encouraged to see so many new faces”.
“This event is what SHIFT is all about, bringing people together, creating bonds, exchanging ideas and making our community stronger and more vibrant.”
Ian Wright, Marketing & Communications Director gave the closing remarks including SHIFT’s Charity of Choice; GenNext reminding attendees about the Day of Caring on June 22nd and congratulated the door prize winners; Cheryl Merlo from ThunderBayNightOut.com winner of an One Night Stay in an Executive Suite at the Airlane Hotel & Conference Centre and Amanda Mihalus owner of City Wide Sound who will be featured in SHIFT’s next Quarterly Newsletter. SHIFT would like to thank Investors Group, the SHIFT Board Directors and Intern and all who attended for making this event the greatest SHIFT AGM & Speed Networking Event yet.
Willow Lem
SHIFT is Thunder Bay’s home for young-minded professionals who understand that moving their community forward means more than just doing business. It’s the big picture, from social and environments concerns and personal professional development. Together, we can move forward.
For further information please contact Willow Lem at 624-2628 or info@shiftnetwork.ca. Start networking and stay connected – Join us on Facebook and become a SHIFTer!
