Two Grade 8 students receive Isabel Carter Youth Award
Feb 02, 2010 - 04:30 AM
By Reka Szekely
AJAX -- A long-time Pickering resident has been sworn in as the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade's president for 2010.
Jason Cameron, a commercial banking manager for BMO Bank of Montreal, took his oath at the annual President's Inaugural Dinner at the Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facility in Ajax Jan. 28.
The lifetime resident of Pickering began his career at BMO Bank of Montreal's Ajax Market Place in 1995 and he now once again works in Pickering after a stint in Toronto.
"First of all, I'm extremely pleased to accept the position," said Mr. Cameron.
He said he has two main goals as president: to continue to increase the board's membership so it reflects the diversity in businesses and industry in Ajax and Pickering, and to build on the board's survey tools to determine needs of existing members.
"I believe the biggest responsibility the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade has to its members is to be their voice in the community," Mr. Cameron said in his remarks Thursday.
As it stands, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade has 612 members.
"I'm confident our numbers will continue to grow as businesses learn about the services we have to offer," said Mr. Cameron.
The board's 2010 council was also sworn in at the dinner. John G. Smith, of WordSmith Media, the 2009 president, will serve as chair. Following the oaths, the board listened to a presentation from investment strategist Michael Herring of BMO Nesbitt Burns who gave an overview on what he expects from the markets in 2010.
Two Grade 8 students received the Isobel Carter Youth Award, with Dan Carter making the presentation in honour of his mother. Each of the students received a $500 RESP.
Both Joanna Alphonso, from Lincoln Alexander Public School in Ajax, and Erin Jones, from Vaughan Willard Public School in Pickering, attended the dinner to accept their awards.
Joanna was surprised when she was told she'd be receiving the award. She was selected for leadership skills and for her involvement in many school activities, including the school production of High School Musical.
"My principal didn't tell me she'd put my name up, so I was really surprised," she said.
Erin is known at her school for volunteering with younger students, including distributing sports equipment to them during recess. She said she enjoys working with kids and it has affected her plans for the future.
"I want to be a teacher when I grow up," she said.
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