With the installation this week of Kris Michailow, Business Development Officer for Hamilton/Niagara, to the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce board, I am reminded once again of the value of volunteerism. This is my fourteenth year, and as past President of the chamber, my last year on the board.
I became a member of the Stoney Creek Chamber when I launched my own business in 2002. It was the right thing to do; to get involved with the business community I was a part of, to make connections through networking and participation in committees, and to have the opportunity to grow and share my strengths and leadership skills.
You see, volunteering is a two-way street. People may think of it as "doing something for others", which while true, is only one half of the partnership. What an individual gains from volunteering far outweighs what they give.
I always encourage people to pick something they are passionate about because then it won't ever become a chore. Pick something where you can contribute; where the organization will gain from the skills you bring to the table. At the same time, pick something where you will continue to learn and grow. Whether that be personally, professionally or a combination of both.
April 10 to April 16 is National Volunteer Week in Canada. This week is set aside to honour and thank volunteers for their commitment to improving their communities. I hope that the over 12 million volunteers in Canada take a moment to also thank the organizations they are connected to for the opportunities they provide.
Audie McCarthy
President & CEO, Mohawk College Enterprise
P.S. Keep reading for tips on How to Pick a Volunteer Opportunity
MCE Announcements and Events
Our own Kris Michailow, Business Development Officer for the Hamilton/Niagara Region, was installed February 25 as a director on the board of the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations Kris! We would also like to congratulate Patricia Legato and Ralph Vitello for stepping up to the positions of President and Vice President.
Congratulations to the graduates from the City of Hamilton, Halton and Niagara Regions on your completion of our Future Ready Leadership for Water and Waste Water Operators. We appreciate your feedback on this brand new course and will integrate it to make the course even better! This course counts towards on-the-job training hours for water and waste water operators.
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Join us to learn, share ideas and keep up with what's happening in the industry.
This program is based on our core 'Amazing Customer Service' program and is customized to reflect customer service situations faced by the automotive industry.
This training program focuses on strengthening your brand reputation and providing the best customer service experience possible!
March 24, 2016
Location: Mohawk College Stoney Creek Campus, 481 Barton Street, Stoney Creek
Price: $299 + HST per participant including materials, light breakfast and lunch and parking
Students who successfully complete this program will receive three point five (3.5) Ministry of the Environment, Director-Approved, Continuing Education Units.
Prepare to write the American Water Works Association (OWWA) "Cross Connection Control Specialist" certification exam (administered at the end of the course).
This program helps prepare new or existing leaders in the private and public sectors for the future. We focus on essential leadership skills that will help advance participants in their career, as well as move your organization forward.
Contact us to customize this program for your employees.
Keep up with industry demands in an ever changing and competitive market by providing your employees with this high- impact customized welding program.
Choose something you are passionate about; otherwise your heart won't be in it.
Determine how much time you have to volunteer. You don't want to find out once you have committed to an organization that their expectation is five hours a week when you only have one to give.
Find something where you can achieve a balance between contributing your own skills and learning new ones.
Ask questions before you commit to make sure this is the right fit for you, and for the organization. Talk to past and current volunteers to find out more about the organization and the role of a volunteer.
Once you commit, don't quit. The organization and the people they support are counting on you.
Mohawk College Enterprise | (905) 575-2534 | 481 Barton Street | Stoney Creek, L8E 2L7