Thank you to everyone who joined us for Business Connect: The Economic Exchange! It was a powerful evening of learning, connection, and community insight.
With energy high and minds open, our guests gathered to explore what’s next for our region through the expertise of featured speakers Marco Marino (Niagara Region) and Jennifer Patterson (City of Hamilton). Their thoughtful perspectives, rooted in real-world experience, offered clarity on the challenges we face and the shared opportunities ahead. From infrastructure and investment to collaboration and economic resilience, the conversations were rich, honest, and incredibly valuable.
A heartfelt thank you to Serina Carbone of DeSantis Homes, who emceed the evening’s Q&A session with grace and poise. Sabrina created an inviting space for meaningful dialogue, helping guests feel confident stepping forward with their questions and guiding the conversation in a way that highlighted both the audience’s concerns and the speakers’ expertise.
We also thank Gabe DeSantis for opening the event with valuable reflections on our current housing market; an honest look at today’s realities paired with a message of optimism and collective action. His remarks set the tone for the impactful conversations that followed.
And of course, a special shoutout to our very own Chamber Chair, Kendra Wintels, for delivering the evening’s land acknowledgment and grounding the event in a spirit of truth, reconciliation, and respect.
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership of our fellow Chambers — West Lincoln, Lincoln, and Stoney Creek — and our generous hosts, DeSantis Homes and Ridgeview Realty Group. A warm thank you as well to Casa Toscana for the beautiful spread of Italian wine and refreshments that elevated the entire experience.
To everyone who attended: your presence reflects a deep commitment to your businesses, our communities, and our region’s future. These conversations matter. Not just at events, but in how we shape our businesses, lead our teams, and build a shared vision for what comes next.
Let’s keep the dialogue going.
