On Monday, November 22nd, Karen Medweth and I had the privilege of attending Hamilton Day at Queen’s Park as representatives of Hamilton International Airport. The evening reception, organized by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and MPPs Sophia Aggelonitis and Ted McMeekin, was intended to give representatives from our city a chance to mingle with cabinet ministers and high-profile city staffers. The event drew MPPs from around the province, who chatted with us while musicians from the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra played chamber music.
Among the Hamilton contingent attending the evening reception were representatives from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, the city’s economic development department, McMaster Innovation Park, Mohawk College, Trivaris and Tourism Hamilton, as well as Mayor Fred and Mayor-elect Bob Bratina. It’s the first time Queen’s Park has dedicated a day to Hamilton.
In addition to speaking briefly with Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, we were able to connect with Tourism Hamilton’s executive director David Adames and Tourism and Culture Minister Michael Chan. Most importantly, we were able to have meaningful conversations with our fellow Hamilton business representatives. While it was clear we all have our challenges and success, it was striking how eager people were to find a way to help each other. Everyone that I spoke with was passionate about the future of Hamilton, and committed to creating jobs and prosperity in our great city.
The evening finished with a round of speeches from Hamilton’s municipal and provincial politicians. Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP Hamilton Mountain, thanked the attendees for “showing Queen’s Park what Hamilton looks like.” I was certainly proud to be a part of the event and proud to be from Hamilton.
Adrianne Sprogis, Manager of Marketing and Communications