Niagara Board of Trade and Commerce

Lunch & Networking
2025-01-08 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto) | Club Belvedere, 57 John St., Thorold, Ontario, L2V 5C8, Canada
Topic: Tech-Enhanced Business Networking: Leveraging Connections, Gaining Clients
Join NBOTAC Chair Mark Kawabe for a discussion of a dozen ways to leverage technology to enhance business networking effectiveness and efficiency.
Expanding your business network is the key to new business opportunities and growth. Learn how to network better in 2025!
“The richest people in the world look for and build networks. Everyone else looks for work.” – Robert Kiyosaki
Get Your Ticket!

January Business After Five
2025-01-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Liberty Tax Services, 290 Glendale Ave Unit #2, St. Catharines, ON, L2T 2L3
Join us for networking at Liberty Tax Services – St. Catharines Location
Bring a door prize to represent your business!
RSVP below
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February Lunch, Learn & Networking
2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Club Belvedere, 57 John St., Thorold, Ontario, L2V 5C8, Canada
Join us for our February Lunch, Learn & Networking hosted by Canadian Blood Services!
RSVP to info@nbotac.com

Member Rate: https://zohosecurepay.com/checkout/12wc3zl-29zfanppf60bvq/Lunch-Learn–Networking–Member-Rate
Non-Member Rates: https://zohosecurepay.com/checkout/63f2vld-ufzwpoqqwr893k/Lunch-Learn–Networking–Nonmember

February Business After Five
2025-02-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Bocchinfuso Funeral Home, 2 Regent St,, Thorold, ON, L2V 1T1
Join us for our February Business After Five hosted by Bocchinfuso Funeral Home!
Details TBA

Special Event- March Lunch, Learn & Networking with Vance Badawey
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Club Belvedere, 57 John St., Thorold, Ontario, L2V 5C8, Canada
Join us for our March Lunch, Learn & Networking with Vance Badawey!
Don’t miss this special event!
Member Rate
Non Member Rate

RSVP to info@nbotac.com

2025 March Business After Five
2025-03-26 17:00 - 19:00 | J & L Flooring, 4424 Montrose Rd., Niagara Falls, ON, L2H1K2, Canada
Join us for our 2025 March Business After Five hosted by J & L Flooring.

April Lunch, Learn & Networking
2025-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Niagara Falls Innovation Hub, 4551 Zimmerman Ave, Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 2P2
Join Us for our April Lunch, Learn, & Networking hosted by Axzora Group.

Health & Wellness Expo
2025-04-30 14:00 - 19:00 | Thorold Seniors Center, 8 Carleton St. South, Thorold, Ontario, L2V 5C2, Canada
Join us for our 2025 Health & Wellness Expo!

Member Registration
Non- Member Registration

May Lunch, Learn & Networking hosted by Leadership Niagara!
2025-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Club Belvedere, 57 John St., Thorold, Ontario, L2V 5C8, Canada
Join us for our May Lunch, Learn & Networking hosted by
Leadership Niagara!

NBOTAC Annual Cornhole Social!
2025-07-23 | Regency Athletic Resort, 8068 Mountain Rd, Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 6S4
Join us at our Annual Cornhole Social! Enjoy a game of cornhole, food and networking!
Please RSVP to info@nbotac.com

Summer Social
2025-08-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Donnelly’s Irish Pub, 54 Front St S,, Thorold, ON, L2V 1X1
You’re Invited: Summer Networking on the Patio!
Join us for a relaxed evening of great conversations, new connections, and summer vibes. Mingle with local professionals, and soak up the sunshine on the patio. Don’t miss this chance to grow your network in a laid-back, welcoming setting! The pub will be open to those wanting beverages and food! RSVP to info@nbotac.com

CANCELLED -Watch for something amazing on June 10th.
2025-09-17 | Ontario
We are disheartened to have to cancel this year’s Golf Tournament – but we have something amazing planned for June 10th next year! Stay tuned.
If you should have any questions please contact
Kelly at kelly@bocchinfusofh.com

2025 Annual General Meeting
2025-09-23 17:30 - 19:00 | Canadian Corps, 7 Clairmont St, Thorold, L2V 1R2
The Annual General Meeting is open to the designated representative of your organization which is a member in good standing of the Niagara Board of Trade & Commerce (NBOTAC).
Your attendance in person is requested. If you or your designated representative cannot attend in person, please send a proxy form. We also look forward to catching you upon the past year’s work completed by the NBOTAC and discussing our future goals.
We have open board positions this year. If you would like to put your name forward for consideration, please complete the nomination form below and send it to secretary@nbotac.com.
All pertinent information for the Annual General & Special Meeting is below.
Agenda – available soon
Draft Minutes of Last Year’s Meeting – available soon
Financial Reports – Balance Sheet | Profit & Loss – available soon
Director Nomination Form
Proxy Form
IMPORTANT – VOTE BY PROXY
If you cannot attend the it is IMPERATIVE that you provide a proxy. The proxy form should be completed and emailed to secretary@nbotac.com . Alternatively, you may send a designated representative in your place to vote on your behalf, but you must either send a letter to secretary@nbotac.com or have the representative submit it at the AGM & special meeting. This letter should be clearly written, authorizing the representative (please identify them with their first and last name) to vote on behalf of your organization. It should be dated and signed by you as the owner/registered representative of the organization and have your name printed as well. The link to the proxy form is above.

October Lunch, Learn & Networking
2025-10-08 12:00 - 13:30 | Ontario
Join us for our October Lunch, Learn & Networking!
Member Ticket $5 Non-member ticket $10
Buy your own lunch if you so choose…
This will be an informative event.

RSVP to info@nbotac.com

Business After 5
2025-10-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Four Points by Sheraton, 3530 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, Ontario, L2V 4Y6, Canada
Join KAATSU Canada as they host our monthly Business After 5 networking event!

Location: TBA.

November Lunch, Learn & Networking
2025-11-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Thorold Community Activities Group, 131 Richmond St., Thorold, Ontario, L2V 3H3, Canada
NBOTAC Members – Join Us for Our November Lunch, Learn & Networking!
Connect, learn, and grow at our next Lunch, Learn & Networking event hosted by YMCA Employment & Newcomer Services. Gain valuable insights into the Employment Ontario Program, including placement funding, apprenticeship opportunities, and training supports, while networking with fellow members and local professionals.
📅 Date: Wednesday, November 12th
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Thorold Community Activities Group-131 Richmond St. Thorold
Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn and connect—reserve your spot today!

RSVP Member

RSVP Non Member

NBOTAC Christmas Party
2025-11-28 19:00 - 22:00 | Beechwood Golf & Country Club, 4680 Thorold Town Line, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2H 0W2, Canada
🎄 Join Us for the Holiday Party of the Year! 🎉
Calling all Niagara businesses:
Looking for a fun, easy way to celebrate and reward your team for its contributions to your success this year? Host your office Christmas party with us and join in the festivities!
NBOTAC and Clients & Cocktails Networking are teaming up to bring you a festive End-of-Year Celebration you won’t want to miss!
📅 Date: Friday, November 28th
🕖 Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM | Entertainment begins at 7:00 PM
🎶 Entertainment: The Audio Saints (live band!)
📍 Location: Beechwood Golf Course
4680 Thorold Townline Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 2Y6
🥂 Tickets:

Individual: $45
Table of 8: $320
Table of 10: $400 (Only 4 tables of 10 available!)

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres at 7:30 PM, munchies at your table, and a night full of great music, dancing, and networking.
🎁 Bring a door prize!
❤️ Help us give back: We’ll be collecting non-perishable food items for local Niagara charities—because the need is great this season.

💡 Sponsorship opportunities available!
Bronze Sponsor $100
Silver Sponsor $250
Gold Sponsor $500
Platinum Sponsor $1000
All sponsors will be added to the image above, featured on the C&C & NBOTAC social media channels as well is in our respective newsletters, logos displayed on the tables the night of the party. The Platinum Sponsor will be given 2 minutes to introduce their business to the guests… Contact debi@nbotac.com for more information. Email debi@nbotac.com for details.

🎟️ Buy your tickets online:

$45 individual ticket

Table of 8 $320

Table of 10 (only 4)

Holiday Social & Networking
2025-12-10 12:00 - 13:30 | Doc MacGilligan’s Restaurant & Pub, 6400 Lundy's Lane,, Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 1T6, Canada
🎄 Holiday Networking Social – December 10th at Noon! 🎄
Ready for a little holiday cheer mixed with good conversation?Join us Wednesday, December 10th at 12pm at Doc MacGilligan’s Restaurant & Pub for a relaxed networking social.
No speeches, no agenda — just great people, great chats, and a chance to unwind before the year wraps up. Buy your own lunch and beverage, settle in, and enjoy meeting local business folks in a casual, festive setting.
RSVP
✨ We’ll also have a great door prize!If you’d like to promote your business, feel free to bring a door prize too — it’s a fun way to get your name in front of the group.
Everyone’s welcome — members and non-members!Bring a colleague, a friend, or just yourself.
Let’s raise a glass to connections, community, and a strong finish to 2025.See you there! 🍻✨
#NetworkingNiagara #HolidaySocial #NiagaraBusiness #ConnectAndCollaborate #SupportLocal #MeetNewPeople

Responsible AI & Avoiding Bias Webinar
2025-12-17 14:30 - 15:30 | Ontario
Responsible and ethical AI adoption is essential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly as digital tools increasingly shape hiring, decision-making, and day-to-day operations.
In collaboration with the Diversity Institute, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Niagara Board of Trade & Commerce, we invite you to join the Responsible AI and Avoiding Bias webinar, where we’ll explore how SMEs can integrate AI in ways that reduce bias, advance equity, and strengthen organizational performance.
Drawing on the Diversity Institute’s expertise in research, training, and inclusive innovation, this session will highlight practical strategies and resources to support fair, transparent, and trustworthy AI adoption and use.
Key areas of discussion will include:
▶ Risks of bias, misinformation, and inequitable outcomes in AI systems
▶ Responsible and ethical AI adoption
▶ Tools and supports that help SMEs implement safer and more transparent AI practices
▶ Tips to make informed decisions about AI integration, workforce upskilling and organizational readiness
REGISTER HERE

Lunch & Learn: Workplace Mental Health
2026-01-14 11:45 - 13:00 | The Falls Manor, 7104 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls, Canada
Lunch & Learn: Workplace Mental HealthWednesday, January 14 | 11:45 AM – 1:00 PMFalls Manor, 7104 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls
Workplace mental health isn’t just an HR topic, it’s a business issue. How people communicate, handle stress, and respond under pressure directly impacts productivity, retention, leadership, and culture.
Join the Niagara Board of Trade & Commerce (NBOTAC) for a practical, eye-opening Lunch & Learn with Julie Christiansen of Leverage U.
Julie is an anger and communication expert, author, podcast host, keynote speaker, and executive coach. Her sessions are known for being honest, relatable, and immediately useful, not theoretical or fluffy.
What you’ll walk away with:

A clearer understanding of how stress and unmanaged emotions show up at work
Practical communication strategies leaders and teams can use right away
Insight into reducing conflict before it escalates
Tools to support healthier, more productive workplace conversations

Event Details

Buy your own lunch
$5 cash at the door (members) $8 for non-members
Bring a non-member guest and the fee is waived for both of you

Open to members and non-members. This is a great opportunity to invest an hour in yourself, your team, and your business while connecting with other professionals in the Niagara region.
👉 Please RSVP using the form below. We look forward to seeing you there.

Business After 5: Cobblestone Gardens Retirement Residence
2026-01-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Cobblestone Gardens Retirement Residence, 10 Ormond St. N.,, Thorold, ON
Join us for our January Business After 5 at Cobblestone Gardens Retirement Residence, located at 10 Ormond St. N., Thorold, on Wednesday, January 28th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
This relaxed after-hours gathering is all about casual networking, new connections, and meaningful conversations. Whether you are reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting fellow business owners for the first time, this is a comfortable setting to build real relationships without the pressure of formal networking.
While you’re there, take time to learn more about Cobblestone Gardens, where caring and friendly staff are dedicated to providing residents and their families with a high standard of care while creating lasting memories. Their commitment to personalized service and community is what truly sets them apart and makes Cobblestone Gardens shine with pride.
Cobblestone Gardens is committed to your lifestyle, offering the peace and comfort of a seniors living community that feels like home, supported by thoughtful services and a welcoming environment from the moment you walk through the doors.
Proudly serving Thorold, Ontario, this retirement residence reflects the spirit of a town known for its big heart. Many staff and residents call Thorold home, adding to the warmth and sense of community that defines Cobblestone Gardens.
Bring your business cards, your curiosity, and your conversation skills. We look forward to seeing you there.
Please RSVP below:
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Blood Donor Day – Give Blood. Give Back.
2026-02-05 15:00 - 18:00 | Canadian Blood Services, 420 Vansickle Rd.,, St. Catharines, ON
🩸 Blood Donor Day – Give Blood. Give Back.
Thursday, February 5 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM📍 Canadian Blood Services420 Vansickle Rd., St. Catharines
The Niagara Board of Trade & Commerce is proud to be a Blood Donor Partner for Life and we’re inviting our members, colleagues, and community to roll up their sleeves for a cause that truly matters.
Whether you’re a regular donor or it’s your first time, your donation helps save lives right here in our region.
Partner for Life Code
When you donate blood or plasma, please use our Partner for Life code:#NIAG0092260
Winter Donor Incentive ✈️
Book and attend a blood or plasma donation appointment — or join the Canadian Blood Services’ Stem Cell Registry — between January 1 and March 31, 2026, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win round-trip tickets for two, courtesy of the Air Canada Foundation, to any Air Canada scheduled destination.*
It’s a simple way to feel lighter, brighter, and better this winter — while making a real difference.
🔎 Full details available at blood.ca
👉 REGISTER HERE
Give an hour. Save a life. Support Niagara.

The Headache Neck-Shoulder Pain Connection Lunch & Learn
2026-02-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Sideline Social Craft Kitchen & Bar, 89 Meadowvale Drvie, St. Catharines, Canada
Why treating one without the others fails!
RSVP HERE!

In this Lunch & Learn, Dr. David Harper presents the Maverick Approach – a practical, evidence-informed framework that links posture, nervous system function, muscle imbalance and daily work demands to chronic pain patterns. From boardroom stress to the surge in pickleball injuries, this talk reveals how modern lifestyles quietly load the neck and shoulders — and what leaders can do to protect performance, resilience and longevity.
RSVP HERE!
Bring a non-member guest and you both attend free!
Arrive at 11:45 to network longer.
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Business After 5 Life's Empowerment Solutions
2026-02-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Life’s Empowerment Solutions, 3 Cross St., Unit 302, Welland, ON, Canada
Meet and Learn about one of our newest members
RSVP

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Grant Writing Lunch & Learn
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Sideline Social Craft Kitchen & Bar, 89 Meadowvale Drvie, St. Catharines, Canada
Emma Lowman is the Regional Development Advisor (Community) for Niagara
and is part of a team administering Government of Ontario grants for 5+
Ministries. Emma provides grant-writing expertise and organizational
support more widely in Niagara and has a keen interest in developing
capacity to attract support for building strong, resilient communities.
Emma’s expertise will help you with quote writing, and much more…
At the 11 March 2026 NBTC Lunch & Learn, Emma will share her enthusiasm
for community-connected work and draw on over a decade of experience to
share top tips for writing strong grant applications.
RSVP

Business After 5 - Cornhole Fun
2026-03-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Regency Athletic Resort, 8068 Mountain Rd, Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 6S4
After a long day of work, sometimes the best networking happens when there’s a little fun involved.
Join us for our March Business After 5 – Cornhole Social hosted at Regency Athletic Resort in Niagara Falls. This month we’re adding a bit of friendly competition to the mix while you connect with fellow local business professionals.
📍 Regency Athletic Resort8068 Mountain Rd., Niagara Falls🗓 Wednesday, March 25🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Bring your colleagues, meet new connections, and enjoy a relaxed evening of networking and cornhole. Whether you’re competitive or just there for the laughs, it’s a great way to build relationships in the Niagara business community.
And no need to worry about the weather — the patio courts are covered, heated, and insulated, so you’ll stay warm even if March decides to remind us it’s still winter.
The restaurant will be open for food and drinks, so you can grab a bite while you mingle and play.
✔️ Free to attend✔️ Guests welcome✔️ Door prizes appreciated
Come out, have some fun, and make a few new connections.
👉 Please RSVP to let us know you’re coming.
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April Business After 5 - TBD
2026-04-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Ontario
Mark the date: Details forthcoming

New Member Breakfast 2026
2026-05-13 08:00 - 09:30 | The Falls Manor, 7104 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls, Canada
Niagara Board of Trade & Commerce Presents the
2026 NEW MEMBER WELCOME BREAKFAST
New Members ATTEND FREE – Watch for your Invite!
Date: Wednesday May 13th
Time: 8:00 am – 9:30 am
Where: Falls Manor, 7104 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls
Guests: $25+HST
RSVP by May 11th
We’re excited to welcome our newest members! Join us for a delicious breakfast, networking for connecting with fellow members in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
New members receive complimentary ticket, guests and members/non-members are $25+HST.
Includes: Breakfast and entry for a special draw and door prizes
Bring Business Cards!

May Social & Business After 5
2026-05-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Donnelly’s Irish Pub, 54 Front St S,, Thorold, ON, L2V 1X1
Join us for an evening of networking for our
May Business After 5 SOCIAL.
DONNELLY’S PUB
54 Front St., Thorold
5 – 7 pm
Bring a door prize and be ready to meet new people!
Please RSVP below.

Lunch & Learn with Wayne Gates - Amalgamation
2026-06-10 12:00 - 13:30 | Club Belvedere, 57 John St., Thorold, Ontario, L2V 5C8, Canada
Lunch & Learn on June 8th
A must attend for a regional update, amalgamation updates and meet & greet with
Wayne Gates, MPP Niagara Falls
June 10th, 2026
12pm – 1:30
Club Belvedere
57 John Street, Thorold
REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE!
EARLY BIRD RATE: $35/PP +hst until June 1st. INCLUDES LUNCH
Member’s and guests after June 1st $40/pp + HST. INCLUDES LUNCH
