Empowering Local Businesses: Schulich ExecEd and the Aurora Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Graduation of Certificate in Business Acumen Participants

On January 18, 2024, Schulich ExecEd and the Aurora Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the graduation of 75 program participants from their joint Certificate in Business Acumen program. This initiative, which was spread across three cohorts in 2023, provided middle managers with essential skills to navigate the complex landscape of business and enhance their professional capabilities.

 
The Certificate in Business Acumen

The Certificate in Business Acumen covered various topics, including strategic planning, financial fluency, sales and marketing strategies, data analytics, and productivity management.

The program attracted leaders from small to large businesses in Aurora and its surrounding regions. Through ten half-day sessions over five modules, participants delved into practical aspects of planning and executing strategies, understanding financial statements, effective marketing, achieving operational excellence, and harnessing the power of data to make informed decisions.

“We continue to hear from our businesses that labour shortages impact their operations. By providing training to their supervisors and middle managers, this program will position their employees to take on more responsibilities and support company growth and development,” said Sandra Ferri, President and CEO of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

Hugh Caines, President of CleanRiver Recycling Solutions, a local Aurora business, praised the program: “The Chamber has once again proven that they understand the needs of local businesses who are interested in providing their staff with learning and training opportunities that will support their trajectory on the corporate ladder and provide the management skills needed to grow their businesses.”

The program, funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario through Employment Ontario, sought to upskill and reskill participants, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient local workforce.

 
The Graduation

Graduates of the program were equipped with practical and innovative skills to lead their businesses confidently into a more resilient and sustainable future.

The graduation ceremony, held at the Royal Venetian Mansion in Aurora, Ontario, featured participants receiving framed certificates, celebrated by prominent leaders from their respective organizations: AIIM, Almac, Axiom, BUNN, CleanRiver, Commport, Econolite, Gum Products International, Hyundai of Aurora, Jana, Megalabs, New Roads, Sinclair, Technologies, Summers & Smith, Thermogenics, Tilemaster/Holten Impex, and Treasure Mills. The event also welcomed key government figures, including Michael Parsa, MPP, Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill; Dawn Murphy, MPP, Newmarket-Aurora; and Tom Mrakas, Mayor of Aurora.

The graduation ceremony went beyond a mere acknowledgment of achievements. Participants were treated to a series of insightful keynotes delivered by renowned Schulich ExecEd faculty, which provided inspiration and motivation as they step forward into their roles with an expanded toolkit of skills and knowledge.

 
What’s Next?

The triumphant leaders graduating from the Certificate in Business Acumen are now poised to bring positive impacts to their companies and contribute to the thriving economy in Aurora and its surrounding regions.

“I am immensely proud of our partnership with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce for the Certificate in Business Acumen program. This program was a collaborative effort to empower diverse leaders from businesses across Aurora,” shares Rami Mayer, Executive Director of Schulich ExecEd. “The skills participants receive are not merely theoretical but are geared towards instilling confidence in leaders to navigate the complexities of real-world businesses. Our shared vision is to empower these individuals to lead their businesses with assurance, propelling them towards a more resilient and sustainable future. This program is a testament to the transformative impact that strategic partnerships can have in shaping the trajectory of local businesses and fostering a culture of continuous growth and excellence.”