At the recent Ontario Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting in Oshawa, The Brampton Board of Trade (BBOT) received provincial recognition for its “Save our Hospital Campaign” with an Advocacy Award from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC).
 
Concerned about the impact of the closure of Peel Memorial Hospital, and not satisfied with assurances that the hospital would remain open, The Brampton Board of Trade spearheaded a campaign in the fall of 2007 to save the Peel Memorial Hospital from a potential permanent closing. 
 
“The Brampton Board of Trade’s multi-layered advocacy strategy presented a strong credible voice on an issue that affected the entire community.” explained Len Crispino, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “I’m sure the success of their efforts in positively influencing this issue was reward enough but we’re also happy to recognize the professionalism of this project with our provincial Advocacy Award.”
 
The “Save our Hospital” campaign was a multi-tiered campaign that began with a letter to the Premier and developed into a dedicated website, petitions, advertising, media events, interviews, public speaking engagements and deputations.   Not only did the campaign heighten awareness but, it helped to achieve a much needed commitment from the Provincial Government for the redevelopment of Peel Memorial Hospital.
 
The OCC Advocacy Award is presented annually to recognize an “outstanding policy initiative” of a local Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce in Ontario.
 
Brampton Board of Trade President Linda Ford, V.P. Carman McClelland, and CEO Sheldon Leiba were on hand to receive the award.

Released by the Brampton Board of Trade on May 16, 2008 at 9:08