Join the Toronto Board of Trade for the launching session of our new Top of Toronto Series - networking, and learning specifically designated to connect Toronto Board of Trade members in Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough. Besides exceptional opportunities to meet prospects and peers, these events feature speakers and topics that can help you grow your business and your career.

Part of the Accenture C-Suite Series

Today's global economy is driving new consumer purchasing and loyalty patterns. High performing companies are making bold adjustments to their customer experience promise to achieve competitive advantage.

This interactive panel will explore:

- New local and global research on what customers expect and what they do when those expectations are not met

- 5 ways your company can apply best practices to compete effectively

- How 3 top organizations are closing the customer experience gap

Keynote presenter:

Robert Wollan, Managing Director Customer Relationship Management, Accenture

Expert panelists:

Chris Stamper, VP, Retail Sales and Customer Experience, TD Canada Trust

Bob Stark, Deputy Minister and Chief Executive Officer, ServiceOntario

Bernard Szederkenyi, VP, Customer Management and Product Marketing,Koodo Mobile

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Taking The Next Step With Confidence - Essential Tools For SMBs

In today's challenging economy, small and medium-sized businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain the credit or financing they need to start up, expand or simply survive until times are better.

This informative breakfast seminar will give you:

- Valuable strategies to mine and leverage available sources

- Vital information on loans, equity financing, government programs, leasing options, factoring and mezzanine debt

- The tools you need to determine which options work best for your business

Join author Gary A. Fitchett, CA, for the launch of The Financing Toolkit for Small & Medium Businesses, the newest publication from the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. Peter Lawler, Sr. VP, Ontario Operations, Business Development Bank of Canada, will provide additional practical advice and be on hand to answer your questions.

Ontario's Comprehensive Tax Reform Package

- A presentation by Steve Orsini, Assistant Deputy Minister, Office of the Budget and Taxation, Ontario Ministry of Finance.

Federal and Provincial Cross-Border Issues

- Federal and provincial government representatives from the Canada Revenue Agency, BC Ministry of Finance and Ontario Ministry of Revenue will participate in a panel to discuss cross-border examples.

Information handouts will be provided to attendees.

Learn about opportunities that await you in the business services, life sciences, ICT and renewable energy sectors, unique to the states of Pennsylvania and Arizona.

Overview of US Business Opportunities

Scott Bozek, Principal Commercial Officer, US Dept of Commerce in Toronto

Pennsylvania

Business opportunities: Business Services & Life Sciences sector's Ed Piscopo, Director, Business Development

Greater Philadelphia

Opportunities: Renewable Energy & ICT sector's

Dewitt Peart, Executive VP, Ec. Development and Pres. Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

Doing Business in Pennsylvania

Jason Rose, Dept. of Community and Ec. Development, Pennsylvania

Arizona

Life Sciences Sector Business Opportunities

Jeff Morhet, Chair & CEO InNexus Biotechnology

ICT Sector Business Opportunities - TBC

Doing Business in Arizona

Mr. Frederick Bernard, Arizona Dept. of Commerce

Please join the Toronto Board of Trade for the first installment of the Great Thinker Series dedicated to young professionals. This series is filled with great ideas, inspiring stories and thought-provoking discussions.

• Registration: 10:00 a.m
• Shot Gun Start: 11:00 a.m.
• Networking Reception: 5:00 p.m.
• Dinner: 6:00 p.m.

Enjoy 18 holes of golf (including cart), on course lunch, registration prize with 2 complimentary drink tickets for each player, raffle prizes, networking opportunities and an exciting awards banquet with dinner...

On-Course Challenges include:

• Men and Ladies, Longest Drive
• Men and Ladies, Closest to the Pin

Additional details to follow.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

John R. Nay, U.S. Consul General

EXPERT PANEL

Advisors from KPMG, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise and Gowlings

REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES PANEL

Insights from Canadian business leaders that have expanded their businesses to the U.S.

- Discover why U.S. expansion is a winning proposition for many Canadian companies

- Learn first-hand how Canadian companies have successfully expanded

- The critical steps and how to navigate them

- Gain insight on topics such as site selection, HR, accounting, taxation, insurance, legal issues, financial services, real estate and corporate incentives

- Have your questions addressed about U.S. expansion in today's business climate

Join the Toronto Board of Trade for a networking breakfast, where relationship building and marketing insights are on the menu. Attendees will have the chance to visit various tables during this session and introduce themselves to other business professionals.