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The Brampton Guardian
Carman McClelland takes reins of the Brampton Board of Trade
The Brampton Guardian
Friday July 11 2008
By Peter Criscione, Staff Writer
 
BRAMPTON - Brampton’s leading business organization has a new president.
After serving the organization in a number of roles over the years, Carman McClelland has been elected to a one-year term as Brampton Board of Trade chief.  
“The Brampton Board of Trade is a highly respected organization with a long established history of leadership that I am extremely proud to be serving as its president,” said McClelland. “We have ambitious plans, and a dedicated and enthusiastic group of volunteers and staff that are committed to strengthening our association, its programs and services, advocacy and strategic initiatives with other community organizations.”  
McClelland officially took over from Linda Ford (Access Career Solutions Inc. and Temporary Measures Inc.), now the immediate past president, on July 1 and will serve until June 30, 2009.
He brings a wealth of business knowledge and experience as well as extensive community leadership to this important role representing local business.  
McClelland has been a very active member of the board of trade since joining its policy and government relations committee in 2000, and was elected to serve on the organization’s governing council in 2004.
On the board of trade’s executive committee he has served two previous years as vice president of policy.  
In addition to contributing to the board of trade, McClelland also actively volunteers in local charities and minor sports.
He serves as vice president on the board of directors of the Peel Law Association, has been a member of the Brampton Youth Hockey Association board of directors and Rogers Cable 10 community advisory board, and is active in leadership roles at North Bramalea United Church.  
“Carman has always been recognized as a prominent leader in the Brampton community, having served in public office, in various volunteer capacities, and through The Brampton Board of Trade,” said Sheldon Leiba, BBOT CEO. “He has a strong passion for our city and an exceptional understanding of the issues and challenges facing Brampton and our business community. His experience, enthusiasm and outgoing personality will be of great benefit to The Brampton Board of Trade in raising our organization’s profile, engagement in issues and strengthening our policy advocacy and service to members.”   
McClelland is a graduate of York University and the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law.
He was elected as Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Brampton North, serving from 1987 to 1995.
Since 1995, McClelland has been practicing law in Brampton.  
He ran as a Conservative Party candidate in the recent provincial election.
Customer service is a key priority for any business and McClelland said he believes it is also integral to the ongoing success of the BBOT.  
“As a membership-based organization, The Brampton Board of Trade must continue to be responsive to the needs of its members, to strive to continually identify and inform the interests of business, and to advocate effectively to help businesses prosper,” McClelland said.  
“The strength of our organization and our voice for business comes from the support of an increasing number of businesses. The fact that our organization has been in existence for more than 120 years and that it continues to grow is a testament to our leadership in the community and the benefits that membership in The Brampton Board of Trade offers.”