HDDC’s 29th Business Conference Was A Smashing Success

Last week, the Heavy Duty Distributor Council (HDDC) held its 29th Annual Business Conference at the Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham Conference Centre & Spa in Markham, Ontario. As always, the event was highly anticipated by industry members from across the country, but this year’s Conference certainly surpassed everyone’s expectations with its immense success.

The Conference was kicked off on Saturday June 1st with a welcome reception that allowed the more than 200 attendees to catch up with old friends and to network. First thing on Sunday, however, members got down to business at the Associates’ and Distributors’ Annual General Meetings (AGMs). Of particular significance, the Distributors voted to pass Phase 1 of HDDC’s new By-Laws by an overwhelming majority, such that the By-Laws are now in compliance with the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act and will allow Associate members to vote at future AGMs.

The Distributors also voted Kevin Hopton, CBS Parts Ltd., and Gerard Zentner, Capital Gear Ltd., on to the HDDC Board of Directors to replace Liza Fontaine, Fort Garry Industries Ltd., and Bob Loye, Malmberg Truck Trailer Equipment Ltd., who have vacated their positions as WD Directors. HDDC is very glad to welcome its new Directors to the Board, but is sad to see Liza and Bob go. The Council, and the industry as a whole, has certainly benefitted from their many years of service.

On Monday June 3rd, more than 60 members golfed at St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario, while another 30 members go-karted at Formula Kartways in Brampton, Ontario. Members then returned to Markham for a live charity auction and raised $64,000 for the SickKids Foundation, almost double the amount raised at last year’s Conference! Following the auction, Kevin Broadwood, vice-president of the HDDC Board of Directors and organizer of the charity auction, was awarded HDDC’s first Dedicated Service Award by president Ian Johnston to recognize his hard work and dedication.

“HDDC has supported the SickKids Foundation for many years now, and we’re so pleased that we will be able to hand them such a large cheque this year,” said Ian Johnston, president, HDDC. “Of course, we could not have done it without Kevin’s hard work, which is why it was such an honour to recognize him with HDDC’s first ever Dedicated Service Award.”

During the Conference, attendees were treated to presentations by Donald Cooper, a leading international management speaker and business coach, and Dr. Sherry Cooper, former chief economist of BMO Financial Group and current bestselling author. They also engaged in a number of one-on-one business meetings with other industry members and took advantage of numerous networking opportunities.

The event was then capped off with a closing reception and dinner, where the grand total of dollars raised at the charity auction was revealed and the attendees were joined by two young girls from the SickKids Foundation who shared their stories.

HDDC would like to thank everyone that made their way to Markham for the event and that participated in the AGMs. Photos of the event will be made available on HDDC’s website in the coming week.