THE 18TH ANNUAL BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS IS THE PREMIER CAMSC EVENT OF THE YEAR. IT IS DESIGNED TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR SUPPLIERS AND CORPORATE MEMBERS OVER THE PAST YEAR AS WELL AS PROVIDE A GREAT NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Our Nominees

_____________________________________________________________________

Guest Speaker

Tareq Hadhad (Peace by Chocolate)

Tareq Hadhad is telling his story. He was a Syrian refugee and now living his new life with his entrepreneurial family in Canada’s east coast. He is the founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate, the recipient of the EY Entrepreneur of The Year 2021 for Atlantic, named one of the Top 25 Immigrants in The Maritimes, selected by Google as the National Hero Case, and was awarded RBC’s top Immigrant Award and Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020 and Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal. All of this has happened since Tareq’s arrival on Canada’s East Coast in December 2015 as a Syrian-Canadian newcomer.

In 2012 the Hadhad’s home and factory that housed the family chocolate-making business were destroyed which forced them to seek safety in other countries. A former medical student at Damascus University and long-time peacekeeping advocate, Tareq joined medical relief efforts after arriving in Lebanon. A new life began when Tareq and his family were welcomed to Canada on a community-based sponsorship.

Passionate about peace and entrepreneurship, his family relaunched the family business to recreate the chocolates they once exported across the Middle East and their story turned into and international inspiring phenomenon.

Tareq and his family have a focus on job creation, utilizing a network of local community members and refugees from across Nova Scotia and Canada to help support the local economy. Now that their chocolates are distributed across Canada, they look to offer more employment opportunities as their business grows.

In January 2020, Tareq received his official Canadian Citizenship which garnered international attention and has become one of the greatest accomplishments of his life. He has had the privilege to meet former President of the United States, Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Ministers, and has had conversations with many World Leaders. Author, Jon Tattrie wrote a book about the Hadhad’s story which has become a best seller. A feature film, Peace by Chocolate, also based on the family’s story premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and launched in Cineplex theaters across Canada in the spring of 2022. The film won several film festivals awards and accolades.

Tareq has spoken at the Summit of The Americas, Amnesty International’s Human Rights Conference, TEDx events, and Chambers of Commerce Dinners. He delivered keynote presentations in Jamaica, London England, Paris, and Copenhagen, spoke to several corporate and government organizations both in person and virtually, and has done over 500 interviews with different news teams across the globe. Tareq speaks on the compelling story of his family, the positive impact of newcomers, and the spirit of resiliency, entrepreneurship and giving back.

________________________________________________________________________

BOOK YOUR HOTEL HERE:

1. Intercontinental Toronto Centre

2. Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

_____________________________________

Sponsors

_____________________________________

Our MC - Keith Pedro

As one of the new stars of Roast Battles Canada on CTV, Keith Pedro is emerging as a breakout comedian in Canada and North America. He just finished taping in LA for his Comedy Special for Amazon. His JUNO Nominated Comedy Album “Trillipino” is being featured on Kevin Hart’s new Laugh Out Loud network as we speak! Keith has been touring all across the globe spreading his hilarious wit to many different audiences.

From Montreal’s Just For Laughs comedy festival all the way to performing in Blaisdale theatre in Honolulu.

Keith is known for his off the top improvisational and crowd work skills displaying his in your facepersona and his fast talking, smart-ass swagger. Catch Pedro at one of his shows and you’ll definitely get a new ab workout.

Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier CouncilOrganizer of 18th Annual Business Achievement Awards