HON. FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNE HEADLINE ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

(Toronto, May 10, 2018) –The Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario (ICCO) has just announced that the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade will be in attendance at the 16th annual Business Excellence Awards (BEA).

“We are all thrilled to renew the partnership with the Minister after our succesfull trip to Italy last year. Minister Champagne knows Italy and Canada very well and he is a key player in today’s relationships between the two countries.” said Corrado Paina, Executive Director of ICCO.

A businessman, lawyer, and international trade specialist, François- Philippe Champagne has over 20 years’ experience working for major companies worldwide. He has had a highly successful international career, and was named a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum in 2009. Before he was appointed Minister of International Trade on 10 January, 2017, he served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance beginning in December, 2015. Since becoming Minister of International Trade, François-Philippe Champagne has been spearheading Canada’s progressive trade strategy and has been a strong advocate for more inclusive, rules based trade that connects more Canadians to its benefits.

“As Minister of International Trade, I understand the importance of the Italian diaspora in Canada in strengthening the economic ties between Canada and Italy and creating growth in both countries. I want to commend the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario (ICCO) for their incredible work on this front and look forward to working together to create more opportunities for Canadian families through CETA.
Thank you for your leadership!” said the Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade.

The official 2018 ICCO-AIR CANADA BEA gala award ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at the elegant Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex in downtown Toronto. The gala will include a cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner, a spectacular awards ceremony and live entertainment. Seats are limited – those wishing to attend should reserve in advance via email at events@italchambers.ca or 416-789-7169 x210

Media Contact:

MARY CHIRICO | ICCO BEA 2018 Event Producer
416 831 8025 | events@italchambers.ca | @italchambers | #ICCOBEA