By Kaitlyn Clark
The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE—The Hagersville Chamber of Commerce hosted the Small Business Breakfast during Small Business Week on Thursday, October 20, 2022.
Dozens of representatives from local businesses joined together to socialize prior to a breakfast catered by Shelley’s Family Dining. Chamber President Rob Phillips thanked those involved, including those attending, Haldimand’s Economic Development team, sponsors, and HSS Crime Stoppers volunteers.
Councillor Tony Dalimonte spoke on behalf of Haldimand Council to thank local businesses for their work: “Small business has been and will continue to be our largest employer in Haldimand County…. We’re here to support you and your future endeavours.”
Jaymie Nelson, with Haldimand’s Economic Development & Tourism division, gave a statement on behalf of Lidy Romanuk, manager of the division, as she was unable to attend. Romanuk said Haldimand has “a dedicated small business community” and added, “Thank you for all that you do to make Haldimand County a great place to live.” Romanuk thanked the various business association groups for their efforts in promoting local business and provided an update on the many initiatives of their division to support businesses.
Becky Kellar
Valerie Phillips then introduced the keynote speaker, Olympian Becky Kellar. She provided an overview of Keller’s many medals and achievements, speaking of the confidence she showed even as a child in local sports, and adding, “This young lady in front of you is exceptional in every way.”
Finally, Kellar stepped up to speak on her career in hockey. Kellar was a member of the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team from 1997-2010 and has attended four Olympic Games, winning three golds (2002, 2006, 2010) and a silver (1998), along with winning four World Championships. She is now married with two sons and works as a keynote speaker, along with running hockey development.
“It is nice to be back,” said Kellar. Her stories included her first visit to a big-time game with stars such as Wayne Gretzy on the ice facing the Soviet Union: “I’ll never forget that moment because I remember looking down at the ice thinking that is what I wanted.”
Kellar wouldn’t say that wish out loud yet though, admitting she “didn’t have the courage” having never seen a professional women’s team. When the first Canadian women’s team got onto the ice in pink jerseys, Kellar laughed at the adbsurdity of the colour choice, but when asked if she’d wear the jersey she finally admitted “in a heartbeat I would wear it.”
As her skills developed, Kellar’s parents always asked her to give 100%, a lesson she took to heart throughout her career. She spoke of how you may want to win, but you can always be proud of your efforts so long as you gave that 100%.
Kellar also spoke to the idea of working as a team member, noting how in the 2010 games their team was the one to win – on paper. Following a two-week boot camp to prepare them physically, the players were brought on a week-long team building exercise. Kellar shared how they were split into smaller teams for a bicycle race and they left behind one of the rookie players who couldn’t keep up. Meeting again at a pit stop, they learned that player’s bike was broken, and they wouldn’t be given a replacement. Taking turns riding the broken bike the group crossed the finish line as a team: “We did not win the race, but we did something together.” That rookie, Kellar shared, turned out to be Marie-Philip Poulin, now the captain of the national team.
Kellar left the audience with those core messages, to work together to the best of your ability.
