Latest news with #WCF
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Western Communities Foundation Annual Report Highlights Record-Breaking Year of Community Impact
HIGH RIVER, Alberta, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Western Communities Foundation (WCF), the charitable arm of Western Financial Group, has released its 2024 Annual Giving Report, showcasing a landmark year of giving, volunteerism, and community resilience across Canada. In 2024, WCF donated $699,244 to over 160 organizations, supported 37 community infrastructure projects and three Indigenous grants, and raised $311,883 through employee-led fundraising efforts. These milestones reflect Western's enduring commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces where Canadians and our wider communities can thrive. 'In tough times, one message was clear: when care drives our actions and purpose leads the way, there is no limit to the positive changes we can make,' said Grant Ostir, Western Financial Group CEO and WCF President. Highlights from the report include: WCF extends its deepest thanks to all 2024 sponsors and donors, including: Wawanesa , Optiom Inc., SGI Canada, Intact Insurance, Definity, Greenshield, Peace Hills Insurance, BMS, Portage Mutual Insurance, Applied Systems, Aviva Canada, Northbridge Insurance, Red Planet Software, among many others. 'As we look ahead, we carry forward the momentum of the past year, guided by our unwavering commitment as Canada's insurance broker to helping our customers and communities manage risks and ensure the protection of what is important to them,' said Nancy Green-Bolton, Western Financial Group's COO and WCF Board Chair. To learn more about the WCF, visit ; to read the full report, visit: Western Financial Group Communities Foundation Founded in 2001, the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation serves to give back to the communities where Western employees live and work and play, and foster employee pride and engagement. The Foundation's core donation programs include community Infrastructure Grants, the Western Inspirational Awards for graduating high school students, and the Matching Grants Program. Since its inception, the Western Communities Foundation has granted more than $9 million to support local communities. Visit for more information. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cumbrian marketeer recognised for work supporting over-50s
A Cumbrian marketing professional has been praised for her work at a national awards ceremony. Tracey Cannon, head of group marketing at Brampton-based WCF, was highly commended in the Exceptional Achievement Award category at the 2025 Silver Marketing Awards. The national awards celebrate excellence in marketing to the over-50s, with the ceremony taking place at the Cavendish Centre in London. Ms Cannon, who lives near Appleby and has more than 30 years of marketing experience, said: "Being highly commended in this award is an absolute honour, and being nominated by my colleagues and judged by my peers makes it even more special. "My goal has always been to understand the markets in which we operate and to work together as a team to reach our customers in the best way possible." She was nominated by colleagues at WCF, who praised her "consistent championing of a customer-first approach and her strategic vision, empathy and innovation." The judges, a panel of industry experts, selected her for the award. Ms Cannon said the variety of work at WCF keeps her motivated. She said: "In more than 20 years at WCF, I can honestly say that no day is ever the same. "We have such a broad portfolio of businesses and we're always diversifying and progressing to move the business forward. "Being an employee-owned business with great staff means it's the closest thing to running your own business with your friends." WCF employs more than 370 people across 30 locations nationwide and operates in retail, logistics, and leisure. Its brands include national mail-order companies, camping and glamping sites, oil distribution, pet and equestrian stores, and e-commerce businesses. Ms Cannon began her marketing career at Lilliput Lane in Penrith before joining WCF in 2002 as marketing manager for Country Collection and James Meade. She became group head of marketing in 2021 and joined the executive team in 2023. WCF's home shopping brands, including Country Collection, James Meade, The Classic Boutique, and Bella di Notte, target customers aged 60 and over. Ms Cannon oversees marketing campaigns for these brands, covering direct mail, print, e-commerce, and social media. Andrew Mochrie, chief operating officer at WCF, said: "Tracey's knowledge of the industry, combined with her passion and outright capacity and love for hard work, has supported WCF's mission to provide the best possible service to the silver generation. "For over 20 years, her curiosity has supported the journey from analogue to digital and into the age of AI and mass customisation in the marketing space. "The whole team is delighted that her achievements have been recognised in this way."
Daily Tribune
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Chamber joins ICC WCF Council
The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry has secured its membership in the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) General Council for the term from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. The Chamber's Chief Executive Officer, Atef Al Khaja, was elected to the WCF Executive Committee following a vote by chambers representing over 120 countries. This milestone reflects the Kingdom's growing influence in international trade diplomacy, in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. It affirms Bahrain's commitment to contributing to global trade policy and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as key pillars of sustainable economic development. Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, Sameer Nass expressed his deep pride in the Chamber's achievement, emphasizing that this international recognition is a testament to the Chamber's institutional strength, global engagement, and strategic vision. He commended Al Khaja and the Chamber team for their consistent efforts in positioning Bahrain as a proactive player in the global trade arena. He stressed that Bahrain's presence in the WCF General Council offers a powerful platform to represent the interests of the national private sector, shape global trade dynamics, and open new opportunities for Bahraini entrepreneurs, especially SMEs. He added that this role aligns with the Chamber's broader mission to foster integration with international markets and adopt global best practices that support Bahrain's position as a regional hub for trade and innovation. Chairman of ICC Bahrain's National Committee, Rashid Abdulrahman, praised the accomplishment, highlighting the close cooperation between the Chamber and the committee. He noted that Bahrain's role within the WCF would support its efforts to shape global economic policies and foster private sector competitiveness. Bahrain Chamber CEO, Al Khaja described the membership as both an honor and a strategic responsibility, pledging to focus on initiatives that support entrepreneurship, empower SMEs, and expand Bahrain's international partnerships.
Al Etihad
24-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Dubai Chambers' President and CEO elected as member of Executive Board of (ICC)
24 June 2025 12:49 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has elected Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, as a member of its Executive Board, reinforcing Dubai's leadership in advancing global trade, driving business growth, and fostering international partnerships. The ICC is the world's largest business organisation, representing a network of 45 million companies ranging from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to multinational corporations (MNCs) that collectively employ over one billion people in more than 170 in Paris in 1919, the ICC serves as the voice of the global business community. The value of merchandise trade conducted through its membership network exceeds $ 17.5 trillion annually, with the organisation maintaining a presence in over 100 countries through its various national appointment of Dubai Chambers' President and CEO to the ICC Executive Board reflects Dubai's prominent role in driving global cooperation, as well as building constructive partnerships that advance global trade and strengthen collaboration between business communities worldwide. This consolidates Dubai's status as a hub for shaping the future of global trade, facilitating business activity, and influencing international economic appointment reaffirms the global community's confidence in Dubai's unique economic model, which combines an ambitious vision with flexible legislation, strong public-private sector collaboration, and robust support for business growth. It also reflects the emirate's deep international ties and global position among the world's leading centres for economic ICC plays a vital role in promoting global trade growth and shaping international economic policy in collaboration with local and global institutions. The organisation is instrumental in establishing the rules governing international commercial transactions and the global Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented: 'Dubai is continuing to advance its efforts to strengthen international economic cooperation and enhance cross-border trade flows, with a strong focus on developing a dynamic global ecosystem that fosters private sector growth and promotes a more competitive business environment. Dubai Chambers will continue to play an active role in shaping global dialogue on the future of trade, market integration, and business innovation, as well as building partnerships that contribute to sustainable global economic growth.'The ICC also encompasses the World Chambers Federation (WCF), which serves as an essential platform for dialogue and cooperation among chambers of commerce worldwide on key issues relating to SME development and private sector support. The federation is the largest global network of chambers and brings together more than 1,500 chambers of commerce from over 100 countries. The WCF organises the World Chambers Congress, the only forum dedicated to chamber leaders, providing an opportunity to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and build global networks. The congress attracts more than 15,000 participants.
USA Today
13-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Peja Stojakovic on honest reason Lakers defeated Kings in 2002 WCF
Peja Stojakovic on honest reason Lakers defeated Kings in 2002 WCF Perhaps the most classic series that the Shaquille O'Neal-Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers ever played was the 2002 Western Conference finals. In that series, they went up against a very talented Sacramento Kings team that had spent the past few years building a squad that could topple them at the most important time of year. The Kings weren't just talented — they were ahead of their time. They were one of the first NBA teams to play modern-day "pace and space" basketball at a time when the league was hopelessly infected with stagnant, slowdown basketball. The 2002 West finals went back and forth, and in the end, the Lakers prevailed in Game 7 in overtime by six points. To this day, the Sacramento area still hasn't gotten over that loss, and of course, they still blame the referees who officiated Game 6 at Staples Center for allegedly manipulating the results in L.A.'s favor. But Peja Stojakovic, the sharpshooting starting small forward on that Sacramento team, has a simpler explanation for why his team lost. He said it was Sacramento's own fault it fell short in that series. Via Basketball Network: "In 2002, we definitely had our chances," he said. "We even had Game 7 at home. But if we're being honest and fair as athletes, we missed a lot of shots, a lot of free throws. We didn't secure defensive rebounds when we needed to… So without going too deep into anything else — because sports always have those moments we look back on, like Game 6 — those moments leave a mark on our careers. But I truly believe that, as a team, we played better basketball the following year. We were more complete and more mature." In that seventh game, the Kings shot an embarrassing 16-of-30 from the free throw line. Stojakovic, who was arguably the NBA's best pure shooter back then, went just 3-of-12 from the field, and with time running down in the fourth quarter, he choked. With under 15 seconds to go and Los Angeles leading by one point, Hedo Türkoğlu fed a wide-open Stojakovic in the corner. The latter released a 3-pointer, but it hit nothing but air and went straight into O'Neal's arms. Referee conspiracy or no referee conspiracy, the Kings only have themselves to blame for losing that game and not winning the NBA championship.
