COMING TOGETHER AND WORKING TOGETHER
"Alliance Conference Canada (ACC) is becoming the powerhouse event representing the ideal blend of networking and thought-provoking speakers and panels that address why we should build Alliances".
The above quote was from a delegate who attended the 2nd annual Alliance Conference Canada which was held in Calgary from May 3-5, 2013.
This sold-out event attracted 350 Ismaili business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals from coast to coast. Attendees learned how to form an Alliance, nurture and harness the power of existing Alliances, and came to understand the positive impact Alliances can make to its members and to the Jamat.
At the gala dinner, Dr. Mahmoud Eboo, Chairman of the Leader’s International Forum (LIF), gave an inspirational presentation about the necessity for leveraging our intellectual capacity to give back in the form of Time and Knowledge Nazrana (TKN).
Other speakers included His Worship Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary, Jim Gray, Co-founder of Canadian Hunter Exploration, George Rotor, CEO and Co-founder of Engineers without Borders, Narmin Ismail-Teja, Director of Western Management Consultants and Rudy Karsan, CEO and Co-founder of Kenexa. Additionally, there were panels which comprised of leaders from several Canadian Alliances, American Investment Clubs and NATA, the North American Trade Alliance which started as two Ismaili gas station owners, and now 25 years later, comprises 5200 member stores that generate over $23 billion in annual revenue. Key messages included economic benefits, importance of trust in strengthening Alliance relationships, the exponential impact of collective effort, best practices, and the importance of fostering entrepreneurship and innovation to enhance the social fabric and advance the global Jamat. Every delegate was challenged to stretch their thinking and embrace the strength that Alliances can deliver for our community. Jim Gray said it best when he remarked, “build bridges before you even need them”, while Mayor Nenshi challenged us to seize, “the opportunity to showcase the Ismaili community to the world as an example.”
The Canadian Alliance movement started 3 years ago with a single Alliance and has grown to 37 Alliances representing various Ismaili business owners and professionals. Alliances represent a notable force through the collaboration of like-minded individuals who come together under a common purpose. Business owners and professionals have a responsibility to harness their expertise and utilize their capacities to shape the future. This means looking beyond the needs of today by planning and building for not just the next generation but for multiple generations to come.
The momentum of ACC continues to grow each year and provides a remarkable venue, gathering like-minded people who are united by a single vision for our Jamat. The momentum continues in Toronto for ACC 2014 which promises to be another “must attend” event you won’t want to miss.