ECBC holds inaugural AGM, in-person attendees treated to KESKUS tour
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Update #281
On April 21, 2026, the Estonian Canadian Business Chamber (ECBC) held its inaugural Annual General Meeting, marking a strong first year built around three core priorities: membership, programming, and institutional alignment.
At the AGM, chamber president Ellen Valter thanked directors Veiko Parming, Blake Royer and Peter Viitre, and noted that ECBC’s membership has grown to 75: 13 corporate and 62 individual members—an encouraging foundation for a young organization with a clear mandate to connect Canadian, Estonian, and broader European business communities.
On the programming front, the Chamber reported on a dynamic slate of events, bringing together leaders from business, government (Estonia and Ontario) and parliament, and the professional community. These initiatives have begun to establish ECBC as a credible forum for dialogue, investment, and collaboration.
Institutionally, ECBC has positioned itself within key umbrella organizations to amplify its network. The Chamber joined the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Canada (EUCCAN) and Estonian Central Council in Canada, ensuring that chamber members' business perspectives are represented within broader European trade discussions and as part of the Estonian political voice in Canada.
Kiira Käärid ECBC's representative on the EUCCAN board presented the membership with EUCCAN's mandate, and on the increased focus on trade and investment between Canada and Europe and, more specifically, Canada and Estonia.
A new Board of Directors was elected (alphabetically): Peter Dalglish, Kevin Jaako, Kiira Käärid, Nick Kazakoff, Alex Rand, Rick Roos, and Ellen Valter.
Chamber members attending in person were treated to a KESKUS site tour.
The Chamber thanks Maarika Merirand, Taavi Tamtik, Isaak Paterson, Juhan Käärid for their help in the smooth running of the AGM, and thanks go to Tartu College for the event space, and to Northern Birch Credit Union for sponsoring the chamber's speaker series.
Looking ahead, ECBC will host Estonia’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications, Erkki Keldo, on June 11, and participate in the EUCCAN Annual Conference on May 21.
To stay informed and get involved, sign up for the ECBC newsletter at estonianchamber.ca and if fostering business and trade speaks to you, consider becoming a member: www.estonianchamber.ca.
Discover the benefits of giving wisely
Please join the growing list of KESKUS capital campaign donors to help bring KESKUS to completion. KESKUS leadership donors are recognized here.
There are many ways to make a contribution to KESKUS.
To donate, click here, or call +1.647.250.7136 or email donations@estoniancentre.ca. Donations may be made as a family gift, or in honour of an individual or family. All donations are issued a tax receipt, in Canada via Estonian Arts Centre, US tax receipts via Myriad USA and Estonian tax receipts via Eesti Rahvuskultuuri Fond. Donations by credit card may be made here.
Legacy gifts made to the Estonian Arts Centre, the charity associated with KESKUS, are creative and tax-effective ways to provide support. These are known as “planned gifts” because with thoughtful planning, we create a win-win situation that benefits both you and our community for generations to come. Find out how to provide a bequest in your will by going to www.estoniancentre.ca/bequest.
For information on making other types of planned gifts, including gifts of appreciated securities or insurance policies, or if you have any other questions, please contact EAC Donations Manager Taimi Hooper via email at donations@estoniancentre.ca or phone +1.647.250.7136.
Let’s keep in touch
Comments