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DTSTART:20251127T220000Z
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SUMMARY:x2025 Community Outlook - Climate Action for Businesses An outreach program brought to you by the London Chamber of Commerce and the City of London
DESCRIPTION:November is Climate Action Month! The London Chamber of Commerce and the City of London have partnered to share valuable insights on climate change mitigation\, adaptation\, and environmental sustainability with the Chamber and its members.\n\n\n\nCome and enjoy a spectacular evening\, starting with a beautiful acoustic performance by Eleanor Gebrou Duo.\n\n \n\nKey Note - Blair Feltmate\n\n\n\n"Dr. Blair Feltmate: Blair is the Head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation\, University of Waterloo. Previous positions he has held include Vice President\, Sustainable Development\, Bank of Montreal\; Director\, Sustainable Development\, Ontario Power Generation\; Partner\, Sustainable Investment Group/YMG Capital Management. Blair has written textbooks on Sustainable Banking and Aquatic Ecology.\n\nHe is on the Advisory Table\, National Adaptation Strategy\, Canada. He is Sustainable Finance Council member\, Global Risk Institute\, and he is a member of Climate Proof Canada (Insurance Bureau of Canada). Blair is Expert Member\, International ISO Strategic Advisory Group\, ESG\, and he is on the Science\, Innovation and Policy Board of Canada's Forest Trust. He is on the Climate Advisory Board\, Minister of Environment (Ontario). Blair was Chair\, Federal Government of Canada Expert Panel on Climate Adaptation. \n\nBlair was an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow (University of Waterloo). He holds a Ph.D in Theoretical and Applied Ecology (University of Toronto)\, Master's in Sustainable Development (Wilfrid Laurier University)\, Master's in Zoology (University of Toronto)\, and Hon. Bachelor's Biology (University of Toronto). He is generally interviewed by the media 100 times per year on climate change/ESG related issues.\n \n\nFacilitator\n\nKatie Wilhelm\n\nKatie Wilhelm\, RGD (she/her) is an award-winning Indigenous designer and consultant based in London\, Ontario. Katie is a proud Indigenous woman from the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation at Neyaashiinigmiing. Prior to founding her own design practice\, Katie spent more than ten years specializing in corporate communications\, specifically in local economic development. Katie is a leader in the local arts and culture community\, having worked in London's creative industry since 2009. \n \n\nA champion for the Indigenous community\, she continuously looks to inspire others to create a colourful future for Turtle Island. Learn more at www.katiewilhelm.design.\n\n \n\n \n\n\nAbout the Panelist: \n\n \n\nRainer Voigt \n\nVice President\, Operations and Sustainability at Goodwill Industries\, Ontario Great Lakes\, where he leads initiatives that advance the organization's commitment to environmental stewardship and the circular economy. Rainer holds an MBA and a Master of Environmental Studies\, and serves on several Goodwill International steering committees\, contributing to global sustainability strategies. With three decades of experience spanning textile manufacturing and nonprofit operations\, Rainer brings deep expertise in production processes\, supply chain management\, and sustainable business practices. His leadership has driven innovative upcycling and circularity programs\, transforming donated goods into new economic opportunities while reducing environmental impact.\n\n \n\nAllan Van Damme\n\nVice President of Engineering and Construction at London Hydro where his responsibilities include the oversight of: the engineering design team\, the overhead line and forestry crews\, the underground cable crews\, the civil construction crews\, the health and safety department\, involvement in smart grid projects\, emergency response and development of corporate policy.\n\n\nAllan has actively contributed within the electric distribution utility sector for the past 31 years and is a senior member of IEEE's Power Engineering society. Along with the design and operation of London Hydro's grid\, Allan has overseen the installation of smart grid devices\, electric vehicle chargers and photovoltaic energy systems which are owned by London Hydro.\n\n \n\n\n\nDavid Sills\n\nServed as a Severe Weather Scientist at Environment Canada for more than 20 years before becoming the Director of the Northern Tornadoes Project with Western Engineering in 2019. Dr. Sills leads a team that aims to detect\, assess\, and document all tornadoes in Canada\, as well as other thunderstorm-related wind events. The resulting data sets are used to develop climatologies and risk analyses\, verify warnings\, make building code recommendations\, and better understand the influence of climate change. \n\n\n\nAllan Drewlo \n\nGraduated from Western University before beginning his career in real estate development. As the second generation of a family deeply rooted in the building industry\, Allan has carried forward the vision of his father\, Eugen Drewlo\, to create exceptional rental communities across Southwestern Ontario.\n \n\nWith over 40 years of industry experience\, Allan serves as President of Drewlo Holdings Inc.\, a family-owned and operated company that has been developing\, constructing\, and managing premium apartment communities for more than 65 years. Under his leadership\, the company has expanded to over 10\,000 units built\, owned\, and managed across five cities in the region. Known for delivering some of the most spacious\, well-appointed rental buildings in Southwestern Ontario\, Drewlo Holdings has earned a reputation for quality\, service\, and long-term community investment.\n \n\nIn addition to leading Drewlo Holdings\, Allan partnered with David Stimac in 2010 to co-found The Ironstone Building Company\, a residential home builder focused on delivering attainable\, well-designed new homes in London and surrounding areas. He continues to serve as Vice President\, guiding the company's strategic growth and housing innovations.\n \n\nAllan has contributed extensively to the industry through leadership roles\, including serving as Chairperson of the Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario and active involvement with the London Development Institute\, London Home Builders' Association\, and London Property Management Association.\n \n\nBeyond his business responsibilities\, Allan is committed to community involvement\, supporting a range of charitable initiatives including The Kidney Foundation\, London Food Bank\, Mission Services' Quinten Warner House\, Habitat for Humanity\, and the Grand Theatre London. His work reflects a lifelong dedication to building quality housing and fostering strong\, vibrant communities.\n\n\nShawna Chambers\n\nDirector of Climate Change\, Environment and Waste Management at the City of London. Ms. Chambers holds a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering Options) and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Western University. Shawna spent most of her 18-year career at the City in the Stormwater Engineering Division\, managing surface flooding\, channel naturalization\, and climate adaptation projects. As Director of Climate and Waste Management\, she focuses on delivering practical and effective municipal programs to benefit both the environment and the greater community. Ms. Chambers is committed to sustainability\, innovation\,and challenging the way "it's always been done."\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhotography and Video Disclaimer: The London Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to photograph\, record\, and live stream this event. These photos and videos may be used in publications\, posters and/or graphics. By registering for this event\, you understand and acknowledge that your photograph and videos with you in them may be taken and used\, per the discretion of the London Chamber of Commerce.
X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:November is Climate Action Month! The London Chamber of Commerce and the City of London have partnered to share valuable insights on climate change mitigation\, adaptation\, and environmental sustainability with the Chamber and its members.
\n
\nCome and enjoy a spectacular evening\, starting with a beautiful acoustic performance by \;Eleanor Gebrou \; Duo.
\n \;
\n\nKey Note - Blair Feltmate
\n
\n&ldquo\;Dr. Blair Feltmate: Blair is the Head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation\, University of Waterloo. Previous positions he has held include Vice President\, Sustainable Development\, Bank of Montreal\; Director\, Sustainable Development\, Ontario Power Generation\; Partner\, Sustainable Investment Group/YMG Capital Management. Blair has written textbooks on Sustainable Banking and Aquatic Ecology.
\nHe is on the Advisory Table\, National Adaptation Strategy\, Canada. He is Sustainable Finance Council member\, Global Risk Institute\, and he is a member of Climate Proof Canada (Insurance Bureau of Canada). Blair is Expert Member\, International ISO Strategic Advisory Group\, ESG\, and he is on the Science\, Innovation and Policy Board of Canada&rsquo\;s Forest Trust. He is on the Climate Advisory Board\, Minister of Environment (Ontario). Blair was Chair\, Federal Government of Canada Expert Panel on Climate Adaptation. \;
\n\nBlair was an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow (University of Waterloo). He holds a Ph.D in Theoretical and Applied Ecology (University of Toronto)\, Master&rsquo\;s in Sustainable Development (Wilfrid Laurier University)\, Master&rsquo\;s in Zoology (University of Toronto)\, and Hon. Bachelor&rsquo\;s Biology (University of Toronto). He is generally interviewed by the media 100 times per year on climate change/ESG related issues.
\n \;\n\nFacilitator
\n\nKatie Wilhelm
\n\nKatie Wilhelm\, RGD (she/her) is an award-winning Indigenous designer and consultant based in London\, Ontario. Katie is a proud Indigenous woman from the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation at Neyaashiinigmiing. Prior to founding her own design practice\, Katie spent more than ten years specializing in corporate communications\, specifically in local economic development. Katie is a leader in the local arts and culture community\, having worked in London&rsquo\;s creative industry since 2009. \;
\n \;\n\nA champion for the Indigenous community\, she continuously looks to inspire others to create a colourful future for Turtle Island. Learn more at www.katiewilhelm.design.
\n\n \;
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About the Panelist:
\n \;
\n\n
Rainer Voigt \;
\n\n
Vice President\, Operations and Sustainability at Goodwill Industries\, Ontario Great Lakes\, where he leads initiatives that advance the organization&rsquo\;s commitment to environmental stewardship and the circular economy. Rainer holds an MBA and a Master of Environmental Studies\, and serves on several Goodwill International steering committees\, contributing to global sustainability strategies. With three decades of experience spanning textile manufacturing and nonprofit operations\, Rainer brings deep expertise in production processes\, supply chain management\, and sustainable business practices. His leadership has driven innovative upcycling and circularity programs\, transforming donated goods into new economic opportunities while reducing environmental impact.
\n\n
\;
\n\n
Allan Van Damme
\nVice President of Engineering and Construction at London Hydro where his responsibilities include the oversight of: the engineering design team\, the overhead line and forestry crews\, the underground cable crews\, the civil construction crews\, the health and safety department\, involvement in smart grid projects\, emergency response and development of corporate policy.
\n\n
\n
Allan has actively contributed within the electric distribution utility sector for the past 31 years and is a senior member of IEEE'\;s Power Engineering society. \; Along with the design and operation of London Hydro&rsquo\;s grid\, Allan has overseen the installation of smart grid devices\, electric vehicle chargers and photovoltaic energy systems which are owned by London Hydro.
\n\n
\;
\n\n
\n
\n
David Sills
\n\n
Served as a Severe Weather Scientist at Environment Canada for more than 20 years before becoming the Director of the Northern Tornadoes Project with Western Engineering in 2019. Dr. Sills leads a team that aims to detect\, assess\, and \; document all tornadoes in Canada\, as well as other thunderstorm-related wind events. The resulting data sets are used to develop \; climatologies and risk analyses\, verify warnings\, make building code recommendations\, and better understand the influence of climate change. \;
\n
\nAllan Drewlo
\n\n
Graduated from Western University before beginning his career in real estate development. As the second generation of a family deeply rooted in the building industry\, Allan has carried forward the vision of his father\, Eugen Drewlo\, to create exceptional rental communities across Southwestern Ontario.
\n \;\n\n
With over 40 years of industry experience\, Allan serves as President of Drewlo Holdings Inc.\, a family-owned and operated company that has been developing\, constructing\, and managing premium apartment communities for more than 65 years. Under his leadership\, the company has expanded to over 10\,000 units built\, owned\, and managed across five cities in the region. Known for delivering some of the most spacious\, well-appointed rental buildings in Southwestern Ontario\, Drewlo Holdings has earned a reputation for quality\, service\, and long-term community investment.
\n \;\n\n
In addition to leading Drewlo Holdings\, Allan partnered with David Stimac in 2010 to co-found The Ironstone Building Company\, a residential home builder focused on delivering attainable\, well-designed new homes in London and surrounding areas. He continues to serve as Vice President\, guiding the company&rsquo\;s strategic growth and housing innovations.
\n \;\n\n
Allan has contributed extensively to the industry through leadership roles\, including serving as Chairperson of the Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario and active involvement with the London Development Institute\, London Home Builders&rsquo\; Association\, and London Property Management Association.
\n \;\n\n
Beyond his business responsibilities\, Allan is committed to community involvement\, supporting a range of charitable initiatives including The Kidney Foundation\, London Food Bank\, Mission Services&rsquo\; Quinten Warner House\, Habitat for Humanity\, and the Grand Theatre London. His work reflects a lifelong dedication to building quality housing and fostering strong\, vibrant communities.
\n\n
\n
Shawna Chambers
\nDirector of Climate Change\, Environment and Waste Management at the City of London. Ms. Chambers holds a bachelor&rsquo\;s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering Options) and a Master&rsquo\;s degree in Public Administration from Western University. Shawna spent most of her 18-year career at the City in the Stormwater Engineering Division\, managing surface flooding\, channel naturalization\, and climate adaptation projects. As Director of Climate and Waste Management\, she focuses on delivering practical and effective municipal programs to benefit both the environment and the greater community. Ms. Chambers is committed to sustainability\, innovation\,and challenging the way &ldquo\;it&rsquo\;s always been done.&rdquo\;
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\nPhotography and Video Disclaimer: \;The London Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to photograph\, record\, and live stream this event. \; These photos and videos may be used in publications\, posters and/or graphics. By registering for this event\, you understand and acknowledge that your photograph and videos with you in them may be taken and used\, per the discretion of the London Chamber of Commerce.
\n
LOCATION:Wolf Performance Hall 251 Dundas St\, London\, ON N6A 6H9
UID:e.2487.1638
SEQUENCE:3
DTSTAMP:20260422T185855Z
URL:https://business.londonchamber.com/events/details/x2025-community-outlook-climate-action-for-businesses-an-outreach-program-brought-to-you-by-the-london-chamber-of-commerce-and-the-city-of-london-1638
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