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FPCBP NEWSLETTER - Winter 2016:
Updates, Tribute, Upcoming Events, Scholarships
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
As President of the FPCBP, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and existing Members. You are part of a wonderful group of businesses and professionals in government, private industry, community agencies and academic institutions in a variety of specialties across the province. Together, we have the power to be the recognized voice of the Portuguese Canadian business and professionals throughout Ontario and Canada.

There are many diverse opportunities available to be engaged and involved in the FPCBP. The 2016-2017 year has been a very busy and productive year for the Federation.  Below are some of the highlights:
 
A new committee structure was introduced in June.  This restructuring took place in order to allow our board members to each focus on the specific committees and in turn better serve our membership.  This structure was also introduced to allow for the participation of members on different committees.

In June we also participated in the Portugal Day Parade together with many of the scholarship recipients. 
 
The fall has been extremely busy for the Federation.  September 30th marked our first Past President’s Dinner.  The dinner provided an opportunity for the Federation to learn from the wisdom and experience of the past presidents.  The evening was very well attended and extremely productive.

On October 7th, the Federation had the pleasure of attending a private reception at the Portuguese Consulate with the President of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque. This was a delightful evening discussing the economic property in the beautiful Madeira islands.

The board has been very active and involved in the community by attending various functions and collaborating with other Portuguese Canadian Organizations.  We are pleased to announce that we have our first ever non-profit organization member, First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre.
 
Earlier this month we welcomed our first Executive Director to the Federation, Matthew Correia.  The entire board would like to extend a very warm welcome to Matthew and we encourage you to reach out to Matthew, the board and I with any suggestions and/or concerns.
 
We encourage you to be engaged.  Like our Facebook page.  Follow us on LinkedIn,Instagram and Twitter.  Attend and support our upcoming events.  Come out and network with other Portuguese Canadian Business Owners and Professionals.  Our next event is going to be on December 6th when we will be celebrating our 35th Anniversary Christmas and Holiday Party at Macedo Winery. Hope you can join us.

Be involved.  We welcome members to participate in our committees.  We encourage businesses and members to sponsor events and scholarships.  These are great opportunities to network.  We are happy to send you more information about volunteering on specific committees and/or sponsoring events and scholarships.
  
The Board of Directors, our Executive Director and I all welcome your feedback and participation in upcoming events.
 
Michelle F. Jorge, B.A.(Hons),LL.B
President
 

A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT PORTUGUESE-CANADIAN PIONEER

António Santos e Sousa
June 3, 1925 – August 29, 2016
António Sousa was born in Nazaré (Portugal) where he married Maria Antónia Rocha in 1949. To avert the oppressive regime of Salazar he emigrated from Portugal to Canada, a move he never regretted. Sailing westward to Halifax’s Pier 21 on board The Saturnia he became one of the first Portuguese immigrants to officially enter Canada in May 14, 1953 - o “pioneiro”. 
 
António Sousa, however, was more than an astute businessman; he was an ardent Community supporter.  He implemented a variety of local improvement programs and co-founded the First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Club, an organization that gained Political and Social significance for the community.  Promoting “Educação é a nossa arma”, he liaised with other like-minded members to develop the First Portuguese Community School whose curriculum earned accreditation by the Ministry of Education in Lisbon.  In 1962, he was the Director of “Rancho Folclórico da Nazaré” that competed nationally to win the Canadian Cultural Championship.
 
He encouraged entrepreneurship even when it meant creating direct competition for his own businesses. For him, their success was his success. "There's room for everyone” was the motto he lived by.
 
António's caring leadership inspired many. On his 50th Anniversary in Canada, when asked:  What advice he had for the growing Portuguese community? He stated: “… something I learned in life, and always tried to convey, in my own way to many people, but especially to my children, and now my grandchildren. Always do your best, and always try to give generously to others that which you would like to receive." In 2013, he was inducted into the Portuguese Canadian Walk of Fame.
 
A kind and thoughtful man, António was a role model of strength, perseverance and humility. He instilled in others a lifelong love for learning - “Educação é a nossa arma”. A passionate and respectful man, António Sousa loved his family and was loved by them. He leaves behind his sons Julio and Charles and their families. António’s joyful spirit continues and encourages all of us to live life to the fullest.

The FPCBP is forever grateful for the contributions Mr. António Sousa has made to the Federation and we are pleased to announce that next year we will be dedicating a scholarship "In Memorium" to a deserving Portuguese-Canadian student. Obrigado Senhor António!
FPCBP WELCOMES ITS FIRST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Board of Directors of the Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business & Professionals is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Correia as its first Executive Director. Matthew comes with extensive experience within the Portuguese-Canadian community and we are absolutely thrilled to welcome him on board.
 
The FPCBP office, located at 1136 College Street, Toronto (main floor), will be open Monday – Friday, between 10:00am – 3:00pm and reachable via telephone: (416) 537-8874 and email: info@fpcbp.com.
President Michelle Jorge welcoming Matthew Correia as new Executive Director
Lucas Pereira (Secretary), Matthew Correia (Executive Director), Paulo Pereira (Treasurer)

Scholarship Applications due January 31, 2017! 

FPCBP is pleased to once again recognize the outstanding achievement of our Luso-Canadian youth, from the Province of Ontario, with scholarships ranging from $1,000.00 to $2,500.00, courtesy of our many generous scholarship sponsors. Awards will be presented at the FPCBP Excellence Awards Gala to be held on March 25, 2017. We are also accepting nominations for our 2017 Business Excellence Awards.
APPLY TODAY!

SAVE THE DATE!

Join us at the following events and support
the FPCBP:

Holiday Jingle & Mingle
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
6:30pm | Evolution Wines- 1381 Dufferin St
 
Network & Learn Seminar
Friday, January 27, 2017
6:00pm | JRJ Law Firm - 1 Avondale Ave,
4th floor (party room), North York 
 
10th Annual Women’s Day Luncheon
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
12:30pm | Chiado Restaurant- 864 College St
 
35th Annual Scholarship and Business Excellence Awards Gala
Saturday, March 25, 2017
6:00pm | Pearson Convention Centre- 2683 Steeles Ave. E., Brampton
 
REFER A NEW MEMBER & RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP! click here

Join us in celebrating 35 years of FPCBP & toast to the holiday season
Current Board Members with Past Presidents at Martins Churrasqueira Grill House
President Michelle Jorge, past President Leo Pereira and board members Paul Rocha, Eduarda Sousa and Susy Henriques with the President of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque
Copyright © 2016, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business & Professionals Inc.
1136 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M6H 1B6
Tel: 416-537-8874  Fax:416-537-9706
info@fpcbp.com |  www.fpcbp.com

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Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business & Professionals · 1136 College Street · (main floor) · Toronto, ON M6H 1B6 · Canada

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