Carman McClelland officially took over from Linda Ford (Access Career Solutions Inc. and Temporary Measures Inc.), now the Immediate Past President, on July 1, and will serve for a one year term as President until June 30, 2009.

As the new President of Brampton's leading business association, Carman brings a wealth of business knowledge and experience as well as extensive community leadership to this important role representing local business.

Carman McClelland is a graduate of YorkUniversity and the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. After practicing law in Brampton for a short period, he was elected as Member of Provincial Parliament for the Riding of Brampton North, serving from 1987 to 1995. Since 1995, Carman has been practicing law in Brampton.McClelland Law is located at 202 Main St. North.

Carman has been a very active member of The Brampton Board of Trade since joining its Policy & Government Relations Committee in 2000, and was elected to serve on the organization's Governing Council in 2004. On the Board of Trade's Executive Committee he has served two previous years as V.P. Policy.

In addition to contributing to the Board of Trade, Carman also actively volunteers in local charities and minor sports. Carman serves as V.P. on the Board of Directors of the Peel Law Association, has been a member of the Brampton Youth Hockey Association Board of Directors and Rogers Cable 10 Community Advisory Board, and is active in leadership roles at NorthBramaleaUnitedChurch.

In his profession, Carman places a tremendous emphasis on commitment to customer service that he believes is also integral to the ongoing success of The Brampton Board of Trade."As a membership-based organization, The Brampton Board of Trade must continue to be responsive to the needs of its members, to strive to continually identify and inform the interests of business, and to advocate effectively to help businesses prosper," says McClelland. "The strength of our organization and our voice for business comes from the support of an increasing number of businesses. The fact that our organization has been in existence for more than 120 years and that it continues to grow is a testament to our leadership in the community and the benefits that membership in The Brampton Board of Trade offers."

Carman looks forward to the year ahead with great optimism."We have ambitious plans, and a dedicated and enthusiastic group of volunteers and staff that are committed to strengthening our association, its programs and services, advocacy and strategic initiatives with other community organizations," says McClelland."The Brampton Board of Trade is a highly respected organization with a long established history of leadership that I am extremely proud to be serving as its President."