A director with the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce has been recognized provincially for his efforts to better connect young professionals in the city.
Bobby Ray received the Richard Dolphin Community Service Award from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on May 4 during the organization’s annual general meeting and conference in Muskoka.
Ray was acknowledged for introducing the #FiftyTwoCoffees campaign, which urges young professionals to have coffee with one new person each week throughout the year, expanding their network.
In 2019, 84 people under the age of 40 signed on to the campaign, designed to encourage collaboration and strengthen the local business environment.
In addition to his work with the chamber, Ray manages the North Bay Granite Club, and worked with the organizing committee to successfully host the World Women’s Curling Championships in March, 2018.
He also works with Ontario provincial curling associations as a coach developer and digital communications co-ordinator.
Ray is a past director on Sport North Bay and last year joined the board of governors for Nipissing University. He serves as the current Young Professional Representative on the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
“Bobby Ray has been an exceptional addition to our board this year. He is a true leader and has brought even more young professionals to the table,” said Charles Elliott, chair of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce, in a news release.
“The young professionals are the emerging community leaders, and we are pleased to see their engagement in the chamber network, ensuring their voices are heard as the business world changes and grows.”
