In a first-time partnership with YEP Hamilton (the Young Entrepreneurs & Professionals division of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce), Mohawk welcomed two prominent environmental experts: Lynda Lukasik, Executive Director of Environment Hamilton; and Katie Altoft, VP Advisory Services at Carbonzero.

Held in the new Bert Hares Boardroom last night, the session was attended by members of YEP Hamilton, as well as by David Adames, President and CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Raising awareness and encouraging conversation about environmental issues by building strategic community connections is a key contributor to the success of the many initiatives led by Mohawk’s Sustainability Office.  

“YEP Hamilton is a group that is very focused on engaging Hamilton’s leaders and pushing the city to its full potential. Collaborating with them is not only a natural fit for the Sustainability Office, it is also a powerful partnership that will really give a boost to fostering environmental awareness among the next generation of entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders in Hamilton,” says Alan Griffiths, Mohawk’s Sustainable Environment Specialist.

Here are a few of the key topics that were discussed throughout the session:

• Hamilton’s environmental history


• Local food and farming


• Sustainable building


• Urban boundary expansion (aerotropolis)


• Incentivizing environmentally-friendly behaviours


• Perspectives on ‘going green’; the dangerous dichotomy of environment vs. economy


• The role of technology and innovation in creating a healthy environment

A major part of YEP’s mandate is to foster growth and encourage creative innovation in Hamilton by acting as a resource for, and raising the profile of young entrepreneurs and professionals. This involves increasing young professional networks, working collaboratively with community partners to offer personal and professional development events, as well as creating and encouraging opportunities for involvement in community initiatives.