With our annual board election once again coming in hot, the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce is excited to introduce the nominees vying for three elected positions on our Board of Directors. These elected members will serve a three-year term beginning January 2025 and concluding in December 2027. This article offers an opportunity to get to know each candidate before the election process begins.
Our election process, including audit procedures, will remain consistent with prior years: being once again overseen and verified by Andrew Tully of Ritchie, Shortt & Tully, LLP. This year’s board election will again be conducted entirely online, ensuring secure delivery and voting through the Survey Monkey platform. A quick reminder: the voting link will be sent via email exclusively to members in good standing, meaning those who are current on their Chamber membership dues. If you have any inquiries or concerns about your membership status, please don’t hesitate to contact Isabelle Foley.
Each nominee brings a unique blend of skills, experience, and dedication to fostering Oshawa’s business growth and community development. Learn more about each nominee below, listed in alphabetical order.
Daniel Arbour
President & CEO, Oshawa Power & Utilities Corporation
As President and CEO of Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation, Daniel Arbour leads strategic and operational efforts across Oshawa Power and its subsidiaries. With a Bachelor’s degree in International Commerce and an MBA from Queen’s University, he has over 18 years of leadership experience focused on building high-performance teams and managing change. Under his leadership, Oshawa Power has continued to drive sustainable energy solutions for the Oshawa community.
Stanley Beckford
President, Stanley Beckford C.G. Inc.
Dr. Stanley Beckford brings extensive experience in operational risk and business process management. With a Doctorate in Business Administration and a background as Chief Risk Officer for a large Caribbean-based conglomerate, Stanley focuses on aligning business operations with optimized risk management. His community contributions include serving on the Oshawa Chamber’s Government Relations Committee and as a Director at The Grace-Cooperative Credit Union.
Shemeka Massiah
Managing Partner, Tax Assist Accountants Canada
Shemeka Massiah, CPA, has over two decades of experience helping small and medium-sized businesses navigate accounting and tax complexities. With a BSc in Accounting from the University of the West Indies, she specializes in tax optimization and cash flow management, creating customized strategies to simplify financial processes. Shemeka is passionate about empowering businesses to thrive by providing practical, long-term solutions that build financial stability.
Wendy Weber
Media Strategist, Metroland
Wendy Weber’s 30 years in media strategy make her a cornerstone in Durham Region’s business and community landscape. Her extensive experience in marketing strategy, gained through her role at Metroland, has supported local businesses through economic shifts and evolving marketing technologies. Wendy’s community involvement includes prior board positions with the Whitby Chamber of Commerce and ongoing contributions to the Oshawa Chamber, supporting strategic marketing and event planning.
Doug Yates
Director, Environment and Energy, GM Canada
Doug Yates, a registered Professional Engineer, has a wealth of experience in environmental management, sustainability, and energy. His roles with General Motors span across Canada, the U.S., and Europe. Currently GM Canada’s Director of Environment and Energy, Doug has served on various industry committees and is a former president of the Oshawa Chamber. His commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency remains at the core of his professional and community efforts.
We are thrilled to have such a broad spectrum of talents and experiences in our nominees for the upcoming board election. Each candidate embodies a commitment to advancing the Chamber’s mission of building community prosperity through effective business leadership and local engagement. Voting information, as well as details on the election audit, is available here. We look forward to seeing the impact these leaders will make as they shape the future of Oshawa’s business community.
