TBA The Biotechnology Initiative

The Voice of Bioscience in Ontario



Annual Golf Classic

The Event

The Copper Creek Golf Club was the site of our Eighth Annual TBI Golf Classic. Copper Creek is widely recognized as one of the top 20 courses to play in the GTA. The conditions were near perfect for a spectacular day of golf and networking for the biotechnology community. Stunning weather, great course conditions, dramatic play and good times marked this year's event. The best ball tournament was virtually sold out. Over 25 TBI members supported this year’s tournament both financially and with in kind contributions. Proceeds from the tournament help support TBI’s operations, including our educational scholarship fund.

2008 Highlights

In 2008, we introduced a few new contests during the tournament. Specifically, we added the “fastest hole”. The winning team from Fisher Scientific was able to get their ball from the tee into the cup on the green in a blistering 47 seconds! Michael Stinson, TBI’s new Executive Director co-hosted the “Putt for Dough” contest with Larry Kurmis providing Michael an opportunity to meet the members and their guests. Another important addition to this year’s tournament was the “Silent Auction”, whereby 100% of the proceeds were contributed to TBI’s student scholarship fund.

Other highlights included an encore performance by Grant Tipler, TBI’s President, where he put his putting prowess on the line as well as the hot breakfast introduced last year. Matt Buist continued to challenge our knowledge of the biotech sector with his skill testing TBI Trivia contest.

Traditionally, TBI provides a corporate gift to each golfer which reflects TBI’s support for the protection of the environment and the importance of sustainable development. This year, thanks to the sourcing efforts of Lorne Meikle, TBI was able to provide each player a shirt made from bamboo. Last year the shirt was made from corn.

The Team

No TBI event is successful without the hard work and dedication of a great team. The TBI Annual Golf Classic is no exception. I am very grateful for the support I received from my organizing committee consisting of Lorne Meikle, Grant Tipler, Matt Buist, Tim Peters, Michael Stinson, Larry Kurmis, Joan Yates, Lorraine Smith, members of our First Stage team, Sue Munro, Katrin Wade and Peter Jones and the volunteers who assisted with the various “on course” activities Brian Craig, Tanya Shvedova, Ali Ibrahimi, and Romy Büchner. Another big thank you goes out to Andrew Hough and his team first class team Copper Creek Golf Club who helped the make truly memorable.

The Sponsors

I would also like to thank all of the sponsors who contributed to the success of the tournament – from the breakfast sponsor to the lunch and related reception sponsors to the “on course” contests and photography to the beverage carts, as well as donations to the corporate gift package, the prize table and the silent auction. A complete list of all of our sponsors can be found on the TBI website @ www.ontbi.org as well as the highlights from this year’s tournament.

What’s Next?

Planning for the 2009 tournament on August 19th at Copper Creek has already begun. The Committee is actively looking for new ideas to make next year’s tournament more entertaining! So, please submit your ideas / suggestions through the TBI website.

John R. Goudey
Ernst & Young
416-943-2336
416-943-3767
www.ey.com