Sarnia, ON – Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) will host the Legacy & Leadership Summit: Spring Momentum on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Point Edward. The half-day summit brings together business owners, industry experts, and program partners to explore practical strategies for growth, leadership, and transition planning.
The event is proudly presented by Sun Life as lead sponsor, whose contributions help deliver a focused, accessible program for local business owners. Additional support is provided by RBC as a supporting sponsor.
Designed for established business owners and growth-oriented entrepreneurs, the summit delivers a structured program that reflects the full business lifecycle, from planning and growth to funding, leadership, and transition. Attendees will gain direct insight into acquisition strategies, leadership realities, and succession planning, while also connecting with buyers, advisors, and government program representatives.
“Business owners are making decisions today that will shape not just the livelihood of themselves and their employees, but also the long-term strength of our local economy,” said Matthew Slotwinski, CEO of Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “This summit creates a space to bring those decisions into focus across the entire business ownership lifecycle. It connects owners with the right people, the right information, and the right supports to move forward, grow, and eventually exit with clarity and confidence.”
The agenda features a series of expert-led sessions and real-world perspectives, including “Growing Through Acquisition & The Weight of the Owner Hat” with Dr. Michael Rondinelli of Huron Dental Group, offering a candid look at acquisition-led growth and the realities of leadership. Attendees will also hear from Alex Weber of Cosmo’s Café, who will deliver a session on entrepreneurship and burnout through a live stand-up comedy performance.
The program also includes an Owner Leadership and Transition Panel featuring local founders and next-generation leaders sharing insights on succession, scaling, and navigating transition, alongside a Government Growth Programs Spotlight connecting attendees with key funding and advisory organizations.
“This event is designed to be practical and relevant to what business owners are facing right now,” said Chantelle Core, Economic Development Officer at SLEP. “We are bringing together real experiences, local expertise, and accessible supports in one setting. The goal is to help owners take the next step, whether that is planning for growth, preparing for transition, or exploring new opportunities.”
The Legacy & Leadership Summit runs from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and includes a networking breakfast and dedicated time to connect with speakers, buyers, and program representatives.
Registration is free, thanks to the lead sponsorship by Sun Life and contributing sponsorship from RBC. For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.sarnialambton.on.ca/events/legacy.
This year’s summit builds on the success of last year’s inaugural summit, continuing SLEP’s role in supporting business retention, expansion, and long-term economic sustainability in Sarnia-Lambton.
About the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership:
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the Sarnia-Lambton area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we focus on promoting the distinct advantages Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based economic development initiatives and maintaining a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the Sarnia-Lambton area.
For Media Inquiries:
Arianne Garcia
Marketing & Communications Manager
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
(519) 332 1820 ext 225
arianne@sarnialambton.on.ca
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