Experience a vibrant program celebrating music from around the world alongside beloved classics. The evening will also feature past CCCS Merit Award recipients and the introduction of this year’s recipient.

A reception with light refreshments will follow the concert.

Tickets: $25 adults, $15 children (14 & under).

Purchase online at Canadian Croatian Choral Society
by e-transfer to finance@cccschoir.com or contact
Branko at 416.407.4444

ELIS LOVRIĆ
Live at Maja Prentice Theatre
April 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Acclaimed Croatian actress and singer-songwriter Elis Lovrić is an artist of rare and distinctive expression, whose work unites music, poetry, theatre, and cultural heritage into a deeply moving performance.

For more than two decades, she has created an original body of work rooted in the Labin dialect, transforming local tradition into a universal artistic language. Writing and singing in more than 15 languages and dialects, Elis builds bridges between cultures, bringing her voice to audiences across Europe, Japan, and Brazil.

Her celebrated original projects include Kanat od mora, Merika, Two Seas, and A Story of Music and Stone. Elis Lovrić is also the first Croatian singer-songwriter to perform at the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg, and the recipient of numerous national and international recognitions, including the EWILA – European Women’s International Leadership Award 2025.

The performance will be accompanied by Danijela Kos, PhD candidate cellist at McGill University in Montreal.

On Tuesday, April 28, the Young Professionals of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce are hosting an After Hours networking social!

This event brings together emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across industries for an evening that blends meaningful connections with personal growth.

Why You Need to Be There

This isn’t just another networking event. It’s an opportunity to:

• Make real connections with ambitious, community-driven professionals
• Gain confidence in communication with insights from Toastmasters International
• Learn from experience with special guest Nick Pocrnic
• Enjoy a vibrant social atmosphere in one of the GTA’s top venues

Whether you’re looking to grow your business network, build confidence in public speaking, or simply meet great people in a relaxed setting – this event delivers.

Incredible Value

• FREE for members
• Only $25 for non-members

A Taste of What’s Possible

Curious about becoming a more confident speaker? You’ll get a firsthand look at how Toastmasters can elevate your presence, help you communicate with impact, and open doors professionally.

Join us for an evening of connection, confidence, and community.

Because the best opportunities often happen after hours.

TORONTO,  Ontario – March 28, 2026 – Several hundred red-and-white jerseys peppered Scotiabank Arena last night as Croatian Heritage Night brought a unique energy to the NBA matchup between the Toronto Raptors and the New Orleans Pelicans. Co-hosted by the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and the Raptors, the evening blended elite basketball with a powerful celebration of Croatian identity and community.

Widely recognized as the largest-attended Croatian Heritage Night in the Americas, the Toronto event once again demonstrated the scale, pride, and unity of the Croatian-Canadian community—and served as an exciting precursor to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will see Croatia play in Toronto.

After Croatian fans enjoyed an exclusive pre-game shoot-around experience—getting to watch NBA players up close—the Raptors delivered on the court with a convincing 119–106 victory. However, the most memorable moments came after the final buzzer, when the spotlight shifted from the game to the community.

Karlo Matković Takes Center Court

All eyes turned to New Orleans Pelicans forward-center Karlo Matković, who stayed long after the game to meet local Croatian fans in the lower bowl and outside the arena. In a heartfelt gesture, he took time to be interviewed and answer questions from the crowd, sign autographs, pose for photos, and engage with supporters of all ages.

The post-game program also shone a special light on Matković’s roots. His hometown of Livno was proudly highlighted, drawing attention not only to a small community with an outsized legacy, but also to its place within the broader Croatian community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has long contributed to the cultural identity, sporting success, and global pride of Croatia.

Hosting the post-game interview, Ivan Grbešić, Executive Board Member of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Chamber, brought both humor and pride to the moment. He asked Matković what seemed to be on everyone’s mind: What’s in the water in Livno that produces so many remarkable individuals?

He pointed to an extraordinary list of names connected to the town, including entrepreneur and Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac, Croatian national football team coach Zlatko Dalić, football legends Davor Šuker, Niko Kovač and Robert Kovač, handball star Domagoj Duvnjak and prominent business man and entrepreneur Jako Andabak, among others – before adding, with a smile, “and now Karlo Matković.”

The exchange drew laughter and applause, but also underscored a deeper sense of pride in shared heritage and the global impact of Croatian talent from outside of Croatia.

More Than a Game

What unfolded in Toronto was more than a themed NBA night—it was a powerful reminder of the strength of Croatian diaspora communities and their connection to the Homeland. The post-game atmosphere felt closer to a family gathering than a professional sporting event, with a genuine sense of Croatian pride and unity echoing throughout those in attendance.

Croatian Heritage Night in Toronto stands alongside similar celebrations in cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Detroit, among others, continuing a tradition of honoring Croatian culture on the professional sports stage.

As the night came to a close, one thing was clear: the final score told only part of the story. The real victory was the celebration of success, identity, community, and the enduring pride of Croatians—both in the Homeland and across the global diaspora.

Renowned artist Anton Cetin is releasing a limited-edition publication that captures the essence of his recent work – and this exclusive offer goes far beyond a book.

About the Book

Titled CETÍN 90 for pour za 90: DRAWINGS – DESSINS – CRTEŽI 2024/26, this beautifully curated collection showcases 90 original drawings created between 2024 and 2026.

Only 90 copies of this book will ever be produced.

Each copy will be:

• Individually numbered
• Personally signed by the artist
• Finalized and signed in Zagreb, Croatia at the end of May 2026
• Published in English, French, and Croatian

With a retail value of €150, this book is a true collector’s item – but the current offer elevates it into something even more meaningful.

Exclusive Book Preview

Limited-Time Collector’s Offer (Until April 25, 2026)

For a limited time, you can secure an exclusive package for $1,000 CAD, which includes:

• The limited-edition signed book
• An original colour drawing by Anton Cetin, valued at €500
• Your name published in the book as a supporter of this special edition

Each original colour drawing is:

• Hand-selected by the artist
• Sized within the book’s format (30 x 30 cm)
• Paired uniquely with your copy

For those who wish to make the experience even more personal, there is also an option to visit Ottawa and select your drawing in person.

Why This Matters

This is more than a purchase – it’s a chance to:

• Own a rare, museum-quality publication
• Acquire an original work of art
• Be permanently recognized in print
• Support the legacy of one of the most respected Croatian-Canadian artists of our time

With only 90 copies available worldwide, this opportunity is as exclusive as it is meaningful.

Reserve Your Copy

Secure your place in this limited edition before April 25, 2026, and become part of CETÍN 90  – a timeless celebration of art, culture, and legacy.

Email contactus@croat.ca

The first Diaspora Friendship Games will be held in Split and on the island of Brač from July 16–20, 2026, with the grand opening on July 16 at 7:30 PM at the Meštrović Gallery.

Capture the 22nd Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala
May 8, 2026

STUDENT CREATORS WANTED

We need your talent to create reels, event photography, behind-the-scenes content, live social media moments and a post-event blog or media recap while building real portfolio experience at one of the Croatian-Canadian community’s signature events.

IDEAL FOR STUDENTS IN

Marketing • Media • Communications • Photography • Videography • Journalism

GAIN EXPERIENCE

Portfolio-ready content
Real-world event media experience
Exposure to business leaders & entrepreneurs
Your work featured on social media platforms and media publications

INTERESTED?

Email us contactus@croat.ca

ASSIMILATION AND INTEGRITY, features two interconnected bodies of work: Drawing on her Croatian heritage and folklore within figurative and allegorical imagery, Tatjana’s art work celebrates cultural identity within Canadian multiculturalism while the unstable and stormy skyscapes and cloud paintings address contemporary questions of identity and belonging shaped by lived experience of migration, cultural displacement and the pressure of assimilation.

ASSIMILATION AND INTEGRITY – Art Exhibition by Tatjana Hutinec

ASSEMBLY HALL
1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr., Toronto

EXHIBITION RUNS:  April 2- May 7, 2026

Open: Mon – Fri  10- 5  | Sat 10 -1

Closed: Apr 3 and Apr 6

OPENING RECEPTION:
Wednesday, April 8, from 5:30 – 8 PM

ARTIST TALK:  Sat – Apr 11 & Sat – Apr 18, from 11– 1

RSVP to: artist@tatjanahutinec.com or

Reserve your free ticket at:  ASSIMILATION AND INTEGRITY – Art Exhibition by Tatjana Hutinec Tickets, Wednesday, Apr 8 from 5:30 pm to 8 pm | Eventbrite

The Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce will host the 22nd Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala on Friday, May 8, 2026 at the Burlington Convention Centre, 1120 Burloak Drive, Burlington, Ontario, opening with cocktails at 6:00 p.m.

The awards evening is designed to formally recognize leadership, innovation and excellence within the Croatian-Canadian community and significant contributions by Croatian-Canadians to Canadian society as a whole.

We invite all members and friends of the Chamber and the greater Croatian-Canadian communities across Canada to join us.

PURCHASE TICKETS and SPONSORSHIP VIA REGISTRATION FORM HERE:

Tickets | Sponsorship Deck

OR

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

TICKETS SPONSORSHIP

THIS EXCEPTIONAL EVENING WILL FEATURE OUR SPECIAL GUEST, ROBERT ANDJELIC!

LAND. VISION. LEGACY

From immigrant roots to a Croatian-Canadian success story on a continental scale: the largest private farmland owner in Canada (outside of the Crown) and second largest private cropland owner
in North America (second only to Bill Gates).

Robert is recognized not only for the scale of his holdings but for his thoughtful approach to agriculture, investment, and stewardship of one of our most important resources – the land itself.

Croatian-Inspired Cuisine by Chef Tomo Kovaček

The evening will also feature a curated dinner menu by Chef Tomo Kovaček, co-owner of Verace Italian Restaurant.

Chef Tomo will bring together traditional flavours and modern culinary artistry. Known for his creativity and deep appreciation of Croatian cuisine, Chef Tomo will contribute to a dining experience that celebrates heritage, hospitality, and the rich tastes of the Adriatic – perfectly complementing a night dedicated to excellence in the Croatian-Canadian community.

Please join us for an evening of outstanding recognition, fine food, and entertainment!

• Cocktail hour, dinner and open bar
• Presentation of the 22nd BEAs
• Presentation of the scholarship and bursary awards
• Entertainment by Zlatni List as well as anthems by Julijana Hajdinjak and Andrew Sporcic
• Silent auction and raffle – proceeds of which will be used to benefit the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund
• Croatian wine and cocktail tasting with United Stars

Hotel Reservations

Enjoy a special group rate at Holiday Inn & Suites Oakville @ Bronte.

Holiday Inn & Suites Oakville @ Bronte reservations. : Book your group rate here!

Nomination Process

Deadline: March 23, 2026

Nominations will be considered for two consecutive years and do not have to be refiled the second year.  Nominations received in 2025 will be automatically entered and considered.

Those nominated but not recognized after two years may be nominated again by filing a nomination package with updated information.

There is no cap on the number of nomination packages eligible for submission.

All nominations must be submitted in writing. Verbal nominations will not be accepted. Nominations may be made by on-line submission, regular mail, e-mail, or hand delivery.

Click HERE for Award Categories and Nomination Forms

Nomination Criteria

Consideration will be given to performance and achievement in any of, but not limited to, the following areas:

• Leadership and entrepreneurship
• Product/service/market innovation
• Any unique business achievements
• Sales and/or employment growth and technological advancement
• Excellence in community relations/promotion
• Customer service and reliability
• High standards of employee relations

Selection Process

The award recipients are determined through a voting panel composed of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the previous year’s award recipients.  The selection process is moderated and approved by the Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia.

Announcement of Award Recipients

The names of the award recipients will be announced at the 22nd Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala on Friday, May 8, 2026 in Burlington, Ontario.  The names will also be published on the Chamber’s website as well as by news release.

Nominations are encouraged from all members and friends of the Chamber and the greater Croatian-Canadian communities across Canada.

Chamber membership is not required to nominate or be nominated as an award candidate.

Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!

As a not-for-profit organization, we depend upon the generosity of businesses and individuals to help make this event a great success and sustain various initiatives of the Chamber including subsidizing educational initiatives and supporting the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund.