After celebrating a successful first year in November 2008, East Coast Connected reflects on the success of the past year and what's to come in 2009.

ECC was the brainchild of a small group and has now grown into a collective of more than 2000 people in Toronto and Atlantic Canada.

In 2008, ECC engaged members with business and social functions, ranging from the Coast and Cocktails series to the wildly successful Atlantic Business Summit. To give back to the community “at home and away”, East Coast Connected supported the East Coast Charity Ball and officially launched the East Coast Army with General (Ret.) Rick Hillier.

In 2009, ECC will build on its successful business events with the 2009 Coast & Cocktails series and the second annual Atlantic Business Summit.

"The Army" continues to gain strength in Toronto and will introduce a number of social, charitable and sporting initiatives throughout 2009 – giving expats an opportunity to contribute to the community while having a great time with other Atlantic Canadians in Toronto.

The first "Army" event will be an evening of East Coast music with Shaydid at Grace O’Malleys on February 26, 2009. Proceeds will go to charity. Sociable!

Be sure to check the website regularly for upcoming events.

In the words of Great Big Sea, “she’s goin’ up bys”!