OUR STORY

Nikola Tesla has been our personal inspiration for as long as we can recall. For many years, we were astonished at the lack of awareness by the general public about this genius who has given the world so much. In the past few years, however, people have discovered Nikola Tesla.

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A small group of us started discussing the opportunities in our community, here in Hamilton. We approached Bob Bratina, former Mayor of Hamilton with our vision. The Mayor asked about Mr Tesla’s connection to Hamilton. He knew the answer and proceeded to educate us about it, as follows:

  • Hamilton was the first major city to receive AC electricity in Canada.

  • The 'Five Johns' built the oldest power generating station, in operation today, in Canada,

  • All the power was shipped to Hamilton via the second longest power line in the world at the time,

  • Hamilton became to be known as the 'Electric City'

  • The city prospered and grew partly because it had the 'Cheapest Electrical Power'

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Our organization was incorporated in April 2014. On May 15, 2014 our organization held its inaugural meeting where we adopted a set of bylaws, a mission statement and appointed our first board of directors and officers. As of April 17, 2015 the Nikola Tesla Educational Corporation is a Canadian Registered Charity in support of schools and education.

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On October 6, 2015, NTEC’s president led a group of presenters which included Ves Sobot, Dr. Colin Campbell and Michael Wolfe in a presentation to the City of Hamilton Planning Committee.  The Planning Committee was considering NTEC’s request to rename a portion of Burlington Street to Nikola Tesla Expressway.  With a unanimous approval of the motion from Councillor Chad Collins, the matter was referred to City Council for final approval.

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On October 14, 2015, the recommendation came before City of Hamilton Council, with only a minor motion to replace 'expressway' in the name, Council unanimously approved the renaming to Nikola Tesla Boulevard.

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NTEC’s next step was to raise the funds, estimated at $150,000, to pay for the necessary signage changes. Target date to change the  name was set for late June 2016 in time for Nikola Tesla’s 160th birthday, on July 10, 2016.

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January 1st, 2016 NTEC launched the fundraising campaign, 'Put Tesla on the Map.' Donation came far and near. Donation were received from private individuals and companies.

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Tesla’s Ambassadors with their CEO Niko Tesla from Australia joined in on the campaign to help raise awareness of NTEC’s fundraising drive and through their support donations came from as far away as India and Australia.

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As part of the Fundraising campaign, a Gala fundraiser was held on April 2, 2016. The major event sponsor was Winona Vine Estates, who donated the hall and all profit from the event.  Thanks to Paganini Band for the donation and providing the free live entertainment. It was an astounding sold out event with 530 people in attendance.

 

Anita Djordjevic from All Seasons Travel, after becoming a Platinum Sponsor, took it upon herself and with the support of our director Gordana Lakovic, teamed up to organize a second Fundraiser for April 9, 2016 at SCA Oplenac.  That also was a sold out. Thanks to SNA Oplenac the official sponsor for providing the hall facilities. Even though NTEC by April 9th, 2016 had successfully raised the target of $150,000.00 which was enough to pay for the signs, donation continued to come in, including a Double diamond donation of $20,000.00. In the end the fundraising efforts totaled an astonishing $210,000.00. 

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NTEC continues to accept Donation with all funds dedicated to the awards and scholarships for students. Donation can be can be made online using Paypal with the option to use credit cards, wire transfer, e-transfer, by mailing in cheque or in person. Full options and details available on the donation page.

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On Sunday July 10th, Nikola Tesla’s birthday, the City of Hamilton officially inaugurated Nikola Tesla Blvd at 12 noon with a parade led by the Burlington Teen Tour Band (BTTB) with over 100 marching musicians.  A fleet of Tesla automobiles brought all the dignitaries to the ribbon cutting site under a newly installed Nikola  Tesla Boulevard sign.

 

 

Ceremonies were officiated by Mr. Vic Djurdjevic, President of NTEC

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Official proclamation read by Acting Major/Ward 10 Councilor Maria Pearson

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Joining the ribbon cutting were

H.E. Mihailo PAPAZOGLU, Ambasodor of the Repubic of Serbia

Mr. Bob  Bratina, MP East Hamilton-Stoney Creek

Ms Filomena Tassi, MP West Hamilton Ancaster Dundas

Mr. Paul Miller, MPP East hamilton Stoney Creek

Mr. Mila Lesic

Mr & Mrs Alex Novakovic

Ms. Milena Balta

Ms. Gordana Lakovic

Ms Anita Djordjevic

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After the ceremonies, all guest joined the festivities at the Tesla Electric Festival by Lake Ontario.  This was a day for the history books for both the City of Hamilton & Nikola Tesla.

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NTEC is turning its attention to the next priorities:

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  • Established post-secondary scholarship,

  • Working to secure the naming of a high school – 'Nikola Tesla Secondary School',

  • Inclusion of Nikola Tesla in the school curriculum,

  • Awards for elementary and secondary schools, Up to 100 awards,

  • Delivering presentation to school on Nikola Tesla & connection to Hamilton,

  • Awarding 'Nikola Tesla Innovation Awards' at Bay Area Science and Engineering Fairs (BASEF),  70 awards,

  • McMaster University – $10,000 Scholarship awarded

  • Partnership with City of Hamilton on Public Art Project 'Hamilton the electric City, Nikola Tesla & the 5 Johns'.

DIRECTORS

  • Veroslav (Vic) Djurdjevic, BA, CPA, CMA – President

  • Mile Popovic – Vice-President

  • Gordana Lakovic – Secretary & Director of Marketing and Outreach

  • Blagica Vincic – Director for Toronto area

  • Jagoda Mirceta

  • Aleksanda Stojanovic

  • Zoran Cvijetic - Treasurer

  • Dr. Colin Campbell

  • Milena Balta

EDUCATION & CURRICULUM COMMITTEE

  • Dr. Majda Djordjevic

  • Dr. Colin Campbell

  • Vic Djurdjevic