The Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Register Online for OCC Events

jodylundrigan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:32:42 +0000

To speed up the registration process and serve you better, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is promoting online registration for many of its prestigious events:

Annual General Meeting

An Evening with the Deputy Ministers

Ontario Business Achievement Awards

How To Register Online

On each event page, you will find a “REGISTER ONLINE” link…

Step 1: Click the ‘REGISTER ONLINE’ link

Step 2: An ‘Event Registration’ window will pop up asking you to insert your login and password [Note: You can find this information on your invitation or annual membership confirmation form.]; click ‘Continue’ at the bottom of the screen

Step 3: Select a member representative from the list by clicking on the appropriate member representative name (you may have to scroll down to find the appropriate member representative)

Step 4: Your contact information should be automatically inserted into the appropriate fields in the next window, so simply click ‘Next’ at the bottom of the screen

Step 5: Select the appropriate fee type and the amount automatically populates the appropriate field; click ‘Next’ at the bottom of the screen

Step 6: Selecting your method of payment

If you chose ‘You will be invoiced for the amount due’, click finish and an invoice will be sent to you/your organization

If you chose ‘Online Credit Card Payment or PayPal’:

Click ‘Next’ at the bottom of the screen
Insert your credit card information and click ‘Purchase Now’

Congratulations! You have completed your online registration and are ready to attend a memorable OCC event. (Note: A confirmation email will be sent).

Chambers, Universities And Non-Profits In Guelph Are Making Innovation Tangible

jodylundrigan — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:32:47 +0000

GUELPH: On Thursday, February 2, 2012, the Guelph and Ontario Chambers of Commerce will join the Guelph mayor, Innovation Guelph and the University of Guelph for an innovation breakfast and panel discussion on how to develop a stronger culture of innovation in Ontario. Kevin Hall, Vice President of Research at the University of Guelph will deliver keynote remarks entitled “An Innovation Legacy”, prior to the panel.

A recent Ontario Chamber of Commerce report, Emerging Stronger: A Transformative Agenda for Ontario, outlines the lagging productivity levels of Canada and Ontario in comparison with its U.S. and OECD counterparts. This panel discussion explores how communities can collaborate to foster an innovation culture with strategic business, non-profit, academic and political partners.

This special keynote and panel discussion is made possible through partnership among the Chamber Executives of Ontario, Guelph Chamber of Commerce, Council of Ontario Universities and the Ontario Economic Summit (OES) and is an amalgamation of the OES Connect to Innovate initiative and Pulse on Innovation series.

WHAT: Making Innovation Tangible: An Innovation Breakfast and Panel Discussion

WHO: Kevin Hall, Vice President (Research), University of Guelph

Tim Feil, Manager, Linex Manufacturing (Division of Linamar Corporation)

Matt Rendall, CEO, Clearpath Robotics

Todd Letts, President, Chamber Executives of Ontario

Erin Skimson, Director, Business Development, University of Guelph

Karen Farbridge, Mayor, City of Guelph

Kirk Roberts, Executive Director, Innovation Guelph

Lloyd Longfield, President & CAO, Guelph Chamber of Commerce

WHEN: Thursday, February 2, 2012: 7:45-9:45 a.m.

WHERE: Delta Guelph Hotel, 50 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 0A9

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Ontario Economic Summit Connect To Innovate: http://occ-oes.com/connect-to-innovate

For further information or to schedule an interview, contact:

Jody Lundrigan, Media and Communications Manager

P: (416) 482-5222 x2410

E: jodylundrigan@occ.on.ca

News in a Nutshell (January 23 – January 27)

erinriach — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:05:46 +0000

Mowat Centre and Ontario Chamber of Commerce Release New Economic Vision for Ontario

erinriach — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:33:09 +0000

Toronto – The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Mowat Centre at the University of Toronto have released a new, ambitious,and transformational agenda that will enable Ontario to rise above current economic challenges.

The new report, Emerging Stronger, identifies five key strategic priorities for Ontario, and the concrete steps necessary to make Ontario more competitive, productive, and globally connected.

“Ontario has an extraordinary economic future,” says Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “To reach our full potential we must realistically identify the challenges we face, take leadership in advancing productivity, skills development and fiscal responsibility, and mobilize our enormous competitive advantages in the global economy.”

The report comes at a time when Ontario faces a major turning point in its economic history. The economic downturn, high levels of government and consumer debt, the relative decline of the U.S. economy, and new patterns of global competition and cooperation pose a new set of challenges and opportunities for the province.

“We are transitioning away from many of the old industries that were the foundations of Ontario’s prosperity for generations while the global economy is undergoing a geopolitical re-ordering,” says Matthew Mendelsohn, Director of the Mowat Centre.

Neither consumer nor government spending in North America can be counted on to kick start to economic growth, adds Mendelsohn.

The report notes that federal and provincial governments, along with the private sector and other actors, must align their goals and focus on areas where Ontario holds competitive advantages in the global economy.

At a time when the Ontario government is looking to curb spending and implement reforms, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Mowat Centre, supported by Leger Marketing, are pleased to add the voice of Ontario’s business and civic leaders to the debate through this report.

Emerging Stronger is based on broad consultation with Ontario’s business, government,and civic leaders, with feedback from participants at the Ontario Economic Summit.

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To read the entire report, please click here: http://occ.on.ca/economic-vision/

Chamber Network And Provincial Leaders Recognize Len Crispino

jodylundrigan — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:14:43 +0000

On January 24, 2012, the Chamber Network as well as political and bureaucratic leaders came together to recognize the prestigious career and generous personality of Len Crispino as retires from his post as President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Premier Dalton McGuinty, London Chamber CEO Gerry Macartney, John Howard and OCC Board Chair David Sword spoke to the impact of Len’s work on the province, while the Honourable Bill Davis’ daughter read an animated letter from the former premier.

Many chamber representatives, former Premier Ernie Eves, current and former cabinet and deputy ministers as well as the OCC staff and board were among the crowd who gathered to celebrate Len’s achievements, personal and professional.

Offering thanks to everyone who has impacted his life and career, Len offered these words of wisdom, “Remember to always be unreasonable, don’t take yourself too seriously and never lose that sense of wonderment.”

Sincere thanks go out from Len, his family and the OCC team to everyone who attended and sent their wishes.

OCC Releases 2012 Advocacy Handbook

liammcguinty — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:18:24 +0000

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), in partnership with Advocacy Solutions, is pleased to present the 2012 edition of the Advocacy Handbook.

The purpose of the Advocacy Handbook is to help local chambers of commerce and boards of trade in their advocacy efforts.

In the 2012 version, you will find:

A how-to-guide on advocating to government and elected officials, including advocating in person
Basic communication strategies that will allow you to develop and sustain relationships with local media
Templates for policy resolutions and news releases
Information on the various mechanisms available to you in developing policy positions within the OCC, including a detailed walk through of the OCC Policy Resolution Process

We hope you find the Advocacy Handbook useful. Please contact Angie Brennand at angiebrennand@occ.on.ca or 416-482-5222, ext. 2320 with any questions or comments.

Ryerson Welcomes Stephen Lewis

jodylundrigan — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:46:41 +0000

The Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University will be hosting a breakfast, co-supported by the Ryerson CSR Institute, with Mr. Stephen Lewis as part of the Dean’s Signature Speaker Series.

Mr. Lewis, an internationally recognized diplomat and envoy for humanitarian efforts, will present on the role of leadership, with an emphasis on corporate social responsibility, in promoting a different set of economic and social priorities for the 21st century.

Mr. Lewis has been awarded 34 honorary degrees from Canadian universities and was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada, Canada’s highest honour for lifetime achievement, in 2003.

Each year, the Dean’s Signature Speaker Series provides attendees with an opportunity to engage with a diverse group of Canadian leaders, whose presentations tackle issues of national and international significance.

Date: Monday, February 13, 2012

Time: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Registration: http://trs-signature.eventbrite.com/

Location:

7th Floor, Rm. TRS 1-150

Ted Rogers School of Management

55 Dundas St. West, Toronto

This event can also be found on the OCC Activities Calendar.

Located in the heart of Toronto’s business community, the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University is one of Canada’s largest undergraduate business schools. Its innovative programs are recognized for producing students who are immediately able to contribute to Canadian business.

Celebrating Earth Innovations: An EMA Success

erinriach — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:31:26 +0000

The Export Market Access (EMA) program works with amazing companies from across the province. We recently caught up with one of them to discuss their success and the EMA program. Earth Innovations is an Ottawa based company with five employees, working hard to export their product around the world.

EMA: Tell us about your company.

EI: Earth Innovations Inc is an Ottawa based “cleantech” company that manufactures and distributes a range of eco-friendly products. Our product line currently includes EcoTraction, an eco-friendly alternative to toxic road salt; EcoCompo, a compost and green recycle bin deodorizer; and EcoAiro, an all natural odour and moisture control product. Our products are currently distributed in over 5000 retail outlets in Canada, the US and Europe.

EMA: What makes your company unique?

EI: Earth Innovations stable of “green” products are all based on a naturally occurring mineral called Zeolite. Earth Innovations Inc has created innovative products that outperform the status-quo by leveraging technology and the chemistry of nature with the modern needs of an increasingly eco-conscious society.

EMA: As a company focused on an export market, please speak to the importance of being export-oriented.

EI: Being export-oriented allows your company to expand its distribution network, increase revenue and diversity risk by exposing your company to new markets.

EMA: Do you have any advice for others?

EI: Finding a strategic partner in your targeted export market can accelerate your access to foreign markets. Use the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service for assistance in your target market.

EMA: How did you hear about the EMA program?

EI: Another entrepreneur involved in the green business referred it to me.

EMA: How has the EMA program helped you?

EI: EMA has subsidized a portion of the travel costs and tradeshow fees of a few International trade shows that we attended. Both these trade missions generated new sales and strategic partnerships, which helped us grow our business.

EMA: Is there anything else you would like to comment on?

EI: If you want to benefit from the program, plan months ahead, triple check which expenses are covered and keep meticulous digital records and notes of every single expense incurred.

Announcing Allan O’Dette As New OCC President & CEO

jodylundrigan — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:55:59 +0000

The Board of Directors of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Allan O’Dette has been selected as the new President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC).

“Appointing an experienced advocate who has been very active within the Chamber movement will help ensure that the voice of Ontario businesses and chambers is heard,” said David Sword, Chair of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “This is of particular importance in light of a shifting global economy and renewed fiscal restraint at all three levels of government. It is a time when the priorities of businesses need to continue to be advanced.”

Allan most recently held the position of Director of External Relations (Ontario), and National Private Markets for GlaxoSmithKline Canada Inc.

He is a past President and Chair of the Board of the Canadian Club of Toronto, has served for five years on the Board of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and is active on the boards of Life Sciences Ontario (LSO), as well as the Greater Toronto Civic Action Alliance.

With over 25 years experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, Allan has served the industry association as a regional Vice-Chair and is currently the Chair of the National Private Payer Committee for Canada’s Researched Based Pharmaceutical Companies.

Allan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trent University and an MBA from the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto.

Allan will assume his role at the OCC effective early February, 2012.

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC): The OCC is a network of 160 local chambers of commerce and boards of trade in the Province of Ontario, representing 60,000 businesses of all sizes, in all economic sectors and from every area of the Province. Being recognized as the single, most influential and respected voice for business in Ontario, OCC’s over-arching goal is to build a world renowned business environment that creates a more competitive Ontario.

For further information or to schedule an interview, contact:

Jody Lundrigan, Manager of Media and Communications

P: 416-482-5222, ext 241

E: jodylundrigan@occ.on.ca