In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade discusses key developments in the Ottawa business community with leaders from the Ottawa Board of Trade, Invest Ottawa, and the city government. Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, highlights the recent 167th Annual General Meeting and their initiatives to invigorate the local economy. City Manager Wendy Stephanson shares her vision for the city's development and the importance of women in leadership roles. Brendan McGuinty, Chair of the Ottawa Board of Trade, emphasizes the critical need for collaboration among various sectors to foster a balanced and thriving economy. New 40 Under 40 awardee, Eric Saumure from Zenbooks, discusses the challenges and milestones of his entrepreneurial journey and the importance of community involvement. The episode underscores the dynamic efforts shaping Ottawa's future and the essential role of local businesses and leaders in this ongoing transformation.

00:00 Introduction to Ottawa Business Matters 00:48 Highlights from the 167th Annual General Meeting 03:37 Celebrating Young Leaders: 40 Under 40 Event 05:18 Sonya Shorey: New President of Invest Ottawa 06:54 The Value of Ottawa Board of Trade Membership 09:33 Collaborative Efforts for Ottawa's Economic Growth 13:04 Interview with Wendy Stephanson: Ottawa's First Female City Manager 14:42 The Importance of Business in Ottawa 16:25 Challenges and Opportunities in Ottawa 22:40 Reflecting on Ottawa's Growth and Future 25:45 Reflecting on the AGM and Board of Trade's Evolution 28:28 Challenges and Opportunities for Ottawa's Growth 29:38 Addressing the Downtown Core and Hybrid Work Model 33:22 Personal Reflections and Community Involvement 37:52 Interview with Eric Saumure: 40 Under 40 Awardee 39:42 Zenbooks: Modernizing the Accounting Experience 42:43 Balancing Business and Personal Life 45:44 Advocacy and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 50:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Read the full transcript here

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, Sam Laprade interviews Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade. They discuss the highlights of the 167th Annual General Meeting, the Board's recent activities, and the positive business atmosphere as the city emerges from the pandemic. The episode also explores the successes of the 40 Under 40 event and the enthusiasm surrounding Sonia Shorey's appointment as President of Invest Ottawa. Additionally, Ching emphasizes the importance of policy, advocacy, and collaboration with government officials to support business growth and prosperity in Ottawa.

In this episode, Sam interviews Wendy Stephanson, the first female city manager of Ottawa, about her experiences and initiatives since her appointment. Wendy shares insights into female leadership, the importance of collaboration with the Ottawa Board of Trade, and efforts to boost the city's economy, housing, and community well-being. They discuss the city's growing vibrancy, the challenges it faces, and the transformative projects in place to shape Ottawa's future. Wendy also reflects on her unplanned career journey and the significant role her team plays in making the city thrive.

In this episode, Sam hosts Brendan McGuinty, the chair of the Ottawa Board of Trade. McGuinty shares insights into the goals and achievements of the board, highlighting its commitment to balanced economic growth and the importance of collaboration with various sectors. The conversation covers the diverse and inclusive nature of Ottawa's business community, the challenges posed by the post-pandemic environment, and the strategies for revitalizing the downtown core amid changing work patterns. McGuinty also reflects on his personal passion for public policy and community involvement, encouraging others to get involved and contribute to the city's ongoing development.

Eric Saumure from Zenbooks, who was recently honored as a 40 Under 40 awardee joins Sam Laprade to get his reaction to receiving the award, the camaraderie with other winners, and how Zenbooks stands out by utilizing modern technology to simplify accounting for small business owners and nonprofit leaders. He shares his journey of balancing business success with personal challenges, including his recent achievements and community involvement. Eric provides valuable insights into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, balancing personal life, and taking bold steps like advocating for tax deadline extensions. He offers practical advice for budding entrepreneurs and individuals navigating the complexities of taxes and accounting.

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade delves into various facets of the Ottawa business community. Featuring an in-depth discussion with Alain Minguelez, Vice President of Capital Planning at the National Capital Commission (NCC), who shares insights on current and future city planning projects. Dr. Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health for the City of Ottawa, highlights the latest mental health initiatives and the importance of collaborative efforts for city revitalization. Jacqueline Belsito, President of the Senators Community Foundation, talks about her journey and the impactful work being done to support youth and community projects. Bill Ayyad, COO of TAAG, discusses the firm's growth and its commitment to local community partnerships. The episode also celebrates Sonya Shorey's new role as President of Invest Ottawa. Tune in for a comprehensive look at how business, health, and community efforts are intertwining to build a thriving Ottawa.

00:00 Introduction to Ottawa Business Matters 00:42 Interview with Alain Minguelez: NCC's Role in City Planning 01:37 NCC's Current Projects and Future Plans 03:31 The Importance of Partnerships in City Building 04:54 NCC's Contribution to Ottawa's Tourism and Economy 06:03 NCC's Role in the Downtown Action Plan 07:28 Alain Minguelez's Journey and Role at NCC 08:22 Collaboration and Community Engagement 12:54 Interview with Dr. Vera Etches: Health and Business in Ottawa 15:19 Mental Health and Addictions Toolkit for Businesses 17:30 Ottawa's Downtown Action Plan and Health Initiatives 22:36 The Role of Social Connection in Community Health 25:19 Interview with Jacqueline Belsito: Revitalizing the SENS Foundation 27:53 Supporting Mental Health in Schools 28:19 Jacqueline's Journey: From High Tech to Philanthropy 29:39 The Power of Relationships in Philanthropy 31:54 Inspiration and Mentorship 32:44 The Magic of Hockey and Community Impact 36:10 Words of Wisdom for Young Women 38:07 Introducing Bill Ayyad and TAAG 38:47 TAAG's Growth and Community Involvement 40:40 The Importance of Community Partnerships 43:23 Challenges and Successes in Talent Acquisition 46:15 Revitalizing Downtown Ottawa 48:39 Ride for Dad and Personal Passions 50:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Read the full transcript here

Host Sam Laprade sits down with Alain Minguelez, Vice President of Capital Planning at the National Capital Commission (NCC). Alain discusses his role as Chief Planner, overseeing numerous projects aiming to enhance livability in Ottawa. Highlights include the redevelopment of Nepean Point into Kiewecki Point, upgrades to Lady Grey Wall and Rideau Canal lights, and new ventures like bistros at Bate Island, Leamy Lake, and Hogsback Park. Emphasizing collaboration with entities like the Ottawa Board of Trade, Alain explains the NCC's mission to merge urban and natural landscapes, support tourism, and foster economic growth. He also shares insights on NCC's long-term strategies and its increasing openness and community engagement.

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade sits down for an in-depth conversation with Dr. Vera Etches, the Medical Officer of Health for the City of Ottawa. They discuss the pivotal role Dr. Etches played during the pandemic, the importance of mental health resources for businesses, and the launch of a new toolkit by the Ottawa Public Health. The conversation highlights ongoing collaborations with the Ottawa Board of Trade, the impact of urban planning on public health, and practical steps for business owners to support mental well-being in their communities. Dr. Etches emphasizes the necessity of social connections, mental health awareness, and comprehensive community planning for a healthier Ottawa.

In this episode, Jacqueline Belsito, President of the Senators Community Foundation, discusses her role in revitalizing the foundation and her extensive career journey. With a background in high tech, marketing, and philanthropy, Belsito shares insights into her strategic and community-oriented approach to fundraising. She highlights the foundation's efforts in tackling significant city issues like housing, education, and youth support. Belsito also talks about the importance of mentorship, the impact of the Ottawa Senators' new ownership, and her dedication to lifting others in her community. Her inspiring story emphasizes perseverance, trusting in one's talents, and the transformative power of education and community support.

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade interviews Bill Ayyad, COO of TAAG. They discuss the significant growth of TAAG since Bill joined in 2020, expanding from a small team to over 80 employees despite the pandemic. Bill highlights TAAG's comprehensive suite of services, including accounting, tax, law, marketing and design, and wealth management, all under one roof. The conversation also covers TAAG's deep community involvement through initiatives like sponsorships of local events and charities, including the Ride for Dad and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS). Additionally, Bill notes TAAG's collaboration with the Ottawa Board of Trade and speaks on their efforts to attract and retain talent within the organization.