Hosted by Sam Laprade in partnership with the Ottawa Board of Trade, delves into various facets of Ottawa's business community. The episode starts with a dialogue with Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, highlighting the City Building Summit and its implications for business and policy in Ottawa. It emphasizes the need for city infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and a national urban strategy to drive economic growth. The conversation then shifts to include Michael Allen, President and CEO of United Way East Ontario, focusing on social justice issues and the community's role in economic development. Lastly, the episode features Jennifer Stewart, President and CEO of Syntax Strategic discussing her journey in the business world, women's leadership, and her media platform The Honest Talk. Another significant segment includes the celebration of 50 years in business for Capital Office Interiors with insights from owner Mike McCarthy and VP of sales Jeff Snyder about the evolution of workplace design and their company's adaptation to changing market demands.

00:00 Welcome to Ottawa Business Matters

00:36 Spotlight on Sueling Ching: Insights from the City Building Summit

05:58 Exploring the Future of Ottawa: Housing, Youth Engagement, and Economic Development

13:20 Michael Allen on Community Wealth Building and Social Justice

25:09 Jennifer Stewart: Leading with Vision and Authenticity

30:16 Exciting Announcements and Personal Stories

30:32 Empowering Women in Business and Life

31:37 The Birth of a Digital Media Platform

32:22 Encouragement for Future Entrepreneurs

34:08 The Importance of Networking and Community Support

38:02 Celebrating 50 Years of Business Success

41:03 The Evolution of Office Spaces

47:47 A Legacy of Adaptation and Growth

49:51 Joining the Capital Office Team

50:46 Reflecting on 50 Years and Looking Ahead

Read the full transcript here

Host Sam Laprade interviews Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, about the impactful City Building Summit. The event, which started in 2019, focuses on how the business community can influence Ottawa's growth, infrastructure, and policies to foster economic development, especially in the context of post-pandemic changes. Discussions covered the shifts in the city core, work from home trends, and federal asset strategies, highlighting Ottawa's unique position as the capital. They also touched on engaging youth in city planning, the federal budget's housing initiatives, and upcoming events organized by the Ottawa Board of Trade aimed at promoting thought leadership and community among business leaders. The conversation underscores the importance of collaboration, strategic planning, and inclusivity in developing a thriving, forward-looking city.

In this interview, host Sam Laprade interviews Michael Allen, President and CEO of United Way East Ontario, discussing the organization's involvement in the City Building Summit for the Ottawa Board of Trade. They explore how United Way's work in addressing social justice issues like homelessness, addictions, and inclusion is integral to the economic fabric of the community. Allen emphasizes the importance of the business, charitable, and governmental sectors working together to build 'community wealth,' ensuring economic benefits are inclusive and support local growth. The conversation also covers United Way's response to critical issues such as intimate partner violence and youth addictions, showcasing their dedication to both prevention and support. Additionally, they touch on efforts to combat hate and promote kindness within the community.

On this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, Sam Laprade hosts the owner of Capital Business Interiors and VP of sales, Mike McCarthy, along with Jeff Snyder, to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. The conversation recounts the company's inception by McCarthy's father in 1974, its evolution, and its response to market changes and technological advancements. McCarthy reflects on personal milestones, the transition of leadership following his father's passing in 1996, and the company's focus on maintaining core values and adapting office space designs to meet modern needs. Snyder, having been with the company for 30 years, emphasizes their commitment to client relationships and adaptability in various market sectors, including healthcare and education. The episode highlights the importance of workspace design in reflecting company culture, fostering innovation, and the company's plans for celebrating their 50th anniversary while continuing to serve the Ottawa community.

This episode of Ottawa Business Matters, hosted by Sam Laprade delves into the many facets of supporting and fostering growth within Ottawa's business community. It features discussions on the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the economy, including their substantial contribution to employment and the cultural landscape. Special attention is given to the importance of local advocacy, networking opportunities, and the push for buying and hiring locally as means to stimulate the community's economic and social fabric. Guests include Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, Chantall Yelle from Hire Local Ottawa, and Kathrynin Tremblay, CEO of Altis Recruitment, shedding light on various initiatives aimed at building a supportive and competitive business environment in Ottawa. The episode also highlights the inspirational journey of Marc Plante, founder of Stray Dog Brewery, illustrating the profound impact of local businesses on their communities. Together, the discussions underscore the collective effort and passion driving the success and vibrancy of Ottawa's local business scene.

00:00 Welcome to Ottawa Business Matters

00:52 Spotlight on SMEs: The Backbone of Ottawa's Economy

03:40 The Power of Buying and Hiring Local

12:48 Chantall Yelle on the Importance of Hiring Local Talent

25:02 Kathryn Tremblay: CEO of the Year Shares Her Journey

30:06 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

30:53 The Power of Mentorship and Embracing Vulnerability

32:12 Navigating Career Changes and the Importance of Continuous Learning

33:57 Mastering Virtual Interviews in the Modern Job Market

35:39 Busting Myths About Hiring and Emphasizing Personal Growth

37:28 From Homebrewer to Entrepreneur: The Stray Dog Brewery Story

40:44 The Role of Community and Networking in Business Success

48:32 Crafting Creativity and Innovation in the Beer Industry

49:17 The Philosophy Behind Stray Dog Brewery

50:15 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Supporting Local

Read the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/M3EtGnf1No8

In an insightful discussion, Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, shares her perspectives on the vital role and impact of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Ottawa and across Canada. Representing 99% of businesses and employing over 90% of the workforce, SMEs are the backbone of the economy and community life, driving culture, and neighborhood development. Ching emphasizes the Board of Trade's efforts to support SMEs through networking, resources, advocacy for competitive policies, and emphasis on buying and hiring locally to foster community wealth and sustainability. The interview also touches on the significance of interprovincial trade, the blend of local and fresh talent in the job market, and the broader work of the Board in making Ottawa an attractive place for living, working, and doing business. Future challenges like climate change and AI are acknowledged, along with the business community's role in philanthropy, highlighting the intertwined nature of business success and community development.

In this episode, Chantall Yelle from Hire Local Ottawa joins the host to discuss the importance of hiring locally and supporting post-secondary institutions in Ottawa. Hire Local Ottawa represents a consortium of four post-secondary institutions: Algonquin College, Carleton University, La Cité, and the University of Ottawa. The organization emphasizes the necessity of providing work experience to local and international students within Ottawa to retain talent post-graduation. Through collaboration with entities like Invest Ottawa, the City of Ottawa, and the Ottawa Board of Trade, they aim to synchronize industry events and set up comprehensive career fairs, thereby building a talent pipeline for local employers. Chantall shares insights on the initiative's efforts to connect students with job opportunities, especially in high-demand sectors like cybersecurity and AI, and underscores the significance of soft and transferable skills across different industries. Future aspirations for Hire Local Ottawa include strengthening their message and the consistent hosting of job fairs, promoting a community-driven approach to local hiring.

In this inspiring episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade interviews Marc Plante, co-founder of Stray Dog Brewery, about his transition from a hobbyist homebrewer to a successful entrepreneur. Marc shares his early passion for brewing, the challenges of starting a brewery in Orleans, Ontario, and how Stray Dog Brewery has grown to become a community hub. Marc emphasizes the importance of being part of the Ottawa Board of Trade and the role of creativity and community involvement in the business's success. Reflecting a spirit of resilience and innovation, Marc's story is a testament to how embracing one's passion can lead to fulfilling entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade interviews Kathryn Tremblay, who was awarded CEO of the year for 2021 in Ottawa. They discuss the origins and growth of Altis Recruitment, founded by Tremblay and her late husband 35 years ago, which now makes about 8,000 placements a year with a focus on IT and professional levels. Tremblay reflects on what winning CEO of the year meant to her, highlighting the impact of her achievement on women and the importance of mentorship. She addresses overcoming imposter syndrome, the value of admitting what you don't know, and the significance of preparing for change and supporting mental health in the workplace. The conversation also touches on job-seeking advice, with tips for career changers and insights into the hiring process, including busting myths about job applications and the value of transferable skills.

In this interview, host Sam Laprade interviews Sueling Ching, the President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade. They discuss the economic impact and community significance of the Tulip Festival in Ottawa, noting its substantial contribution to the local economy and its role in building partnerships and drawing visitors worldwide. The conversation also covers the Ottawa Board of Trade's efforts in city building, including the upcoming City Builder event aimed at shaping the future of Ottawa. They delve into various topics such as downtown revitalization, energy transition, and significant infrastructure projects like the LRT and the new hospital. Highlighting the importance of community and business leaders working together, the discussion underscores the broad spectrum of members involved in the Board of Trade, from small businesses to major corporations, and the collective effort to drive economic growth and community innovation post-pandemic.