This episode of Ottawa Business Matters features an in-depth conversation with Michael Curran, the publisher of the Ottawa Business Journal (OBJ). The discussion unfolds Michael's career journey, the inception of OBJ, its evolution, and its adaptability in the changing landscape of media. From its beginnings with a small team, OBJ has become a cornerstone in the Ottawa business community, providing up-to-the-minute news and hosting influential events. Michael shares insights into the shift towards digital media in 1999, how OBJ has navigated through the pandemic, and its approach to community involvement and recognition through events like 40 under 40. The episode also touches on future business events, the importance of community contribution, and the positive changes happening in Ottawa from a city-building perspective. Michael's ethos of positive storytelling and community participation shines throughout, along with his personal reflection on balancing work and life.

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade interviews Heather Norris, President and CEO of the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE), discussing the organization's adaptive efforts during the pandemic to ensure children had access to food despite school closures. They shifted their school breakfast program to deliver over 700,000 meal kits in collaboration with local agencies. The conversation extends to ONFE's important relationship with the business community, highlighting their partnership with the Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Business Journal to support programs like JA Ottawa, which focuses on financial literacy and career readiness for youth. Heather Norris also emphasizes the need for a national school food program in Canada, stressing that current demands have outstripped resources, with the program now serving over 17,000 meals daily. The episode wraps up with a call to action for more community and government support for ONFE's initiatives and an invitation to their upcoming fundraising event, the Spark Soiree.

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, Sam Laprade talks with Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, about the board's advocacy for the business community, especially during budget seasons. They discuss the importance of involving businesses in government budget planning processes to foster economic growth. The episode covers the Board of Trade's strategies for ensuring business priorities are reflected in municipal, provincial, and federal budgets, highlighting the significance of collaboration between government, business, and the community, especially noted during the pandemic. Additionally, upcoming events and initiatives intended to engage various community sectors, including the youth, in city-building and economic development initiatives, are previewed.

This episode of Ottawa Business Matters, hosted by Sam Laprade in partnership with the Ottawa Board of Trade, dives deep into the vibrant business landscape of Ottawa. Featuring discussions with influential figures such as Sueling Ching, the President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, and other notable guests like Michael Curran, publisher of the Ottawa Business Journal, and Heather Norris, CEO of the Ottawa Network for Education. The conversation revolves around the advocacy work of the Board of Trade, notably during budget seasons, and its efforts to prioritize government investment to spur economic growth. Insights into the support for small businesses, infrastructure investment, healthcare, and workforce development as pillars for progress are shared. Additionally, the show highlights the importance of community collaboration, as seen during the pandemic, and stresses the significance of keeping the momentum for collective success in city building. The discussion also extends to youth engagement in shaping the future and the crucial role businesses play in driving innovation and community prosperity. Moreover, success stories from Ottawa's thriving business sector, including that of Riaz Sidi, a 40 under 40 recipient, are presented to showcase the potential within the city for budding entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.

00:00 Welcome to Ottawa Business Matters: Amplifying Local Business Voices

00:40 Spotlight on Sueling Ching: Advocating for Ottawa's Business Community

00:51 The Importance of Government Budgets for Business Growth

02:20 Collaboration During the Pandemic: A Model for Future Growth

02:54 The Role of Businesses in Driving Economic and Community Prosperity

03:40 Preparing for Budget Season: Advocacy and Prioritization

04:54 The Power of Community and Business Partnerships

09:50 Highlighting Ottawa's Economic Ecosystem and Future Opportunities

11:10 City Building and Involving Young Leaders in Ottawa

13:12 Introducing Heather Norris: Education and Business Collaboration

16:45 The Critical Need for a National School Food Program

22:43 Engaging the Community: Upcoming Events and Calls to Action

25:28 Michael Curran: Reflecting on 25 Years with the Ottawa Business Journal

27:54 Evolving Media and the Importance of Pivoting

28:38 The Role and Passion Behind Journalism

28:54 Building a Business Model Around Community Engagement

29:55 Highlighting Upcoming Events and Community Impact

31:22 40 Under 40: Celebrating Future Business Leaders

33:25 Personal Reflections on Community Involvement

37:48 Riaz Sidi's Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Contributions

41:53 The Significance of the Ottawa Board of Trade

43:04 Encouraging Young Entrepreneurs and Community Engagement

45:01 Why Ottawa is an Ideal Place for Business and Community Growth

46:09 The Value of Membership in the Ottawa Board of Trade

Read the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/1u6k597B8Fz

This episode of 'Ottawa Business Matters' tackles the pressing topic of revitalizing Ottawa's downtown core post-pandemic. Hosted by Sam Laprade and in collaboration with the Ottawa Board of Trade, the episode features insights from Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, and other influential community members and business leaders. The discussion centers on the challenges faced by Ottawa's downtown area during the pandemic, including the shift towards remote work and its impact on local businesses and the public sector. The conversation also explores various strategies for revitalization, including fostering a more diverse and vibrant downtown community, leveraging Ottawa's reputation as a tech and innovation hub, and addressing social challenges. Furthermore, the episode highlights the importance of collaborative efforts among businesses, government, and citizens to support the downtown core's regeneration and ensure its long-term success as a cultural and economic hub.

00:29 Discussing the Changes in Ottawa's Downtown Core

00:57 The Impact of the Pandemic on Downtown Ottawa

01:44 The Opportunities and Challenges in Revitalizing Downtown

02:37 The Role of the Ottawa Board of Trade in City Building

05:06 The Vision for a Thriving Downtown Ottawa

07:04 The Importance of Supporting Small Businesses

12:19 The Journey of an Immigrant Entrepreneur

15:58 The Role of Women in Entrepreneurship

17:29 The Importance of Diversity and Representation in Business

21:20 The Role of a Business Coach in Supporting Immigrant Entrepreneurs

23:16 Introduction to Steve Ball and the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association

23:25 Impact of Tourism on Ottawa's Economy

23:56 Challenges and Recovery of the Hotel Industry Post-Pandemic

25:09 Role and Advocacy of the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association

26:12 Importance of the Ottawa-Gatineau Region

27:06 Addressing Labor and Travel Challenges in the Hotel Industry

28:24 Revitalizing Ottawa's Downtown Core

30:08 Community Outreach and Social Responsibility

33:05 Partnership with the Ottawa Board of Trade

34:43 Interview with Yasser Naqvi, MP for Ottawa Centre

35:47 Revitalizing Downtown Ottawa: Challenges and Solutions

46:23 Closing Remarks and Show Outro

Read the full transcript here

Tune in every Sunday at 8:00 PM as we unveil the authentic side of business in Ottawa on Rogers TV Ottawa.

Our city's business community is vibrant, creative, and innovative. Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Sam Laprade, hear stories about the people, places and priorities that drive our local economy and that are shaping our future.

Encore airtimes are Mondays at 11:00 AM, Wednesdays at 11:00 AM and Saturdays at 7:00 PM.

The episode features Ottawa Board of Trade's CEO, Sueling Ching, discussing the board's role in advocating for businesses; Ruby Williams from Deloitte shares her journey in mergers and acquisitions, and Susan Ingram from Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa talks about launching the social enterprise, Thrive. Additionally, Sonya Shorey, Interim President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, explains the role of the organization in creating jobs and community. The guests share the importance of collaboration, innovation, and mentorship in building a thriving business community, supporting small and medium enterprises, attracting talent, and tackling societal challenges.

00:00 Introduction to Ottawa Business Matters 00:39 Interview with Sueling Ching, CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade 01:02 The Role and Impact of the Ottawa Board of Trade 02:56 The Importance of Advocacy in Business 06:57 The Role of the Ottawa Board of Trade in the Business Community 07:52 The Impact of the Ottawa Board of Trade during the Pandemic 08:15 The Role of the Board of Directors in the Ottawa Board of Trade 12:21 Introduction to Ruby Williams from Deloitte 12:34 Ruby's Journey and Role at Deloitte 15:12 The Importance of Community Involvement and Membership in the Ottawa Board of Trade 17:08 The Role of Women in Leadership Positions 25:17 Introduction to Sonya Shorey and Invest Ottawa 25:31 Invest Ottawa's Response to the Pandemic 27:17 The Role and Impact of Invest Ottawa 28:35 The Importance of Tech Talent and Business Talent 29:28 The Role of Bayview Yards in Innovation 30:35 The Impact of Ottawa Innovators and Companies 31:39 The Importance of Triple Bottom Line Companies 32:49 How to Get Involved with Invest Ottawa 37:45 Introduction to Susan Ingram and Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa 38:05 The Journey to Establishing Thrive 40:27 The Importance of Community Support and Networking 41:39 The Thrive Store Experience 49:37 The Importance of Donations to Thrive

Read the full transcript here

Tune in every Sunday at 8:00 PM as we unveil the authentic side of business in Ottawa on Rogers TV Ottawa.

Our city's business community is vibrant, creative, and innovative. Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Sam Laprade, hear stories about the people, places and priorities that drive our local economy and that are shaping our future.

Encore airtimes are Mondays at 11:00 AM, Wednesdays at 11:00 AM and Saturdays at 7:00 PM.

Hosted by Sam Laprade, and presented by the Ottawa Board of Trade 'Ottawa Business Matters' is a podcast that explores business trends and opportunities in the Ottawa area. In this episode, Sam interviews Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, Catherine Callary from Ottawa Tourism, Shawn Hamilton from Proveras Commercial Realty, and Mona Abao from Changemaker Innovation Hub. The conversations cover a range of topics including the importance of events for business community, the impact of tourism on Ottawa's economy, the role of Proveras Commercial Realty in the cityscape, and the work of Changemaker Innovation Hub in fostering black entrepreneurship. Listen in for insights into Ottawa's thriving business community and the opportunities it offers.

00:00 Introduction to Ottawa Business Matters

00:37 Interview with Su Ling Ching, CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade

00:59 Importance of Events for the Business Community

01:50 Highlighting the 40 Under 40 Awards

04:59 The Significance of the Mayor's Breakfast

06:46 Promoting Women in Leadership through Events

08:45 The Impact of the Bobs on the Ottawa Business Community

09:50 The Benefits of Membership in the Ottawa Board of Trade

12:20 The Importance of Tourism in Ottawa

25:07 The Role of Proveras Commercial Realty in Ottawa's Business Landscape

26:54 Adapting Business to Meet People's Needs

27:33 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Business

28:30 Building a Business with a Purpose

29:24 The Power of Community in Times of Crisis

30:18 The Value of Patience and Listening in Leadership

31:05 The Influence of Personal Background on Career

33:55 The Role of Philanthropy in Business

34:45 The Future of Ottawa: A Vibrant City

38:08 The Importance of Supporting Black Entrepreneurs

44:18 The Journey of an Immigrant Entrepreneur

51:10 Conclusion: The Sky is the Limit

Read the full transcript here

On this episode, host Sam Laprade dives into important business topics with Ottawa business leaders

In her conversation with Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade the two discuss: - The need to directly support businesses and create a competitive business environment. - The role of the Ottawa Board of Trade in stirring the interest of businesses and dealing with city building issues i.e., thriving downtown, accessible transit, and housing. - Emphasizing that the future of cities will be driven by innovation and creativity.

In her conversation with with Erin Benjamin, CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association the two discuss: - Establishment of the Canadian Live Music Association, its work, and its mission to integrate music with the business community. - The economic impact of events and concerts to businesses and local communities in Ottawa. - The potential and opportunity of Ottawa to be a global concert destination.

In her conversation with Solange Tuyishime Keita of Elevate International, the two discuss: - Solange's journey from being a survivor of war and genocide to representing Canada at Mrs. World. - Her establishment of Elevate International and its aim to include women at the leadership table. - Inclusiveness and diversity in leadership, and how Ottawa has evolved for her.

Finally, in her interview with Devinder Chaudhary of Aiana: - The inspiration behind the creation of Aiana restaurant and its contribution to fine dining in Ottawa. - They discuss the business model of IANA where tipping is not encouraged, aiming for professional and standardized service. - The importance of a collective voice in the business community and the need for strong leadership in revitalizing downtown Ottawa.

00:41 Interview with Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade 01:25 Discussion on Business Support and Advocacy 02:48 Impact of the Pandemic on Business 05:03 Attracting Talent and Promoting Ottawa 07:07 Revitalizing the Downtown Core 10:17 Exploring Vibrant Areas in Ottawa 10:56 City Building Issues and the Role of Cities 12:57 Interview with Erin Benjamin, CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association 14:24 The Intersection of Music and Business 17:48 The Potential of Live Music and Music Tourism 25:14 Interview with Solange Tuyishime 26:13 Introducing the Guest: Solange's Journey 27:14 Solange's Representation of Canada 29:19 The Power of Pageantry and Leadership 30:28 Creating Elevate International: Empowering Women Leaders 31:50 The Unique Business Environment of Ottawa 34:09 Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Ottawa 35:38 Promoting Elevate International's Upcoming Events 37:31 Introducing the Next Guest: Devinder Chaudhary 37:43 The Story Behind Aiana Restaurant 42:25 The Impact of a No-Tipping Model in Restaurants 44:38 The Role of Ottawa Board of Trade in Business Advocacy 46:16 The Urgency of Downtown Revitalization 50:10 Closing Remarks and Invitation to Aiana

In this episode of 'Ottawa Business Matters', host Sam Laprade discusses how the Ottawa business community is navigating challenges and embracing opportunities.

Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, shares her reflections on the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and resilience for businesses during the pandemic.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe emphasizes the vibrancy and potential of the Ottawa economy.

Hugh Gorman, CEO of Colonnade Bridgeport, discusses the challenges and rewards of leadership and the importance of nurturing next-generation leaders.

Lastly, Sarah Chown, from Metropolitan Brasserie, highlights the significant role of local businesses in the economic ecosystem of Ottawa.

00:00 Introduction to Ottawa Business Matters 00:50 Interview with Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade 01:30 The Importance of Business Community in Ottawa 04:01 The Role and Benefits of Ottawa Board of Trade Membership 05:28 The Impact of Business on the Entire Community 05:34 The Future of Ottawa's Downtown Core 11:51 Interview with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe 13:42 The Importance of a Vibrant Economy in Ottawa 14:28 The Impact of Technological Disruption on Ottawa's Economy 19:36 The Role of the Private Sector in Ottawa's Economic Growth 25:30 Interview with Hugh Gorman, CEO of Colonnade Bridgeport 27:49 The Importance of Dreaming and Exploring in Business 28:34 Influential Figures in My Career 29:50 The Power of Creativity and Innovation in Business 30:49 The Impact of Supporting Newcomers in the Industry 31:32 The Interconnection of Business and Community 31:56 The Role of Business in Community Building 34:15 The Evolution of Leadership 35:06 The Importance of Work-Life Balance 45:16 The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses 47:38 The Power of Social Media in Business 49:59 The Role of the Ottawa Board of Trade in Business

Read and listen to the full transcript here

What matters to Ottawa Business?

That's what Sam Laprade and the Ottawa Board of Trade are here to amplify on Ottawa Business Matters.

And on this show, Sam and the Ottawa Board of Trade are making three promises

• You're going to leave informed about important business issues in Ottawa

• You're going to leave inspired by the innovation, creativity and resilience of the business community

• And, you're going to leave equipped with the tools and resources you need to be influential in your networks

You will hear all of this directly from the people working together to advance our growth, attract investment and talent, and augment your quality of life.

So, tune-in every week on Rogers TV Ottawa or wherever you get your podcasts to listen to important and entertaining conversations that matter about Ottawa - your community, our city and Canada's capital – Canada in one city