In this episode of 'Ottawa Business Matters,' host Sam Laprade speaks with Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, about the new downtown action agenda, 'Living Capital.' Ching discusses the necessity of transforming Ottawa's downtown post-pandemic to create a vibrant, resilient, and diverse live-work-play environment. Key targets of the plan include attracting 40,000 new residents, 50,000 new jobs, and $500 million in investments. She emphasizes the comprehensive...

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade discusses the vital happenings within the Ottawa business community. Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, speaks on the excitement surrounding Ottawa's economic development and major projects like the airport and hospital expansions. Cindy VanBuskirk from the City of Ottawa elaborates on the city's economic strategies and the importance of revitalizing the downtown core. Ian Sherman, past chair of the...

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade chats with Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade. They discuss the vibrant atmosphere in Ottawa's business community, spurred by several high-impact projects such as new developments at the airport and hospital, and the next stage of the LRT. Sueling highlights the importance of collaboration with economic partners and the upcoming Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda. They also touch on the significance of urban...

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam welcomes Cindy VanBuskirk, Program Manager of Economic Development Services with the City of Ottawa. Cindy discusses her transition from a 27-year career at Rideau Centre to her current role at the city where she focuses on making Ottawa a prime destination for living, working, and investing. She elaborates on the city's economic development initiatives, such as supporting various local organizations, driving the new economic development...

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, Sam Laprade welcomes Ian Sherman, past chair of the Ottawa Board of Trade, to the show. They discuss Ian's extensive experience and leadership, including his role in consolidating the city's boards of trade, guiding the organization through the pandemic, and managing the challenges of a convoy protest. Ian reflects on his sense of fulfillment, the importance of community and business leadership, and his commitment to philanthropy. He also emphasizes...

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade interviews Nick McCarthy, the Director of Marketing, Communications, and Community Outreach at Beachwood Cemetery. They discuss Nick's unique role and the cemetery's significant contributions to the community through various initiatives and events. Nick elaborates on Beachwood's historical association with the Ottawa Board of Trade and highlights the cemetery's efforts in community engagement, including partnerships with local...

Trigger warning: this episode contains mentions and references of suicide   This episode of 'Ottawa Business Matters' hosted by Sam Laprade and presented in partnership with the Ottawa Board of Trade, focuses on the impact of mental health in the business community, highlighting discussions on its importance especially post-pandemic. Guests include Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, who talks about the intertwined relationship between business, economy, and...

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade speaks with Sueling Ching about the importance of addressing mental health within the business community, especially in the wake of the pandemic. They discuss how mental health and economic health are interlinked, the role of the pandemic in highlighting the need for mental health support, and the initiatives by the Ottawa Board of Trade to promote workplace well-being. The conversation also covers the significance of community and...

Trigger warning: this episode contains content about suicide   Lee Rose, Manager of Community Engagement at TD, shares his personal and professional journey, particularly focusing on mental health advocacy and community engagement. Lee talks about navigating the grief of losing his partner, Charles-Éric, to suicide, and how this tragedy has shaped his approach to his role at TD. He also discusses managing philanthropy and marketing across Ontario and the importance of corporate support for...

In this episode, Sam shares her passion for travel and invites travel advisor Sheila Gallant-Halloran from Lush Life Travel to discuss the resurgence of travel interest post-pandemic, highlighting the significant shift towards river and expedition cruising for more intimate travel experiences. Sheila shares her recent accolade as a Virtuoso Cruise Icon, underscoring her expertise and dedication to offering customized, luxury travel experiences. They dive into the benefits of using a travel...

Brett Merriman, the newly appointed CEO of TryCycle, discusses his recent transition into the role, the company's mission, and its innovative approach to digital mental health. Merriman highlights TryCycle's focus on human connection as a vital element of recovery in mental health and substance use disorders, deviating from the more common AI and self-help based solutions. He shares details about TryCycle's projects, including a digital platform launched in Saskatchewan for the indigenous...

On this week's episode, Sam Laprade talks with guests like Sueling Ching about Ottawa's 40 under 40 announcement, events spotlighting women's leadership, and strategies for revitalizing Ottawa's downtown area post-pandemic. It also highlights the key role of the Ottawa Board of Trade in fostering economic diversity and supporting local businesses. Sam also speaks with Claude Brulé, president of Algonquin College, and Karen Brownrigg from IHR Advisory Services who provide insights into...

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade interviews Karen Brownrigg, the founder of IHR Advisory Services and an Algonquin College alumni. Karen discusses how her company provides HR expertise to small and medium-sized businesses, offering a model that allows these businesses access to experienced HR professionals. The conversation touches on the challenges businesses faced during the pandemic, including the rapid changes in employment legislation and the need for...

This episode talks about tourism in Ottawa, highlighting the experiences of Etienne LeBlanc-Cameron and Anastasiia Komisarenko from Lady Dive Tours and Greyline. Etienne shares his journey from being a university student to owning the companies with Leon Harris, emphasizing their passion for tourism. Anastasiia, coming onboard as an administrative and marketing specialist, discusses the varied responsibilities and learning experiences in a small business setup. They explore the unique aspects...

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade talks with Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, about various initiatives, including the 40 under 40 program that recognizes the city's future business and community leaders for their achievements and community involvement. The discussion covers the excitement around the announcement of the awardees and the upcoming gala, as well as other significant events such as the Women, Wit, and Wisdom gathering,...

In this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade interviews Claude Brulé, the President of Algonquin College. They discuss the college's pivotal role in the local community and economy, highlighting its growth to over 220,000 graduates and over 300 diverse programs catering to various industries. Brulé emphasizes the college's close relationship with the Ottawa Board of Trade and the importance of evolving programs to meet industry needs. The conversation touches on Algonquin...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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....