Congratulations 2023 Lifetime Achievement Recipients

Pam and Grant Hooker!

Congratulations to the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Pam and Grant Hooker, founders of Canadian pastry chain BeaverTails. They are the 13th recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing the Hookers’ long-term business success, innovation, strong leadership, and remarkable community involvement.

“You can’t live in Ottawa and be connected to the business, government and the not-for-profit community and not know Grant and Pam,” said Ottawa Board of Trade board chair Brendan McGuinty. "They built a business, they built a brand, but they’re really fundamentally honest and hard-working people who give back to their community. What more can you ask for, and that’s what we really need to celebrate.”

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Ottawa Board of Trade have released Mind the Gap: Addressing the Mental Health and Addictions “Echo Pandemic,” a policy brief examining the interconnected impacts of the mental health and addictions crisis on SMEs, communities and the provincial health care system.

The brief delves into the unique challenges facing SMEs across Ontario, who have been placed on the frontlines of a crisis they do not have the capacity or resources to address. It provides recommendations for both industry and government, calling for more comprehensive solutions and practical tools to improve mental health outcomes on a regional level. Mind the Gap also includes ready-to-use resources for SME owners looking to improve the well-being of their employees.

As part of the annual Small Business Week, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Ottawa Board of Trade are partnering with Desjardins to showcase the impact and potential of small business innovation and the importance of supporting businesses like yours beyond recovery and towards growth. 

If you are a small business owner, we encourage you to join our Small Business, Big Ideas campaign by posting a photo of yourself or your business across your social media channels and responding to the following question:

What idea inspired your business?

Please tag us at @ottawabot and @OntarioCofC (Twitter) and use the hashtags #SmallBusinessBigIdeas and #SmallBusinessWeek for us to amplify your

responses further! 

We are looking for your insights on issues that matter to your businesses. How confident are you in Ontario’s economy and your organization’s outlook? What should governments prioritize to drive economic growth? What is important to you!

Your participation in our annual Business Confidence Survey is more important than ever. The results of the survey will inform the 2024 Ontario Economic Report: the landmark research platform of the Ontario Chamber Network including including the Nation's Capital Region. It will offer a unique perspective on the experience of businesses of all sizes across the province.

ICYMI: Mayor's Breakfast in Conversation with Michael Andlauer

Thank you to the business and community leaders who joined us for the Mayor's Breakfast with special guest, Michael Andlauer, the new owner of the Ottawa Senators. Michael joined Mayor Mark Sutcliffe in a compelling fireside chat where they discussed his passion for hockey, the future of the team, and bringing home a Stanley Cup - look-out for the full event recap coming soon!

At this morning's event the Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Business Journal were also excited to announce that Mr. Andlauer had been named our Newsmaker of the Year! This award goes to a person who received positive, high-profile media coverage over the last year and brought attention to Canada's Capital Region. Recipients also demonstrate strong and inspiring leadership and their actions are consistent with creating a vibrant and innovative business environment. We look forward to celebrating Mr. Andlauer and the 2023 recipients at the BOBs Gala.

November 7, 2023 | Kinaxis | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

We are excited to host a special edition of CEO Talk with Cyril Leeder, the new President and CEO of the beloved Ottawa Senators. Ever want to peek inside the mind of a CEO? Join us for an evening of networking, reconnect with your Ottawa Senators, and hear from their CEO about his role, the future of the team, and so much more.

Mayor's Breakfast With Sir Terry Matthews

November 9, 2022

Ottawa City Hall - Jean Pigott

7:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Women Wit & Wisdom

November 9, 2023

Fairmont Château Laurier

5:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Best Ottawa Business Awards

November 23, 2022

The Westin Ottawa

5:30 PM to 11:00 PM

Looking for sponsorship opportunities? Contact Don Mersereau at Don@ottawabusinessevents.ca

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OBOT members have access to an affordable and accessible health insurance and benefits plan. Alongside standard benefits like dental, health & life insurance, our programs include value-added services like HR tools, resources, and expert advice.

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