In this Week's Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce Newsletter:



Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce updates

• What the Chamber of Commerce asked Wards 1 through 5 Candidates
• Register for 2026 Mayoral Candidate Forum
• Webinar - The Power of AI in Building your Business
• Being ATHENA - a 10 week program that will transform you leadership skills
• Glimpses from She Leads 2026: The Difference Makers

Ontario / Canadian Chamber updates

• Help your business move from AI interest to practical action.
• The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is hosting its fifth annual virtual Small Business Week event on October 23

Business Insights and Workshops

• Tickets for Bridges to Better Business are now live!
• Get your passes to attend The Innovation Awards
• NATT Safety - Confined Space Entry & Awareness Training

Business Funding and Resources

• Get Up to $5,000 in Wage Subsidies to Boost Your Business! 

Chamber Member News

• Tommy Youngsteen _ Fleetwood Mac "Rumours" + All Their Greatest Hits Live in the Sault
• Celebrating 40 Years of Community Impact with the Community Development Corporation
• “Call for employers” in Manufacturing and Construction 
• Board Opportunities with Camp McDougall: Get Involved !

Benefits of Belonging to the Chamber

• Have you used Chamber Perk Mobile App

What the Chamber of Commerce asked

Wards 1 through 5 Candidates

In September, the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce issued a series of 11 questions to all candidates in Wards 1 through 5 in the upcoming October 26th Municipal Election.

As a voice of business in Sault Ste. Marie, the Chamber of Commerce works to advocate on issues that advance the economic well-being of our community. As such, the questions that we are posing to candidates will focus primarily on issues that impact business and the local economy.

Responses to a different question are being posted each weekday, started (Monday, October 5th, 2026).

Register for 2026 Municipal Election Mayoral Candidates Forums

Join the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce as we host Mayoral candidates for a forum with a focus on business and the economy of Sault Ste. Marie. The forums are open to the public however questions will not be taken from the gallery. Pre-established questions to the candidates will be delivered.

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Time: 7:00 Pm - 9:00 PM

Venue: Sault College, M-Wing/Lobby

Advance Registration is Required!

Join us for a look at AI-powered marketing tools for local businesses and why you should be paying attention to AI. PLUS, we'll look at some of the steps you can take right now to enhance your online presence, transform your graphic designs, and win new clients.

This webinar will be presented by Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce member, NexGEN Marketing Group.

This webinar is open to both Chamber of Commerce members and non-Chamber members of the business community. Advance registration is required.

DATE: Tuesday, November 10th, 2026

TIME: 2:00pm to 3:00pm

WHERE: Online via ZOOM

Being ATHENA - a 10 week program

that will transform your leadership skills

Beginning in March 2027, the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce will host the Being ATHENA Leadership Program. The 'Being ATHENA Leadership Program' is a licensed 10 week course designed to support the development of women in leadership roles. 

The Being ATHENA Lreadership Program is a holistic experience that explores all of what makes you unique, valuable and impactful as a leader. It is not just another "one-size-fits-all" leadership template – it's a personalized, transformational growth experience that allows you to find and embody your own authentic leadership style.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Learn more and get started at the link below

SHE LEADS: The Difference Makers — A Look Back!

What an inspiring evening celebrating the incredible women who lead, empower, and make a difference in our community! From meaningful conversations and new connections to celebrating women in leadership, our October 15thth SHE LEADS event was a wonderful reminder of the power of bringing people together.

📸 Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the evening!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, our amazing speakers, and our valued sponsors for making this event a success.

Here’s to continuing to inspire, connect, and empower women in business and leadership!

Help your business move from AI interest to practical action.

AI can help Canadian businesses work smarter, improve productivity and create new opportunities — but knowing where to start isn’t always easy.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, with support from Google.org, is launching a new national initiative to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses build practical AI skills, identify real-world use cases and find the right support to put AI to work. 

Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or ready to integrate it into your operations, there will be a pathway designed to help you take the next step.

Who will shape the next generation of Canadian Small Businesses?

This Small Business Week, business leaders from across Canada’s business and financing landscape will come together to explore what it takes to successfully take over, renew, and grow an existing business.

This Canadian Chamber of Commerce event will feature distinguished speakers:

• Pol Brisset, President and General Director, Alchimiste
• Jodi Kovitz, Managing Director, Tangerine Bank
• Dan Skilleter, Director of Policy, Social Capital Partners
• Sophie Bergeron, CBV, CPA, Partner, Thrive ETA Fund, BDC Capital
• Marwa Abdou, Senior Research Director, Business Data Lab, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Through a fireside chat, featured presentation, and panel discussion, participants will explore how business succession can create opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs while helping current business owners plan their next chapter.

Event Details:

📅 Friday, October 23

⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET

💻 Virtual Event

Attendees will hear perspectives from leaders in business, banking, policy, and investment on buying and transitioning a business, with an opportunity to ask questions during an audience Q&A.

Bridges to Better Business 2026

We are excited to announce the Bridges to Better Business TOP TWO! finalists are…

• Safe Haven Sault Ste. Marie
• the Sunny Bean Play Cafe.

The winner will be decided by Judges and an audience vote at the live event.

Thursday, October 22, 2026, 5:00–8:45 p.m.

Delta Hotels Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront

Three Reasons to Attend:

• Keynote by Terry O’Reilly

Legendary marketing expert, CBC broadcaster, and author Terry O’Reilly (host of Under the Influence) will be sharing powerful, real-world marketing strategies. You will walk away with ideas you can put into action for your business the very next day.

• The $15,000 Live Pitch Competition

Watch live as two local businesses take the stage to pitch for a massive $15,000 grand prize package. Your vote helps determine the winner! The Top Two finalists will be announced next week.

• Panel Discussion with Local Leaders

Learn from Northern Ontario business owners who have scaled successful enterprises. Featured panelists include: Brad Gregorini – Owner of Studio 726 & Former President of N1 Solutions, Sherry Berlinghoff – President of SK Group, Jeff Greco – Founder of Cavera and CTO at MODCO

Bridges is a great opportunity to connect with other local business owners, meet community partners and supports, and celebrate the businesses that make our community strong.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

On Friday, November 6, SSMIC is announcing their Top 10 Innovators and Top 3 Innovative Companies from Algoma and Manitoulin. Some of them you'll know already.

Doors open at 11:30 AM at Delta Hotels by Marriott, lunch is at noon, and the awards start at 12:30.

Get Up to $5,000 in Wage Subsidies to Boost Your Business! Accepting applications for the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 terms

The Talent Opportunities Program application portal for the Fall 2026 term (Sept-Dec) and Winter 2027 (Jan-Mar) term is now open. Employers across Canada hiring or currently employing post-secondary students on work-integrated learning placements may be eligible for grants of up to $5,000 through the program.

To learn more about the TOP program and to apply, please visit our website.

Sponsored Content

🎉 Celebrating 40 Years of Community Impact!

The Community Development Corporation (CDC) is celebrating 40 years of growth, partnership, and supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses — and you’re invited!

Join the CDC for a Come & Go Open House on Monday, October 19, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at their office.

As part of Small Business Week, the celebration is an opportunity to connect with the CDC team, learn more about the resources and supports available to local businesses, and celebrate four decades of community impact.

Guests can enjoy:

✨ Explore the CDC office and learn about their services

🤝 Connect with the CDC team and community partners

🍰 Anniversary cake served at 2:00 p.m.

☕ Light snacks and refreshments

🎁 A chance to enter the door prize draw

Stop by, say hello, and help the CDC celebrate this incredible milestone!

Camp McDougall: Get Involved !

Board Opportunities

Camp McDougall is seeking members interested in joining its Board of Directors. Seven positions are open, including Vice-Chair, Secretary, Recruitment, Development, Program, Treasurer, and Member-at-Large.

Interested?

Contact Eric Verbonac (Chairperson of the Board) at chair@CampMcDougall.com.

CHAMBER PERK$ MOBILE APP

Who is Eligible?

The Chamber Perk$ Mobile App gives you access to discounts offered by Chamber Members to the staff and ownership of Chamber Member businesses and can include a wide range of products and services.

How Do I Redeem a Discount?

It’s easy – download the Chamber Perks Mobile App! Show your Chamber Perks Mobile App in person at participating Member locations or find online discount codes to receive your M2M Discount.

With Chamber Perk$ App, you can:

·   Search for Perks

·   Get Notified

·   Connect and find companies

The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of 600 plus business and agencies in Sault Ste. Marie and has been serving the needs of this community since 1889. The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce will lead the way as the voice of business, advancing economic prosperity for its membership and the business community.