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



Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce updates

• What the Chamber of Commerce asked Wars 1 through 5 Candidates
• What’s happening this October with the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce
• Webinar - The Poer of AI in Building your Business
• Happy Thanksgiving - We will be closed on Mnday, October 12, 2026

Ontario / Canadian Chamber updates

• Ontario Businesses Adapting to Trade Uncertainty, New OCC Report Finds
• Introducing Trade Explorer, a free online tool designed to help Canadian businesses make more informed export decisions
• Commentary - Canada’s Growth Momentum Cools as Summer Begins  
• OP-ED - The Milwaukee Test: Are we passing? 

Business Insights and Workshops

• Tickets for Bridges to Better Business are now live!
• AWIC survey - Technology is changing. What does that mean for Algoma employers?
• NATT Safety - Confined Space Entry & Awareness Training
• Sault Ste. Marie Community Climate Change Adaptation Plan Public Survey
• Strengthen your resume and gain job-ready skills in outdoor recreation,
• Webinar - The Untapped Advantage: The Economic Case for Disability-Inclusive Workplaces
• October 15 | Light It Up! for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Business Funding and Resources

• Learn about Team Canada Strong Youth Placements (TCSYP) program

Chamber Member News

• Celebrating 40 Years of Community Impact with the Community Development Corporation
• Book a free session with Spark Rehabilitation Services.

Benefits of Belonging to the Chamber

• Are You Using All Your Chamber Benefits?

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).

A new month means new opportunities to connect, learn, network, and get involved with the Sault Ste. Marie business community.

Here’s what’s happening this October with the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce:

SHE LEADS: The Difference Makers

October 15 | 6:00–9:00 PM

The Water Tower Inn

An inspiring evening celebrating women in leadership, meaningful conversations, networking, and women-led businesses.

Take 5: Love Local Co-hosted with the City of Sault Ste. Marie in partnership with SOO MRKT.

October 20 | 5:00–7:00 PM

526 Bay St, Sault Ste. Marie

Connect with local businesses, vendors, and the community.

2026 Municipal Election Mayoral Candidates Forum

October 21 | 7:00–9:00 PM

Sault College

A public forum focused on business and the economy of Sault Ste. Marie. Advance registration is required.

The Untapped Advantage: The Economic Case for Disability-Inclusive Workplaces

October 22

An opportunity to explore the business and economic case for creating more disability-inclusive workplaces.

Save the dates, register early, and make the most of October!

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

Happy Thanksgiving Long Weekend from the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce!

As we head into the Thanksgiving long weekend, we’re taking a moment to appreciate the people, businesses, and community that make Sault Ste. Marie such a great place to live, work, and grow.

Whether you're spending the weekend around the dinner table, supporting a local business, or simply enjoying some well-deserved time with family and friends, we hope you have a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving!

REMINDER: The Chamber of Commerce office will be CLOSED on Monday October 12th

From our Chamber family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Ontario Businesses Adapting to Trade Uncertainty,

New OCC Report Finds

01 October 2026



Ontario businesses are adapting to trade uncertainty, but tariffs, trade disruption, and economic volatility continue to weigh on investment and growth, according to a new report.

Produced in collaboration with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, and the broader Ontario Chamber Network, the report draws on survey responses from 851 businesses across the province.

Key highlights include: 

·       34% are confident in Ontario's economic outlook (up from 23% earlier this year) 

·       51% report confidence in their own organization’s economic outlook 

·       38% have diversified suppliers or markets beyond the U.S. and Mexico 

As businesses brace for continued impacts, the Ontario Chamber Network is calling on governments to continue to strengthen competitiveness, accelerate market diversification, reduce barriers to growth, and invest in trade corridors to boost Ontario's economy.

Introducing Trade Explorer  

Explore New Export Opportunities with Trade Explorer

Looking to expand into international markets? The Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Business Data Lab has launched Trade Explorer, a free online tool designed to help Canadian businesses make more informed export decisions.

By combining Canadian trade data with market intelligence, Trade Explorer helps businesses identify international markets where Canadian products have the strongest potential to compete.

The tool can help businesses:

• Identify promising export opportunities
• Compare international markets
• Prioritize countries with strong growth potential
• Discover where Canadian businesses have a competitive advantage

Whether you're exporting for the first time or looking to diversify your international footprint, Trade Explorer can help take the guesswork out of export planning and uncover new opportunities with confidence.

Canada’s Growth Momentum Cools as Summer Begins  

Canada’s economy lost some momentum in July, with GDP essentially unchanged after three straight months of growth. Construction remained a bright spot, while manufacturing, resources, retail and wholesale trade all pulled back. Early estimates point to growth picking up again in August. 

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Economist, Jasleen Trehan, breaks down what’s behind the softer start to Q3, where the economy is still showing strength and what the latest numbers could mean for the Bank of Canada heading into the fall.

The Milwaukee Test: Are we passing? 

What is agreed in the G20 — or left unresolved — shows up quickly for Canadian businesses in order books, input costs and paycheques. 

That’s the argument Canadian Chamber of Commerce Senior Director of International Policy and Global Partnerships, Monika LeRoy, makes following last week’s meeting of G20 trade ministers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Canada has helped the G20 find common ground before. And at a moment when countries are grappling with industrial overcapacity, shifting supply chains and a changing global trading system, we can play that role again. 

Bridges to Better Business 2026

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.

Technology is changing. What does that mean

for Algoma employers?

AI, automation and new technologies are changing how businesses work — and we need to understand what that looks like here in Algoma.

AWIC, the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, Algoma University and Sault College are conducting a regional Emerging Technology & Workforce Readiness Survey to understand how Algoma employers are using technology and AI, preparing for change, and developing the skills their workforce needs. We’re asking local employers to share what they’re experiencing, where they’re seeing skills gaps, and what support their workforce may need.

📊 Why participate?

Local data helps us move beyond broad provincial and national trends and understand the real needs of employers across Algoma. Your input can help shape future workforce programs, training, upskilling opportunities and employer supports.

⏱️ 10–12 minutes

🔒 Confidential

📅 Survey closes October 30, 2026

👉 If you’re an employer in Algoma, your perspective matters. Help us understand what’s changing — and what support is needed next.

Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader Course,

November 7-8, 2026

Strengthen your resume and gain job-ready skills in outdoor recreation, tourism, parks, camps, and community programming.

The Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader Course in Sault Ste. Marie is designed for job seekers, emerging leaders, individuals transitioning into a new sector, and anyone facing barriers to professional training.

Supported by RBC funding to make certification more accessible, this course delivers practical, transferable skills in group safety, risk management, and participant leadership while earning you a nationally recognized credential.



Join on November 7–8, 2026 at Sault College. Registration is $55 and includes a 1-year Outdoor Council of Canada membership. 

The Untapped Advantage: The Economic Case

for Disability-Inclusive Workplaces

Disability inclusion is a workforce strategy to hire skilled workers, improve engagement and retention, and strengthen organizational performance.

On October 22, join Signal49 Research and the Canadian Association of Supported Employment’s MentorAbility Canada initiative to explore new research on how disability inclusion benefits employees, employers and communities.

Discover strategies to strengthen inclusion in workplace systems, including recruitment and accommodations.  

Annual Light It Up! For NDEAM

On October 15, Canada Lights Up. 

From city halls and office towers to community centers and local landmarks, organizations across the country will illuminate their buildings in purple and blue in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Join hundreds of organizations in demonstrating your commitment to disability-inclusive employment and help shine a light on the skills, talents, and contributions of people who have a disability.



One night. Hundreds of locations. One shared commitment to inclusion.

Team Canada Strong Youth Placements

accepting Expressions of Interest

The Government of Canada's new Team Canada Strong Youth Placements program is accepting Expressions of Interest from organizations that connect young Canadians with paid opportunities in the skilled trades.

Beginning in early 2027, young Canadians will be able to access paid job placements of up to four months to gain hands-on experience and explore careers in the trades. Backed by an $880 million investment over five years, the program will help more young people pursue careers in the skilled trades. 

Organizations interested in delivering the program can submit an Expression of Interest until October 23rd.

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!

Chamber membership comes with access to a range of exclusive discounts, savings, and business support programs designed to help your business save money and operate more effectively. From group insurance and HR resources to savings on shipping, fuel, office supplies, payment processing, marketing tools, and travel, there are tangible benefits available to Chamber members.

Have questions about which benefits are right for your business?

Contact Mansi at mansi@ssmcoc.com — we’re happy to help you make the most of your Chamber membership.

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.