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 for competitive policies, and emphasis on buying and hiring locally to foster community wealth and sust ..read more

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 the business's success. Reflecting a spirit of resilience and innovation, Marc's story is a testamen ..read more

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 collaboration with entities like Invest Ottawa, the City of Ottawa, and the Ottawa Board of Trade, they aim to ..read more

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. She addresses overcoming imposter syndrome, the value of admitting what you don't know, and the significa ..read more

In this interview, host Sam Laprade interviews Sueling Ching, the President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade. They discuss the economic impact and community significance of the Tulip Festival in Ottawa, noting its substantial contribution to the local economy and its role in building partnerships and drawing visitors worldwide. The conversation also covers the Ottawa Board of Trade's efforts in city building, including the upcoming City Builder event aimed at shaping the future of Ottawa. They delve into various topics such as downtown revitalization, energy transition, and significant inf ..read more

In this interview, Sam Laprade hosts Brian Vlaming, CEO and owner of LTR Industries, a commercial cabinet shop specializing in creating spaces for commercial entities like restaurants, hospitals, and federal buildings. Highlighting his visionary role, Vlaming discusses the implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and his strategy for ensuring business continuity by preparing for his eventual exit. He elaborates on the challenges of adapting management styles to modern expectations, creating a family-like company culture, and the importance of workplace safety. Additionally ..read more

This interview features a discussion about the Canadian Tulip Festival, emphasizing its significance and historical roots. Jo Riding, the organizer behind the event highlights that it's the festival's 72nd year and its tribute to a century of the Royal Canadian Air Force. She outlines the festival's economic impact, attracting around 400,000 visitors, and generating approximately $40 million. The conversation also delves into the origins of the festival, a gift of tulips from the Dutch to Canadians as a token of gratitude for Canada's assistance during World War II. The script touches on the f ..read more

This interview on 'Ottawa Business Matters' features Elizabeth Kilvert, the owner of Unrefined Olive, discussing her unique transition from a career in marine biology and working for the federal government in environmental education, to founding a specialty olive oil retail store. Kilvert shares insights into her motivation to start a business aligned with her passions for food, travel, and environmental sustainability. She explains the strategic selection of her store locations based on demographic and traffic considerations, highlighting the importance of community engagement and how her bus ..read more

Hosted by Sam Laprade, this episode features conversations with local business leaders and highlights the economic and cultural impact of events like the Canadian Tulip Festival. Guests include Jo Riding, discussing the festival's significance and its 72nd year celebrating the Royal Canadian Air Force, and Elizabeth Kilvert sharing her journey from marine biology to founding Unrefined Olive. Additionally, Brian Vlaming talks about his commercial cabinet-making business and the importance of welcoming women into the industry. The episode concludes with insights from Sueling Ching, President and ..read more

This episode of Ottawa Business Matters, hosted by Sam Laprade and in partnership with the Ottawa Board of Trade, delves into the pulse of Ottawa's business community. On this episode, Sam speaks with Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade about the investment promise for Ottawa by the Ontario government announced at the mayor's breakfast with Premier Doug Ford, highlighting over 543 million in support for Ottawa's development as an economic hub. The relationship between business and community leaders, particularly Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Premier Ford, demonstrates a co ..read more