Update from the Ottawa Board of Trade – Q2 2025
Dear members,
As the summer unfolds, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you, your families, and employees for a season filled with connection, exploration, and renewal. This season is also the perfect time to rediscover the incredible assets we have right here at home. Supporting local businesses and promoting our city and country is a fun and simple way for each of us to strengthen our own economy.
Meanwhile, the Ottawa Board of Trade continues to champion the policies and priorities that drive business success, economic growth, and community prosperity. Over the last quarter, we have been focused on key opportunities to build up Ottawa and our local business community.
National Partnerships and Trade Leadership
Our ongoing collaboration with Chamber colleagues across the country has positioned Ottawa as a vital hub for national conversations on trade, productivity, and infrastructure. This work included but was not limited to presenting at Ontario Chamber AGM and policy debate, as well as working with the large city Chambers on key issues for Canadian metropolitan areas . We also worked alongside the Canadian Chamber to host the B7 Summit right here in Ottawa, ensuring the voice of Canadian business was front and centre in global economic policy.
Global Positioning
Following a successful trade mission to London this spring, we’ve deepened our partnership with Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa through Ottawa Unlimited. These efforts were amplified this quarter by welcoming the City Nation Place Americas conference and launching the inaugural Ottawa Innovation Week - bold steps to tell Ottawa’s story to the world.
Agenda Setting and Policy Leadership
We hosted our biggest-ever City Building Summit in April, a testament to the growing urgency and opportunity for unified action on our regional priorities. At Women, Wit & Wisdom in June, national female leaders in Indigenous business, equity, and governance inspired a powerful dialogue on inclusive growth. We convened industry thought leaders at our Energy Symposium last month, and we launched five new Policy Councils focused on energy, defence, business competitiveness, infrastructure, and downtown revitalization. The Downtown Vibrancy Office was also launched to advance the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda and convene with the National Capital Region Caucus and regional partners to align on top priorities for this term of government. Our regular engagement at the Mayor’s Economic Council ensures local insights are reflected in key decisions.
Strengthening Our Foundation
Internally, we’ve been building for the future. This quarter saw the launch of OBOT’s updated Pillar Partner program, a new staff team coming together with energy and vision, and the election of a strong new Board of Directors at our AGM in June - each member committed to stewarding our mission during this important time of transformation.
For more than 168 years, the Ottawa Board of Trade has brought business leaders together to champion growth, shape public policy, and build the city we all call home. That legacy continues today, and it’s never been more relevant. As we look ahead, I invite you to help us grow our collective impact. Encourage every business owner you know across every size and sector to get involved. Together, we are a powerful force for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Thank you for your leadership, your partnership, and your belief in Ottawa. Enjoy a safe, happy, and inspiring summer.
Yours in prosperity,
Sueling Ching
President and CEO
Ottawa Board of Trade