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Tune in every Sunday at 8:00 PM on Rogers TV as we unveil the authentic side of business in Ottawa. Our city's business community is vibrant, creative, and innovative. Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Sam Laprade, hear stories about the people, places and priorities that drive our local economy and that are shaping our future.

 

Encore airtimes are Mondays at 11:00 AM, Wednesdays at 11:00 AM and Saturdays at 7:00 PM. Or tune in to our podcast on your Monday morning commute!

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Episode 11: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises in Ottawa, The Importance of Hiring Local, Recruitment and Job Search Must-do's and Brewing up Success with Sueling Ching, Chantal Yelle, Kathryn Tremblay and Marc Plante

 

This episode of Ottawa Business Matters, hosted by Sam Laprade delves into the many facets of supporting and fostering growth within Ottawa's business community. It features discussions on the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the economy, including their substantial contribution to employment and the cultural landscape. Guests include Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, Chantal Yelle from Hire Local Ottawa, and Kathryn Tremblay, CEO of Altis Recruitment, shedding light on various initiatives aimed at building a supportive and competitive business environment in Ottawa. The episode also highlights the inspirational journey of Marc Plante, founder of Stray Dog Brewery, illustrating the profound impact of local businesses on their communities. Together, the discussions underscore the collective effort and passion driving the success and vibrancy of Ottawa's local business scene.

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Episode 10: The Canadian Tulip Festival, Olive Oil Entrepreneurship, Cabinet making and Ottawa’s City Building Summit with Jo Riding, Elizabeth Kilvert, Brian Vlaming and Sueling Ching

 

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 CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, on community building and economic growth.

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Episode 9: Ottawa Business Matters with Sueling Ching, Henry Akanki, Erin Crowe, and Roxanne Whiting

 

On this episode, host Sam Laprade speaks with Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade about the new deal announced at the Mayor's Breakfast with Premier Doug Ford, highlighting over 543 million in support for Ottawa's development as an economic hub. Additionally, the episode features conversations with influential figures like Henry Akanko from Hire Immigrants Ottawa, Erin Crowe from the Ottawa Senators, discussing the potential downtown arena and its impact on the city, and Roxanne Whiting from Asign, shedding light on the vital need for sign language interpretation services.

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Episode 8: Ottawa Business Matters with Sueling Ching, Lisa MacLeod, Rick Chase and David Coletto

 

This episode features in-depth interviews with local leaders Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, and Lisa MacLeod, MPP for Nepean, discussing topics such as the impact of the Ontario budget on local businesses, initiatives to revitalize Ottawa's downtown, and the significance of the Mayor's Breakfast with Premier Doug Ford. With host Sam Laprade, they delve into mental health advocacy, the role of the business community in city building, and the importance of inclusivity and leadership in fostering a vibrant economic environment. Joining the conversation are OBOT Board of Directors David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, and Rick Chase, VP at Gifford Carr, who share more about the intersection of data-driven decision-making in business and community involvement. The episode underlines Ottawa's dynamic business scene and the collective efforts towards economic growth and innovation.

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Episode 7: The investments and infrastructure that Ottawa need to succeed with Sueling Ching, Heather Norris, Michael Curran and Riaz Sidi

 

Episode Seven of Ottawa Business Matters, hosted by Sam Laprade, dives deep into the vibrant business landscape of Ottawa. Sueling Ching shares more about the advocacy work of the Ottawa Board of Trade, notably during budget seasons, and its efforts to prioritize government investment to spur economic growth. Heather Norris, President and CEO of the Ottawa Network for Education shares how youth engagement is shaping the future and the crucial role businesses play in driving innovation and community prosperity. Michael Curran, Publisher of the Ottawa Business Journal touches on future business events, the importance of community contribution, and the positive changes happening in Ottawa from a city-building perspective. Moreover, success stories from Ottawa's thriving business sector, including that of Riaz Sidi, a Forty Under 40 recipient, are presented to showcase the potential within the city for budding entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.

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Episode 6: How radical collaboration in the city of Ottawa is leading to radical business results with
Cyril Leeder, Sueling Ching, Jesse Card and Stefanie Siska

 

On this episode, the theme is ‘radical collaboration’ within the community, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, discusses the board's initiatives and partnerships, emphasizing the role of business in driving economic growth. Discussions with other guests, including Cyril Leeder, president and CEO of the Ottawa Senators, and Jesse Card from Youth Ottawa, underscore the multifaceted nature of business and community engagement in Ottawa, showcasing successes and opportunities for synergy within the region. Finally, Stefanie Siska of C’est Bon Ottawa takes us on culinary
adventures across Ottawa.

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Episode 5: How Ottawa can revitalize its downtown core with Sueling Ching, Karla Briones, Steve Ball and Yasir Naqvi

 

This episode of Ottawa Business Matters tackles the pressing topic of revitalizing Ottawa's downtown core post-pandemic. Hosted by Sam Laprade and in collaboration with the Ottawa Board of Trade, the episode features insights from Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, and other influential community members and business leaders. The conversation highlights the importance of radical collaboration efforts among businesses, government, and citizens to Build Up Downtown Ottawa and ensure its long-term success as a cultural and economic hub.

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Episode 4: How these 4 powerhouse women are changing the face of Ottawa business

 

The episode features Ottawa Board of Trade's CEO, Sueling Ching, discussing the board's role in advocating for businesses; Ruby Williams from Deloitte shares her journey in mergers and acquisitions, and Susan Ingram from Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa talks about launching the social enterprise, Thrive. Additionally, Sonya Shorey, Interim President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, explains the role of the organization in creating jobs and community. The guests share the importance of collaboration, innovation, and mentorship in building a thriving business community, supporting small and medium enterprises, attracting talent, and tackling societal challenges.

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Episode 3: Ottawa's events, tourism landscape, commercial property market and fostering innovation and empowerment amongst black entrepreneurs in our city

 

On this episode, host Sam Laprade interviews Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, Catherine Callery from Ottawa Tourism, Shawn Hamilton from Proveris Commercial Realty, and Mona Abow from Chnge Mker Hub. The conversations cover a range of topics including the importance of events for our business community, the impact of tourism on Ottawa's economy, the role of Proveras Commercial Realty in the cityscape, and the work Chnge Mker Hub is doing to foster black entrepreneurship. 

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Episode 2: Ottawa business leaders on Humanitarianism, Culinary Art, & Live Music in Ottawa with Sueling Ching, Erin Benjamin, Solange Tuyishime Keita and Devinder Chaudhary

 

On this episode, host Sam Laprade dives deeper into the future of cities, the economic impact of live music, inclusiveness and diversity in leadership, and the importance of a collective voice in the business community.

 

Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade (OBOT), shares more about the role of OBOT and the need to directly support businesses and create a competitive business environment. Erin Benjamin, CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA), highlights the work of CLMA and its mission to integrate music with the business community. Solange Tuyishime Keita of Elevate International, shares her journey from being a survivor of war and genocide to representing Canada at Mrs. World. Devinder Chaudhary of Aiana talks about the inspiration behind the creation of Aiana restaurant and its contribution to fine dining in Ottawa.

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Episode 1: Opening the door to Ottawa's economy with Sueling Ching, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Hugh Gorman, and Sarah Chown

 

In this episode of 'Ottawa Business Matters', host Sam Laprade discusses how the Ottawa business community is navigating challenges and embracing opportunities.

 

Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, shares her reflections on the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and resilience for businesses during the pandemic. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe emphasizes the vibrancy and potential of the Ottawa economy. Hugh Gorman, CEO of Colonnade Bridgeport, discusses the challenges and rewards of leadership and the importance of nurturing next-generation leaders. Lastly, Sarah Chown, from Metropolitan Brasserie, highlights the significant role of local businesses in the economic ecosystem of Ottawa.