2014 ottawa chamber of commerce brochure

The Connector. The Advocate. The Voice.

FOR BUSINESS

Booklet_OCC 2014-03-27 2:20 PM Page 2

The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce is recognized as one of themost influential, independent voices for businesses andorganizations in the Nation’s Capital. We promote and supportour members by connecting them to trade and investmentprospects, exclusive networking opportunities, and a wealth ofservices, programs and products. We also advocate for theprotection and enrichment of Ottawa’s economic prosperity,sustainability, global competitiveness, and quality of life.

In recent years, the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce’s membershiphas experienced prolific growth—in number, age range, diversity,and industry representation. Whether we’re conducting marketresearch to assess and report on Ottawa’s business climate, orpushing for political, legislative and regulatory changes, we remainfocused on responding proactively to the needs and best interestsof the business community and local economy.

Our leadership as The Connector, The Advocate and The Voicefor business is strengthened by our loyalty to this beautiful cityand its people. As our members continue to raise their profilesand multiply their success stories, we all benefit.

Ian Faris, President & CEOOttawa Chamber of Commerce

Photo credit (cover image): Ottawa TourismPhoto credits (inside): Mark Halleron, Ottawa Tourism and Ottawa Chamber of Commerce


“The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce is essential to our businesscommunity and to the city of Ottawa. It champions and advocates forthe concerns of the business community by providing valuable advice

and recommendations to the city on key business issues.”

— Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa

“As one of Canada’s leading educational institutions, we are delighted to be members of the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.

The Ottawa Chamber is instrumental in supporting our business needsand is an indispensable organization for our business community.”

— Dr. Kent MacDonald, President, Algonquin College

“It is extremely important to the Ottawa Senators to be seen as an activemember of the local business community and to work closely with the

Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber assists our organization byproviding vital support and advocacy, and has been a key defender on

issues that affect our business. We are proud to be members and stronglyrecommend membership to those forward-thinking organizations that are

trying to make an impact and manage a business in Ottawa.”

— Cyril M. Leeder, FCPA, FCA, President, Senators Sports & Entertainment


“The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce has been vital to our ongoingbusiness development and marketing efforts.”

— Brent Mondoux, CEO, N-VisionIT Interactive


We’ll connect youto prominent, successful businesses andorganizations

The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce has theextensive network to connect you withleaders, key influencers and entrepreneurs inthe business community.

We are dedicated to introducing, connectingand referring our members to:

• potential customers and clients• future employees and business partners• high-profile business professionals • political leaders and public figures• government officials and regulators• entrepreneurs and up-and-comers• community partners and not-for-profits• consultants and service providers • stakeholders and investors• volunteers, Chamber staff and our

Board of Directors


We’ll connect you toopportunities that grow your businessand raise your profile

The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce continues to develop andexpand its resources to offer members access to a diverse rangeof business opportunities, services and programs. Here are someof the ways that a membership can help build your recognition,credibility and success within Ottawa’s business community:

• Increase your sales by meeting with potential customersand clients who attend our networking events andparticipate in Chamber initiatives

• Pursue business leads and referrals facilitated by Chamber staff and Chamber members

• Engage with business professionals in various on-linecommunities (members-only Web portal and directory,Member-to-Member (M2M) Marketplace and social media channels)

• Advertise in The Voice magazine, in the Connect!newsletter and on the Chamber website to promote yourbusiness and boost your sales

• Sponsor our high-profile events to showcase your brandand strengthen your reputation

• Educate other members by hosting webinars and seminars

• Share your subject knowledge and expertise in ourpublications

• Be recognized for your accomplishments or milestones inthe Chamber magazine, newsletter and at Chamber events

• Participate in committees, task forces and roundtablediscussions to share your expertise, shape the Chamber’spolicies and make a difference


“Participating in an Ottawa Chamber committeehas helped Freeman Audio Visual raise its brandprofile and generate market buzz. Being activelyinvolved in a committee has allowed us tobecome advocates for Ottawa and given us theopportunity to help shape the city’s economy.”

— Dianne King, General Manager Freeman Audio Visual Canada


“As Ottawa’s premier business-to-business association, theOttawa Chamber of Commerce attracts business leaders from allindustries to host the best networking events in the city”

— Janet LeBlanc, President, Janet LeBlanc + Associates


We’ll connect you to a diverse range of businessnetworking eventsand opportunities

By joining the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, you can open the door tonew business connections, build relationships and increase your visibilityat over 50+ networking events per year, including:

• The Mayor’s Breakfast Series—Join the Mayor of Ottawa, a keynotespeaker, and 200+ of the city’s key decision-makers and prominentinfluencers

• Ottawa’s Economic Outlook Luncheon—Immerse yourself in aninsightful examination of the state of Ottawa’s economy and its future

• Best Ottawa Business Awards (The BOBs) —Nominate your businessand be recognized at the most prestigious awards gala that honoursOttawa’s outstanding companies and business leaders

• Ottawa Business Summit—Participate in an innovative and inspiringbusiness leadership and management conference

• Eggs n’Icons Business Breakfast —Hear from and gain valuablebusiness insights from successful business leaders and have yourachievements recognized by the Chamber

• Forty Under 40 Awards Gala—Meet, mingle and honour the brightestrising stars in our city

• Movers & Shakers—Keep the day’s momentum going by networkingwith other Movers & Shakers after work in a casual setting

• CEO Talk Series—Learn from prominent CEOs about effective andwinning business strategies

• Best Ottawa Business Golf Tournament—Enjoy a day of fun andnetworking with corporate executives, entrepreneurs, local politicians,and community leaders

• Cocktails & Commerce—Join this member appreciation evening toconnect with other members and community leaders

• Ottawa’s Biggest Office Christmas Party—Celebrate the season in afestive atmosphere that brings together young professionals, growingcompanies and entrepreneurs


We’ll connect you tomembership-driven policy development andChamber-led advocacyinitiatives

The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce advocates for the identifiedneeds, priorities and best interests of the business communityand local economy. We work with key influencers, decision-makers, political leaders and government officials to representour members and to take action on the issues that matter mostto them. Our advocacy work includes:

• Building relationships with government to ensure globalcompetitiveness, economic growth and prosperity for theOttawa region

• Consulting with policy makers and stakeholders to protectand promote our members and their priorities throughministerial and industry round tables, policy forums, andregional town hall meetings

• Leveraging the leadership skills and professional strengths of members through volunteer-based policy committees:Economic Development Committee, TransportationCommittee, Environment and Sustainability Committee,Membership Committee, and our Ambassador Corps

• Working closely with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce andthe Canadian Chamber of Commerce to forge closer ties withprovincial and federal leaders, legislators and regulators

• Advancing opportunities for trade relations in theinternational community via Chamber contacts, bilateralmeetings with members of foreign missions, and mutuallybeneficial trade opportunities

• Commissioning market research surveys to assess andmonitor Ottawa’s business climate, and set benchmarks on local economic trends


“The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce is a valuable resourcefor our business community, providing a voice on issuesand much-needed access to research and key contacts innational and international trade and government.”

— Steve West, CEO, Nordion


“The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce isthe premier networking organization in

town. It also provides its members withtimely, relevant and valuable business

information on the local economy.”

— Tim Redpath, Ottawa Chair, TEC Canada


The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce is dedicatedto offering members ongoing opportunities toadvance their skills and expand their knowledge.In addition, we encourage our members toprovide feedback about new or different wayswe can support them—whether they are start-ups, SMEs, large enterprises or organizations.As a Chamber member you can:

• Access up-to-date, local market researchsuch as our Ottawa Business ConfidenceIndex

• Learn from the experts in our ‘Networkingfor Results,’ ‘Ask the Coach’ and ‘SocialMedia 411’ education series

• Participate in surveys to gauge the businesscommunity’s interests and priorities

• Develop additional professional skills andknowledge by registering for complimentaryeducational workshops, webinars andseminars

• Be informed on emerging business issueswith White Papers from the Ontario andCanadian Chambers of Commerce

• Receive regular Chamber updates,newsletters, publications and e-blasts

We’ll connect you to relevant information,professionaldevelopment andeducational opportunities


We’ll connect you to a wealth of cost-saving products and affinity programs

Our members have access to countless money and time-saving benefitsoffered by the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and other members. Theseproducts and programs will not only save you or your company money, butalso allow you to recover the cost of your membership many times over:

• Take advantage of our affordable, reliable and in-demand Chamber of Commerce life and health insurance benefit plans

• Save money through our affinity programs with access to a variety of products and services, including but not limited to:

— Office supplies — Home and auto insurance— Managed IT support — Travel services— Telecom programs — Shipping and courier services

• Shop for less in our M2M Marketplace (and increase your sales byoffering promotional discounts to other members through this portal)

• Reserve the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce’s boardroom (with AV) to conduct your meetings in the heart of downtown Ottawa

• Pay nothing to promote your event on the Ottawa Chamber ofCommerce website

• Advertise at discounted prices on our website and in our on-line andprint publications (Connect! newsletter and The Voice magazine)

• Receive complimentary copies of our publications

• Enjoy discounted or complimentary tickets to Chamber events

Joining the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce is a valuable investment that pays for itself.

Please contact us at 613-236-3631, ext. 127 or [email protected] to learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member.


“By taking advantage of theOttawa Chamber affinityprograms, especially thegroup insurance plan, we have saved valuableresources and gained many benefits.”

— John Murray, President Hillary's Cleaners


Ottawa Chamber of Commerce328 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, ON, K2P 0J9t: 613.236.3631 | f: 613.236.7498 | e: [email protected] Website: www.ottawachamber.ca | Twitter: @ottawachamber Facebook: www.facebook.com/ottawachamberofcommerce


2014 ottawa chamber of commerce brochure

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