Message from President and CEO
Dear OBOT Members,
As 2024 draws to a close, on behalf of our board of directors and staff team, I want to take a moment to thank you for your steadfast support as members, volunteers, and pillar partners. You are the heart of our mission to cultivate thriving world class business community in Ottawa, our Nation’s Capital. Your success is the foundation of our future. Your dedication inspires us all.
Introducing Our New Membership Model
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news. As part of our strategic objective to serve each of our members better, we’re rolling out a refreshed membership model. This new model is tailored to meet your unique needs and business goals. From the “Connect” tier to the “Lead” level, this structure is designed to help you get the most out of your membership—whether you’re focused on expanding your network, building your brand, or shaping the future of our business community. Renewing members will be transferred to the new model beginning January 2025. Be sure to join our virtual Maximize Your Membership sessions, every Monday at 1:00 pm, to learn more about your benefits, programs and opportunities.
A Living Capital: Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda
Our shared vision of a transformed downtown Ottawa is taking shape! Since the launch of the action agenda in the spring we are excited to make note of many initiatives moving forward. Internally, we have been working closely with our economic partners at the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism, Invest Ottawa, BOMA Ottawa and the National Capital Commission as well as the OBOT Pillar Partners and Committee Members on the implementation phase.
We are pleased to inform you that in consultation with the City of Ottawa and our downtown advisory council and with the endorsement of our board of directors, the Ottawa Board of Trade is committed to stewarding the downtown Ottawa action agenda for the next three years. In the coming weeks we will be raising the funds needed to kick start the agenda, establish the Downtown Champions Table and launch the Downtown Vibrancy Office. These actions mark key milestones for increasing vibrancy in the heart of our city.
An Invitation to Get Involved
We invite every Ottawa business; entrepreneurs, employees and executives, to intentionally support our local economy. Start by being an active OBOT member or pillar partner, an Ottawa ambassador, and local business promoter.
- Spread the Word: Let your network know about the direct benefits of being part of OBOT such as making connections and access to resources while influencing the future of our city. Our local business and community leaders have a critical role in setting the economic growth agenda for our city and advocating for investments that enhance the quality of life for everyone in our city today, and tomorrow.
- Join Us at Dynamic Events: In addition to our weekly virtual Maximize Your Membership sessions, we have many opportunities to connect and celebrate our business community before the year ends.
- Dive into CAPITAL Magazine: Our fall/winter edition of CAPITAL magazine in partnership with TAAG just launched! This magazine is designed as a tool for each of you to use to tell others about the Ottawa opportunity. It is filled with insights, stories and updates about the exciting things happening here, and the people making it happen. Pick one up at sites across the city or online at capitalmag.ca
- Support #BuyLocalOttawa: Special thanks to our key economic partners including the United Way for your community wealth building work. We are excited for our annual buy local campaign which launched November 25th at 11 AM. Get online to promote the importance of buying local, to share stories of how you have supported local and to promote your favourite local businesses. Use #BuyLocalOttawa in all your posts. Your involvement can have a meaningful impact on our local economy. Our local small businesses are the backbone of our community, our economy and our culture. The upcoming season is important to their bottom line and a unique opportunity for each of you to demonstrate your support. Let’s do it!
Building Up Ottawa Together
We have an opportunity to transform our city to be more diverse, resilient and vibrant than ever. It requires a holistic, whole of community, people centric approach. It requires leveraging our many assets, building for the future, and supporting local businesses and organizations. We will welcome a variety of people - to live and work here, to visit, learn, invest, open and grow businesses. We will diversify our economic and talent base. We will work quickly to build more homes and ensure an efficient transit system. And we will prioritize safety and security for all.
Together, we will. The private, public and broader public sectors. The indigenous, immigrants and descendants of immigrants. The young leaders, and the young at heart.
We are not just growing businesses; we’re shaping an affordable, inclusive, innovative and sustainable community. Your partnership is key to achieving this vision. Congratulations and thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Here’s to building an even brighter future for Ottawa. Today and for the next generation.
Yours in prosperity,
Sueling Ching
President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade