Owen Sound Chamber Plans to Tackle Youth Unemployment

magnet-logo-horizontalThe Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Ryerson University and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to help turn the tide on youth unemployment and address the skills gap. The Chamber is announcing Magnet, a leading-edge networking platform that will help employers in Owen Sound connect with recent graduates and qualified candidates.

The Magnet network has one goal: to ensure that individuals within its network are matched to promising job opportunities and that organizations connect to qualified candidates.

With Magnet, businesses can create profiles and search for qualified talent within Owen Sound and beyond. This effective, accurate, and efficient way works to match these candidates’ qualifications and interests with employers’ skills requirements.

“This greatly advanced system of connecting employers with job seekers is specifically designed for small and medium sized businesses” says Bert Loopstra, CEO Owen Sound and District Chamber of Commerce.

Magnet is built upon revolutionary networking technology developed through Ryerson University’s Digital Media Zone.

“Magnet is not only going to address this barrier by connecting businesses with the right candidates, but also by creating youth employment opportunities across the province—it’s a win-win scenario.”“Young people with talent and skill are the promise of our future,” says Sheldon Levy, President and Vice Chancellor of Ryerson University. “Bert and his team at the Chamber of Commerce deserve to be commended for their involvement in this breakthrough network that enables the right people to connect with the right jobs.”
The Magnet network currently includes 18 universities and colleges across Ontario, representing over 500,000 students and graduates, the network of chambers of commerce and boards of trade throughout Ontario, representing 60,000 employers and two million jobs, and over 30 labour- and opportunity-based organizations.

“Ontario’s employers are telling us that they’re finding it difficult to connect with workers that have the skills they need. Magnet is not only going to address this barrier by connecting businesses with the right candidates, but also by creating youth employment opportunities across the province—it’s a win-win scenario,” says Allan O’Dette, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

“The program may also assist local employers seeking persons with specific skills that may not be readily available locally” adds Loopstra.

The Magnet network officially launched in early October.

Key Facts
  • Ontario’s youth unemployment rate currently sits at 15.4%.
  • The Government of Ontario has invested almost $1.2 million to help expand Magnet across the province.
  • Magnet is built upon revolutionary networking technology, called WhoPlusYou, developed through Ryerson University’s Digital Media Zone.
  • The Magnet network currently includes 18 universities and colleges and the network of chambers of commerce and boards of trade across Ontario.

To learn more, visit www.magnet.today

For more information,

contact: Bert Loopstra (CEO) or Wendy Adams (Administrative Assistant)
Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce
519 376-6261
bert@oschamber.com or wendy@oschamber.com

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Business Networking International (BNI) Sound Networking meets Each Wednesday 7:00 – 8:30 AM at Frog Ponds Cafe

Meet local business people and find out how networking is one of the most effective methods for marketing your business.
Visitors are always welcome, just call ahead to let us know you are coming 519-371-2622.

Business Enterprise Centre Workshops

Basics of Bookkeeping (Three part workshop)
Tuesday September 19th and 26th and Tuesday October 3rd, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Business Enterprise Centre Training Room $95 (HST included)
Facilitator: Jane Gallagher
This three part Bookkeeping Workshop will allow you to use the tools and information to confidently understand your financial statements and your own books. Class size is limited to 8 to allow a hands-on, individual learning opportunity for everyone.

Business Enterprise Centre Workshops

How to “Really” Start a Business
Wednesday September 20th, 9:00 am – 11:30 am, Bayshore Community Centre
FREE – Pre-registration is required
Facilitator: Cliff Bilyea
Discover the basic steps involved in starting a business, evaluating your idea, determining your market and basic rules and regulations. Attending the is workshop is mandatory for anyone applying to the Starter Company Plus Program.

Business Enterprise Centre Workshops

Introduction to Quick Books (Two part workshop)
Tuesday October 17th and 24th, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Business Enterprise Centre Training Room, $80 (HST Included)
Instructor: Jane Gallagher
The first session of Quick Books provides participants with an overview and access to a trial version of the program. The second session will be questions and answers to address specific issues. Knowledge of basic bookkeeping principles is required. Limited to 8, you must bring your own laptop. (This workshop does not cover the online version of Quick Books)

Contact

Phone: 519 371 7464
Fax: 519 371 4043
Site: gbbj.biz
Email: editor@gbbj.biz
Address: 1240 2nd Ave E
Owen Sound, ON N4K 2J3

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