The Keep Ontario Working coalition calls for Ontario Government to give employers more time to adjust to sweeping reforms. Today, the Keep Ontario Working group, a coalition of Ontario’s leading industry and sector associations, sent an open letter to Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne which urges the Government of Ontario to slow down the implementation of […]

Alternative facts from Chamber of Commerce cannot create an Alternative Reality. Apparently spooked by the rumours that the Ontario government might legislate a minimum wage hike to $15 an hour, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has sent a letter to Premier Wynne. Don’t do it, the Chamber urges. It would (to quote the letter) “have […]

The Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has sent a letter to Premier Kathleen Wynne warning against potential changes to Ontario’s Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Employment Standards Act (ESA). Including the introduction of a $15 minimum wage. The letter is cautioning that these […]

It appears that doing nothing can be the best way to achieve results.  Owen Sound proved it with the March 2013 MoneySense magazine’s annual list of the 200 best Canadian cities to live.  Using the high risk ‘do nothing’ approach, the city’s gamble paid off improving its ranking by 166% in just one year. To […]

Hi-speed Internet is not the answer,  just one part of an economic plan. It’s seldom that the Mayors of Owen Sound, Georgian Bluffs, Meaford and Chatsworth speak with one voice.  This uncommon act of unity happened at the recent Mayor’s Forum hosted by the Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce. They unanimously declared that the future […]

When is a public forum a waste of time?  You’d know the answer If you attended the recent Mayor’s Forum hosted by the Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce.  Their intention was good, but regrettably inadequately planned, managed and moderated. The Chamber believes that hosting the annual forum fulfils its mandate of advocacy and leadership in […]

The Mayor’s Forum, an annual event hosted by the Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce was promoted as an opportunity to hear the Mayors of Owen Sound, Georgian Bluffs, Meaford and Chatsworth talk about “ways to cooperate” and to “create common efficiencies” among their municipalities. It did more to highlight the dysfunctional relationship between Owen Sound […]

Over the last hundred years Owen Sound has experienced many powerful storms fed by its proximity to Lake Huron and location on Georgian Bay. Today new and established businesses are experiencing a different kind of storm that threatens their ability to compete in this community. What’s causing this storm? Local and county government, as well […]