Messages from the Chair of the Board and the President

  Recently, I had the opportunity to present the Chamber’s business survey results to Town Council on December 12, 2011. The Town’s Economic Development Department had taken the position that they would not do their own business survey and instead implement other strategies to engage local business, using a variety of existing research including the Chamber’s survey.  I suggested to Council that we would be encouraged if our survey informed the Town’s policy discussions.
Council was very interested in the details of the survey and sought our advice on the potential for future economic development opportunities. Based on the response by 54% of businesses who indicated that they plan to expand in the next 3-5 years, the Chamber’s message to Council was that the Town should focus its economic development efforts on assisting businesses to grow locally. To that end the Chamber is committed to working with the Town on the local economic development opportunity the survey reveals as well as discussing collaboration on a business survey in the future.  (To review the full survey, visit www.oakvillechamber.com).
The Chamber’s Advocacy and Government Relations Committee will host Jane Clohecy, the Town’s Commissioner of Planning and Development, early in the New Year to further discuss the survey results such as ways to ease some of the barriers, including the business permitting process and other issues, like the heritage designation for downtown Oakville.
The Heritage Designation is shaping up to be an issue of significant interest in the New Year. Chamber staff  have begun informal discussions with our members and with some members of Council.  We will be sharing the results of our meeting with the Commissioner and seeking more formal input from our members as the issue moves forward. Preliminary feedback shows us that this is a complex issue and we are thankful the Chamber will have the opportunity to participate on a Town Advisory Committee to represent the needs of local business. The Chamber wants to ensure the cost and red tape associated with the designation are addressed and that the designation does not impede the future viability of local businesses and the economic health of the downtown core.
The best way to preserve Oakville’s unique character is to shop downtown and in every Oakville neighbourhood. In December, the Oakville Beaver printed a guest column by me encouraging everyone to “Indulge in a Little Oakville” by shopping locally this past holiday season. Indulge in a little Oakville is the marketing slogan of the Oakville Tourism Partnership, a group of local hospitality purveyors who are supported by the Town, the BIAs and the Chamber. 
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting the new Rebecca Edgar, Oakville Tourism Partnership manager and I am looking forward to the hearing their plans in the New Year.
 In the meantime make it your New Year’s resolution to support local businesses and encourage visitors to our local restaurants, hotels, recreation and entertainment facilities.

Wendy Rinella
Chair
           

  Oakville Awards for Business Excellence
The Oakville Awards for Business Excellence (OABE) are dedicated to recognizing exemplary models of excellence and community service by Oakville’s businesses. Now in its 17th year, the Oakville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with The Rotary Club of Oakville West organize the OABE.
The OABE culminates in a gala dinner and award ceremony. This year’s dinner event for the  Awards will be held March 7, 2012 at the Oakville Conference and Banquet Centre.
The proceeds from the gala awards dinner, including the considerable support from our many partners, provide funds for the Rotary Club’s numerous youth and academic programs such as the Oakville Awards for Academic Excellence, the Oakville Youth Development Centre, and Camp Enterprise. The funds raised are vital to The Rotary Club of Oakville West’s vocational program. To date, the OABE galas have raised over $500,000 to support The Rotary Club of Oakville West’s youth programs such as the Oakville Youth Development Centre, Kerr Street Ministries, school breakfast and lunch programs as well as scholarships and bursaries for Oakville’s top students.
A new award has been introduced this year, The Community Builder.  This award recognizes a company or individual who has, over a period of time, demonstrated exemplary business practices and unyielding commitment to community service and volunteer programs which enhance the quality of life in our community and enrich the lives of their employees. The nominees will be judged on their commitment to corporate citizenry, policies, contributions, programs or projects. The evaluation will include how the nominees manage the economic, social and environmental impacts of their operations. (Their contribution may not be solely in the form of financial support, but also may include the development, hosting or general contribution to programs or practices that benefit the general community. Any businesses’ products, processes and behaviour that result in positive social impacts will be well regarded in this category.)
The purpose of the OABE is to recognize the business talent which resides in Oakville and serves our community.  The health of the Town’s economy is of fundamental importance to the Chamber and its members. One of the greatest challenges facing Oakville is a sustainable economy that can support more jobs locally, thereby reducing the number of daily commuters and contributing to a healthy, sustainable community.  More Oakville residents spend more time commuting than residents in other communities across Ontario. Sixty-three percent of Oakville residents commute compared to the provincial average of 35%. Oakville businesses leverage the skills of local residents and others, contribute to business to business transactions and diversify the local tax base.
We know that the best ambassadors for new businesses are our existing businesses.  As business people and entrepreneurs, we want to be able to focus our efforts on creating value, creating jobs and building something meaningful – we often risk our livelihoods and our life savings doing so. Being recognized by one’s peers, either through an OABE nomination or award, is a thank you for the hard work and risk Oakville businesses have incurred. As an ambassador for business in Oakville, nominees and winners provide guidance and inspiration to new and seasoned businesses as well as young, aspiring entrepreneurs. They help foster the spirit of adventure and enterprise, risk and reward for young people.
Whatever your business, the Chamber is here to offer assistance. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
 

John Sawyer
President