PREMIER IN MINETT FOR ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AGM
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MINETT — Business and politics are on the menu this weekend as provincial politicians break bread with Ontario Chamber of Commerce leaders here.
And it couldn’t be a better time locally as flood waters continue to impact Muskoka residents and businesses.
Premier Doug Ford, Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath, interim Liberal Leader John Fraser and Green Pary Leader Mike Schreiner are among the speakers annual general meeting and Convention at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa May 2-5.
Ford will speak at about 1 p.m. Friday.
Gravenhurst Mayor Paul Kelly and Muskoka Lakes Township Mayor Phil Harding will also attend.
Harding, who will speak at the opening Friday morning, told MuskokaTODAY.com Thursday night that when he gets to meet the premier later in the day that he will press him to update the province’s Mukoka River management plan.
Muskoka District Chair John Klinck brought greetings at Thursday night’s opening, where he talked about new plans for the Muskoka Airport and more.
MPP Norm Miller, centre, chats with Muskoka Lakes councillors Glenn Zavitz, left, and Peter Kelley at the opening reception Thursday, where about 190 people attended.
Delegates representing chambers of commerce and boards of trade from across the province listen as Muskoka District Chair John Klinck welcome them, and tell them about exciting new plans at Muskoka Airport and more.
The AGM & Convention, hosted by the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce.
Its theme is “Stronger Together.”
Speakers include:
- Rocco Rossi, president and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
- Perrin Beatty, president and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- Ashley Challinor, vice-president of policy, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
- Michelle Eaton, vice-president of communications and government relations, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
- Trevor McPherson, vice-president of member services, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
- David Grand, founder & CEO, Muskoka Grown cannabis in Bracebridge
“The Ontario Chamber Network has long been recognized as the leading voice in advancing economic development across the province. This year, our collective voice is stronger than ever as we translate the strength of our 60,000 members in 135 communities across Ontario into historic policy impact,” said Rocco Rossi, president and CEO of the OCC. “Together, we are leveraging Ontario’s advantages and strengthening our global competitiveness.”
A release says the Ontario chamber network is the largest chamber network in North America and the informed voice of business in the province. The network undertakes important research on Ontario’s most pressing policy issues, working together to create non-partisan, evidence-based solutions. Over the past year, their work helped to shape public policy in Ontario with regard to important labour reforms, skills and workforce development, natural gas expansion, and open tendering for the public sector.
“We are proud to bring together government as well as industry and community leaders from different backgrounds and experiences from all regions of the province so that an exchange of ideas can happen right here in Muskoka,” said Norah Fountain, executive director of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
The convention is one of the most significant opportunities for business leaders from across the province to come together to debate policy issues important to the Ontario business community, and shape the network’s advocacy agenda for the year ahead.
“As a network, we advocate for solutions that foster the growth of Ontario businesses and lead to the creation of jobs across the province. Our work will set the stage for addressing key issues businesses in all regions of the province face,” added Sandy Lockhart, executive director of the Gravenhurst Chamber.
About the Annual General Meeting
The convention represents one of the most significant opportunities for business leaders from across the province to come together to network with peers, debate policy issues important to the Ontario business community, and shape our advocacy agenda for the year ahead.
The latest agenda can be found on the OCC website.
