June is Pride Month! The Ottawa Board of Trade is wishing everyone a happy pride. As we celebrate, we must continue to acknowledge the barriers facing 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians and recognize the role we all have in creating safe and inclusive communities. Check out these Ottawa-based 2SLGBTQ+ Resources:
❤️ Kind Space
💙 Max Ottawa
Ottawa at a Crossroads:
Now is the moment and it could be a moment lost

On Tuesday, the Ottawa Board of Trade released the results of the annual Welch LLP Ottawa Business Growth Survey in partnership with the Ottawa Business Journal, Welch LLP, and Abacus Data. One of the key lessons of the pandemic is the need for timely, relevant access to data for decision-making and identifying opportunities. The OBOT has come to rely on the use of the Survey to validate its recommendations at all three levels of government. This allows us to cultivate a thriving world-class business community that drives community prosperity and an inclusive and sustainable city.

Key Highlights:

  • Business confidence is back to pre-pandemic levels, but inflation and labour shortages will put pressure on this confidence.
  • 45% of businesses have increased prices a little
  • A shortage of skilled trade workers has negatively impacted 54% of Ottawa businesses ability to operate

  • Employee retention requires creativity, flexibility, and a new mindset.
  • 77% of employers have implemented more flexibility in work hours and location and 65% have enhanced their workplace culture based on feedback in an effort to retain employees.

  • Ahead of the municipal election, respondents were asked what should be the highest priority for Ottawa's next mayor and city council.
  • 23% of Ottawans' believe they should prioritize LRT Phase Three and improving the transit system overall.
The Future of Ottawa Starts Now
Monday, June 6, 2022 | Horticulture Building - Lansdowne | 8:00 AM

The last two years of change and challenge has revealed many opportunities for growing, learning, and planning for a better future. One that requires a high level of collaboration, innovation, and strategic investments. Now is the time to be bold and create an environment that leverages the ingenuity and success of business to drive community health and prosperity.

Together, we have the opportunity to build on our strengths, address our challenges and be the thriving world class city we have the potential to be.

All we need is you! We need you to join the conversation about our future, share your insights and enthusiasm for our great city and tell the world to come to Ottawa. And it is all happening at the City Building Summit 2022: Reimagine Ottawa.

Who should attend?
  • Business owners and managers, corporate executives and senior directors
  • Volunteers and leaders working in the broader public sectors and non profits
  • Decision makers and managers at the municipal, provincial and federal levels
  • Community members interested in diversity and inclusion, sustainability, our economy
  • Leaders and future leaders interested in making a difference in our community
Are you an Ottawa SME? Pick up your Free Rapid Test Kits
It's quick. It's easy. It's free.

Thank you to the Ottawa business community for your ongoing commitment to the health and safety of your customers and employees. The rapid testing program is currently being supported by the government until July 31, 2022. We have committed to work with them and Ottawa SMEs until that time. Businesses with under 150 employees can access FREE rapid antigen tests!
 
We continue to assess the best way to deliver this service. Distribution at the TCC Canada site on 1000 Innovation Drive, Ottawa, Ontario will cease effective June 3, 2022. 

We will continue to distribute rapid antigen tests at the TCC site on 1730 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, Ontario until July 31, 2022. Good news! You can book an appointment online as early as tomorrow.

It has been our honour to serve you during the pandemic and do what is required to build confidence and keep businesses open.
FUN! FAST! FOCUSED!

What are you waiting for? Join your Ottawa Board of Trade at the next 5 Connections at 5 on Wednesday June 22nd. 

Come network with your business community. Thank you to our proud member sponsor Head Office Ottawa for hosting us at their beautiful space! 

Registration now open for both current and future members!
Space is limited.
Looking to Save at the Pumps? OBOT Members Can Save 3.5¢ per Litre on Esso and Mobil Fuel

With the Esso and Mobil Business Fleet Card Program, your businesses can enjoy a 3.5¢ per litre discount on every fuel purchase at Esso and Mobil stations. It’s accepted at over 2,000 Esso and Mobil stations. Which means this exceptional fuel discount is usually available within, well, shouting distance.
THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS!

The Ottawa Board of Trade is a non-profit, non partisan, independent association that exists for the sole purpose of advocating for our businesses and growing community prosperity. Although we are driven by the needs of the entire business community, it is the members who make it possible for Ottawa to have a strong voice of business. And it may never be more important than now. So please join us in saying 
THANK YOU to our members.
Promote Your Business| Build Your Brand | Support Your Community
Special Thanks to our Community Partners!