Calling his Toronto-based organization “The voice of business,” Trevor McPherson told Thorold business owners that the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is there to help them.
Small Business Week is approaching, said the OCC’s vice president of member services.
“They really are the backbone of the economy. We know growth will not come from another auto plant. It’s from small businesses. A thriving private sector is the most competitive market. We’re committed to working with you through your board to ensure that prosperity is first in Niagara Centre.”
“We’re hearing that the skills gap is the number one challenge for business owners these days, and as chambers of commerce, we feel there’s a strong role we can play in addressing that,” he added.
Made up of 135 chambers and boards of trade; the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is “one of the largest networks in the province,” according to McPherson, “and we work together.”
“I’ve travelled across the province in round tables, and it’s become more apparent how important our role is in prosperity building in our communities,” he said. “We support the NBOTAC in many ways.”
A non-partisan entity, McPherson said the OCC keeps its members up to date on policies “relevant to your business” and on advocacy issues, as well as providing template media releases.
Key drivers to creating economic growth include access to talent, innovation, good transportation, energy, broadband, and strong governing structures, he said, adding, “Some of the actions that were taken weren’t in the best interest of our members,” such as “tearing up the Beer Store contract.”
Part of the OCC’s upcoming strategic plan, said McPherson, involves a “shift in mindset.”
“Our chambers are at a pivotal point. We need to adapt. We need to be the partner of business.”
In his opinion, that includes navigating through new regulations and providing opportunities for business owners to meet potential skilled labourers.
“We’ve had a pretty successful year so far, working to ensure the Ontario voice of business is heard loud and clear. At Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park, we convene and meet with our elected officials and senior staff and talk about” business innovation and needs, he said.
The OCC has been behind lobbying for Bill 66—Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, Bill 47—Making Ontario Open for Business Act, and Bill 108—More Homes, More Choice Act, said McPherson.
“The collective voice of the Ontario Chamber has not been stronger. We are committed to bringing business, labour, industry, and other groups together to make us stronger. As a province, we believe we are as strong as our weakest link. We want to support the wellbeing of all our regions.”
“We’re seeing chambers doing tremendous work in Newmarket,” connecting students with employers, he cited as one successful business model.
“The bread and butter business savings is the Chamber of Commerce group insurance plan,” he added, “which provides $3 million in revenue annually to the Chamber of Commerce.”
More than 30,000 small to medium-sized businesses use the Chamber’s Plan to provide their employees with group benefits. As a not-for-profit program, all surpluses stay in the plan to help lower premiums.
Upcoming NCBOTAC events include a new members’ breakfast at the Four Points Sheraton on Oct. 23, followed by a Business After 5 event at A Yellow Flower Basket, 50 Front St. North, on Nov. 27.
For more information, visit www.nbotac.com and www.occ.ca
