PREMIER FORD  & ALL PARTY LEADERS JOIN BUSINESS LEADERS IN MUSKOKA

This week’s annual general meeting & convention focuses on issues facing businesses of all sizes across the province

(Muskoka – April 25, 2019) Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Andrea Horwath, Leader of the Ontario NDP, John Fraser, Interim Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, and Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario are among the latest speakers announced for this week’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Convention taking place in Minett, Ontario from May 2 to 5.

Presented by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and hosted by the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce, the theme of this year’s AGM & Convention is “Stronger Together.”

“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.”

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,” explained Norah Fountain, Executive Director of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce.

The AGM & 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 of the Gravenhurst Chamber Executive Director.

The Chambers would also like to thank all our partners who came forward to help make this year’s experience in Muskoka memorable.

They include: The District of Muskoka, Hydro One, Township of Muskoka Lakes, Town of Gravenhurst, Ontario Power Generation, CN, Georgian College, Jayne’s Cottages, Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre and the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network, bdc (Business Development Bank of Canada, Kawartha Credit Union, Port Carling and Gravenhurst Scotiabank, Muskoka Rock Company, Fowler Construction, Georgian Bay Spirit Co., FCA Insurance, Chelsey Penrice, Muskoka Brewery, Sawdust City Brewing Co., Lake of Bays Brewing Co., Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery, Black River Cheese, Campus Crew, Bala Cranberry Festival, Muskoka Launch Livery, and Maple Lodge.

The latest agenda can be found on the OCC website.

Date: May 2 – 5, 2019
Place: JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa
1050 Paignton House Rd. Minett, ON P0B 1G0 (map)
Key Government Decision-Makers: ·      Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario·      Andrea Horwath, Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party

·      John Fraser, Interim Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party

·      Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario

·      Paul Kelly, Mayor of Town of Gravenhurst

·      Phil Harding, Mayor of Muskoka Lakes Township
 

Speakers:

 

 

 ·      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

About the Annual General Meeting

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s AGM & 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 the Chamber Network’s advocacy agenda for the year ahead.

Media Accreditation

For more information about the AGM, to apply for media accreditation, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Ceara Copps – Edwards

Senior Communications Advisor

Ontario Chamber of Commerce

cearacoppsedwards@occ.ca| (647) 936-6734

For the program and list of confirmed speakers, please visit the  OCC website.