The 2009 edition of our popular annual Membership Directory and Buyer’s Guide is HOT off the press and distribution of the 6000 copies is underway. The Membership Directory/Buyer’s Guide is being mailed to our members and member representatives. The Buyer’s Guide section has been shipped to all businesses on the Canada Post business drop in Oshawa and Clarington.

This directory has two special features attached to it. First, the directory sets a new environmental standard for the Chamber. It is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This certification ensures that the directory’s production is in harmony with environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forest.

With the serious toll the recession continues to take on our economy and particularly given the reports that many American states and municipalities are denying Canadian companies a chance to bid on infrastructure projects, it’s not surprising to increasingly hear of calls for our provinces, territories and municipalities to discriminate against foreign suppliers. In particular, the Canadian Auto Workers Union is mounting a concerted campaign to have local councils adopt “Buy Canadian” policies that would limit the ability of foreign suppliers to compete for contracts.

Auditions heated up in Oshawa for the DRAGONS’ DEN, the hit series returning this fall on CBC Television. The production team came to Oshawa looking for the next big thing for Season Four. The open auditions took place on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 in the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce boardroom and between 20 and 25 entrepreneurs showed up to try and convince the producers that their concept was ready for the limelight, and why they should qualify to be on Dragons’ Den.

Sgt. Colin Shaw
Durham Regional Police, Centralized Oshawa Problem-Based Response Unit (COPR)

As you may, or may not, be aware through a recent media release, the COPR unit is assisting in a Divisional Initiative to take back the streets of downtown Oshawa. At the time of the media release, a team of six officers drawn from our regular complement of our general patrol officers, and assisted by members of the COPR unit, began a proactive foot patrol blitz of our downtown, using highly visible foot patrol.

The Toronto Argonauts are blitzing Oshawa and they’ve teamed up with the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce for two great events: First, on Wednesday, May 20 chamber members will learn from the pros during the Business After 5 Fantasy Football Mini-Camp.

For 60 thrilling minutes Argonauts players will coach you through passing, catching, running, blocking and tackling drills as you hone your skills for the upcoming CFL season. You’ll have to work hard, because the 2009 Argos Cheerleaders will be there cheering you through each repetition. When the drills are over, the fun is just beginning. Stay for a BBQ where you can mingle with Argos players and cheerleaders, eat great food and build lasting relationships with other members of the Oshawa business community.   

Please join the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and The Durham Economic Prosperity Committee with Glenna Carr, Chair of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, for a special luncheon address to hear about the opportunities that the worldwide nuclear renaissance can provide to the Greater Oshawa area.

You need to attend and hear first hand from Eric McSweeney, the results of the just released "Community Adjustment and Sustainability Strategy for the City of Oshawa and the Region of Durham" and how it outlines an adjustment strategy to move Durham Region forward and to get people back to work.

Durham is seen as the primary hub within the Province's energy network and as a leader in the innovation, education, demonstration and production of the energy and transportation convergence. The report offers significant new economic directions and  diversification opportunities for Oshawa and Durham.