The 2011 edition of our popular annual Membership Directory and Buyers’ Guide is HOT off the press and distribution of the 6000 copies is underway. The Membership Directory/ Buyers’ Guide is being mailed to Chamber members and member representatives. The Buyers’ Guide section has been shipped to all businesses on the Canada Post business drop in Oshawa and Clarington. The Buyers’ Guide will be available online as a downloadable PDF shortly.

Most importantly, the contents of the directory are all about the “BEST” in Business—You—Our Members. Published annually since 1974, the Directory is a premier source of information on Chamber members and the services they offer. It enables the members to network with one another and develop business contacts within our community. Please use it as a guide when choosing services and remember Shop Members First!

The Conservatives said that giving them a majority would allow them to complete our economic recovery, create jobs, and provide stability to Canada’s business and families. With that majority, the Conservative government now has the responsibility to deliver for Canadian businesses. ”Today, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is calling on the government to move forward with a strong pro-growth strategy that will focus on jobs, productivity, strengthening the recovery and international trade”,  stated Chamber President, Perrin Beatty. “It is now time for politicians to get back to Ottawa and deliver for businesses all across the country. We have come far from the depths of the recession, but a lot still has to be done to ensure Canada remains competitive”.

Thousands of jobs and billions in revenues at risk unless federal politicians take action. Canada's $6.5 billion a year nuclear industry, and more than 70,000 people working in direct and indirect industry jobs, could be in jeopardy if federal politicians continue to delay decisions about the restructuring of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL). The Organization of CANDU Industries (OCI) is calling for clarity on AECL so the industry can get back on track and capitalize on domestic and international opportunities in the growing nuclear power sector.

On Thursday April 7^th the traditional Top Hat Ceremony welcomed Captain Sergiy Kuzmin, Master of the M/V Tuscarora, the first overseas vessel to arrive at the Port of Oshawa signifying the official opening of the 2011 navigation season. The port is one of only 18 across the country that can handle deep water ships. On hand to welcome the ship were a number of dignitaries including Deputy Mayor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Councillor Doug Sanders, Regional Councillor Amy England, Regional Councillor Nester Pidwerbecki, Dr. Colin Carrie, Oshawa MP and Cris Douglas, President, Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce.

The Durham Economic Prosperity Committee released its final report on April 15, 2011 on the 3^rd Durham Economic Prosperity Conference (DEPC) held on November 5^th, 2010 at the Ajax Conference Centre in Ajax, Ontario. Durham Region continues to experience unparalleled economic growth, but with this growth comes many obstacles and challenges. In an effort to maximize the Region’s economic opportunities, community leaders came together to discuss the current economic situation and to develop an economic strategic direction. The Committee’s report, “Moving Forward Together—A Community Driven Plan to Bring Durham to Economic Prosperity” identified the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities where economic cooperation can pay greater dividends, assessed the challenges to a regional approach, and outlined the next steps to ensure a regional approach succeeds.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to ensure Canada’s businesses have the tools to succeed at home and in an intensely competitive global economy. When Canada’s businesses are healthy, all Canadians benefit. When they are not, all Canadians feel the pain. Canadians face important choices in this election. Our governments and businesses coming out of this election need to demonstrate the vision to capitalize on Canada’s strengths.

The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce (GOCC) has been on record with the province of Ontario since December 2005 supporting the Nuclear New Build at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station “B”; and it further supports the Municipality of Clarington’s position that Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is the preferred supplier of the new nuclear. In a presentation to the hearings on April 7^th, 2011 delegates from the GOCC reaffirmed its support for the application for Darlington’s New Build and that Ontario Power Generation’s programs (to ensure the safety of the public and protection of the environment) warrant this support stating “OPG shows all of the elements of managerial control necessary and a proven safety and environmental performance record.”

Earth Day Canada has just introduced the Small Business Hometown Heroes Award. The winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip to attend any professional development course, workshop, summit or conference focused on environmental sustainability and/or conservation within Canada.  Nominate yourself, an individual, group, organization or small business from your community by April 22nd, 2011. For criteria and details of the award, visit www.earthday.ca/hometown/eligibility.php#small_business. Please contact the Chamber at 905-728-1683 and let the staff know if you have been nominated, or plan to nominate yourself.

Community volunteer Fred Ball is being remembered as a “great historian, valuable mentor and tremendous jewel.” Mr. Ball passed away on March 21 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa surrounded by his family at age 73.

A proud, fourth-generation resident of Oshawa, Mr. Ball began a career in insurance in 1964 with London Life. That same year, he joined the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, he chaired several Chamber committees and served as Chamber President in 1971 and 1972.

He was the proud recipient of the Richard A. Dolphin Community Service Award, presented at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) Annual General Meeting in 2006. “It is a rare and precious thing to come across volunteers like Fred,” OCC President and CEO Len Crispino said at the award presentation.

“His dedication to both the Oshawa Chamber and to the whole community is something that should be cherished and honoured. For over 40 years, Fred has contributed to the prosperity of Oshawa and I have no doubt that the community is far better for it.”

Chamber General Manager and CEO Bob Malcolmson echoed those comments. “Fred is a great historian for our Chamber and tremendous mentor, not only for myself, but for many of our past presidents,” he said of the award presentation. “Fred is truly a tremendous jewel. It’s rewarding to recognize someone who has worked quietly behind the scenes to make such positive impacts.”

by Tom Mitchell President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation

As we in Ontario have watched the images in Japan from the earthquake and tsunami, the damage to some of its nuclear power plants has been a major cause for concern. For many of us, among the first questions asked were: “Could similar events happen here? In Ontario? In the Greater Toronto Area?” The short answer is, “No.”

[Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) posted a number of Q & A's that explains the robustness of Canada's nuclear technology and seismic qualification, please visit their website which will be frequently updated.]

Let me give you the reasons. When I say that similar nuclear emergencies could not happen here, I am not writing with a sense of complacency. Safe operations and emergency preparedness are a priority at Ontario Power Generation. Along with other nuclear operators in the world, we will closely examine the Japanese experience to learn how we can make our operations even safer.

It is important to note some basic differences between the conditions in Japan and those of Ontario’s 16 operating nuclear reactors.

Background Material:
Observations on OPG’s Nuclear Operations after the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami [PDF]
Ontario Nuclear Safety: Reflecting On Events In Japan [PDF]

As part of the government's Open Ontario plan to create jobs and strengthen the economy, the Minister of Transportation announced on Thursday March 10, 2011, the extension of Highway 407 East is to be extended to Harmony Road in Oshawa by 2015, and then to Highway 35/115 by 2020 helping to relieve highway congestion and create about 13,000 jobs in the first phase alone.

“The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce has been an active member of the Highway 407 Community Advisory Committee since the fall of 2002 and today’s announcement is great news,” stated Cris Douglas, President of the Chamber. Adding that “in recent months the issue had become extremely politicized and in a recent letter to the Premier, the Chamber felt we needed to ratchet down the political rhetoric, bring all stakeholders together to find an acceptable alternative, set out firm timelines and commitments for the extension past Oshawa to 35/115.”

Canadian economist will provide insight to local business community on April 12th. Interested in gaining some insight to the ever changing economy? Mark your calendars; the City of Oshawa’s annual Economic Outlook Breakfast will provide the opportunity to hear from Craig Alexander, one Canada’s leading economists.

Craig Alexander, who is the Senior Vice President & Chief Economist for the TD Bank Financial Group, will be in Oshawa on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 to present an economic outlook to the local business community. He will discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the country, the province and the region at the City of Oshawa’s 6th Annual Economic Outlook Breakfast.

With change in the air the business community came out to hear what newly minted Mayor John Henry and his council plan for the future. The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Annual Mayor’s State-of-the-City address was attended by over 300 business leaders. Sponsored by BMO Bank of Montreal for the 19th consecutive year, the luncheon was hosted at Tosca Banquet Hall. Chamber President Cris Douglas noted this was the largest Mayor’s luncheon on record.

“Oshawa is on the threshold of great things!” - Mayor John Henry