ECONOMIC FORECAST VERY INFORMATIVE

 

The Chamber's annual Economic Forecast Panel 2007 was held on March 7.  What separates the Chamber Economic Forecast from all others is the unique makeup of our panel.  Our 2007 panel consisted of an economist (Derek Holt, Assistant Chief Economist with RBC) and a pollster (Doug Newson, Director Central Region with Statistics Canada).  Both of this year's panelists proved to be very informative and very entertaining.  Much of the information presented by the panelists supported the views expressed by chamber members in our Economy in 2007 survey.  This event was proudly sponsored by RBC Royal Bank.  Highlights from our speakers' presentations include:

• we will soon have more seniors than children in Canada

• 20% of Burlingtonians were born outside the country Burlington has a higher than average education level

• Canada's GDP will continue to fall in early 2007 and will turn around in late 2007

• no interest rate increase in the short term

• the trade balance should turnaround in 2007

• auto production will continue to increase in Ontario

• local employment growth is expected to be low

• 83 to 84 cents dollar by year end

 

 

AUDITOR GENERAL AT CHAMBER LUNCHEON

 

On February 21, Federal Auditor General Sheila Fraser addressed a sold out crowd of Burlington business leaders.  Attendees came from as far as Toronto and Guelph to hear Ms. Fraser and several students were in attendance.  In her presentation, Ms. Fraser outlined the role and the responsibilities of the Office of the Auditor General and she cleared up some common misconceptions about her role.  She also outlined the results of some of her most recent reports to parliament.  A highlight of the event was when Ms. Fraser answered questions from the floor.  This event was proudly sponsored by CMA, Certified Management Accountants and Horne LLP.

 

 

BY-ELECTION CANDIDATES MEETING

 

With a Burlington by-election called for February 8, the Chamber hosted a candidates meeting on February 1.  Candidates from the three major parties clearly spelled out their views on a wide variety of issues.  Read more details on our Advocacy page.

 

 

CURLING BONSPIEL 2007

 

The Chamber's newly resurrected Curling Bonspiel, held at the Burlington Golf & Country Club, was an unqualified success.  The event catered to both curlers and non-curlers alike and was sold out several weeks in advance.  Go to our Curling Bonspiel web page to read more.

 

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SMALL BUSINESS CHRISTMAS PARTY

 

The 2006 Small Business Christmas Party was the largest in the Chamber's history.  A new style of event with new entertainment turned out to be very popular.  Visit our Christmas Party page for photos and details.

 

 

CHAMBER DEDICATES BENCH TO MAYOR MACISAAC

 

On November 29, 2006, the Boards of the Chamber of Commerce and The Carpenter Hospice, along with staff and guests gathered at The Carpenter Hospice to take part in a special ceremony.  In recognition of Mayor MacIsaac's long service to the City, the Chamber of Commerce dedicated a bench in his name. The bench was placed near the pond at The Carpenter Hospice, one of the Mayor's favourite community organizations.

 

In dedicating the bench, Board Chair John Doyle thanked Mayor MacIsaac for the work he has done with the Chamber over the years.  He also thanked him for the work he has done to make the City of Burlington a better place to live and work.  John said the bench was placed at the hospice because it will have permanence, is in a facility that the mayor helped to create and is in a spot "much like Rob; it's quiet and unassuming and is very much appreciated."  Michael Schwenger, Chair of the Board of The Carpenter Hospice thanked the Mayor for his commitment and dedication in creating The Carpenter Hospice.

 

Mayor MacIsaac thanked the Chamber for the "very thoughtful dedication" and was especially pleased that the Chamber had chosen The Carpenter Hospice as the location.  He pointed out that he was particularly proud of helping to make the hospice a reality and it is an excellent example of what a mayor can to do make a difference in a community.

 

For more in formation on The Carpenter Hospice please visit their website.

 

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MAYORAL CANDIDATES MEETING

 

On October 18, the Chamber hosted a Mayoral Candidates meeting to give chamber members and business leaders the opportunity to aks the candidates questions about business and community issues.  Go to our Advocacy page for details.

 

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MAYOR MACISAAC BIDS FAREWELL

 

Mayor Rob MacIsaac's final State of the City Address was an exciting and emotional event.  The list of people and organizations the Mayor thanked for helping him through nine successful years as Mayor was long.  That so much of his speech (nearly one-third) was taken up by thanking those around him is a tribute to both his leadership style and his personality.

 

MacIsaac went on to outline some of his proudest accomplishments. Helping to establish Carpenter Hospice, the Burlington Community Foundation and Team Burlington highlighted the community development list.  A long list of city-building projects (with over $100 million spent on infrastructure) demonstrated council's commitment to creating a vibrant livable city.  

 

Looking forward, Mayor MacIsaac outlined the positive, respectful relationship that exists between staff and council and how that relationship is vital to Burlington's continued success.  He encouraged all to actively participate in the upcoming election.

 

The Mayor was thanked by community and business representatives for his success at making the city a better community and Anne MacIsaac was thanked for her long support of the Mayor's hard work.

 

A final thank you was offered by John Doyle, Chamber Board Chair.  In his thanks, he announced that the Chamber has donated a bench with a plaque honouring the Mayor's long service to the community which will be placed at Carpenter Hospice, one of the Mayor's favourite community organizations.  You can view photos of the event on our Photo Gallery.

 

The Breakfast will be televised on TVCogeco 23 on Thursday, October 12 at 8:00 pm and Thursday, October 19 at 7:00 pm.

 

Click here to read the full text of the Mayor's address (courtesy of the City of Burlington).

 

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