Niagara’s leaders in business, government, non-profits and community will convene on Oct. 27 for this year’s Niagara Economic Summit, hosted by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) at White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa.
This year, the summit will dive into myths and misconceptions about Niagara’s economy. A range of panellists and speakers from business, government, and non-profits will bring out the truth about Niagara’s most pressing economic concerns.
The first theme to be explored is Niagara’s job market. Some say it’s a slack labour market and that it’s hard to find work here. Others believe Niagara has plenty of jobs if you know where to look, and the biggest problem is that employers can’t find good people. Helmut Pastrick, chief economist of Central 1 Credit Union and editor of Economic Analysis of Ontario and Economic Analysis of British Columbia, will deliver a plenary address on the labour market, and then join a panel of experts that will attempt to answer this burning question.
The summit will also dive into the question of the skills gap, aiming to establish whether it’s real, and if so, what its extent and nature are. A panel of experts from diverse backgrounds including recruiting agencies, major HR departments, trades education and organized labour will join plenary speaker David Tsubouchi, president of the Ontario College of Trades, on this subject.
Finally, the subject of the millennial generation will be addressed. Educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders will investigate what makes the millennials tick, and how there’s good business in hiring and marketing to that generation. Brand Blvd. vice-president Chris Sinclair will explain how his business prospered with both.
For anyone interested in Niagara’s economy and the future of business in the region, this is one event that cannot be missed. For a complete list of speakers, further information, and to register for the Summit, visit http://www.gncc.ca/economicsummit.
