Economic Summit Presented by Enbridge Gas

Description

Join us September 24 for an insightful day featuring expert speakers on some of the biggest issues facing our community ahead of the municipal election. Learn about economic opportunities in AI and critical minerals, learn how some communities are making progress in addressing housing challenges, and explore how educators and employers can work together toward workforce development.

The day will also feature an opportunity to hear from Orillia's Mayoral candidates in a fireside chat, and a chance to meet municipal council candidates. Please note that the candidate chat period from 1:40-4:00 p.m. is for Chamber members only; this is an opportunity for our business community to ask candidates about issues directly impacting them and their businesses. 

• For more information about the candidate chat period, please scroll to the end of this page. 

• Municipal election candidates participating in the event may set up materials at their designated side tables.

• Coffee, muffins and an opportunity to connect with business, community and government leaders.

• Presented by Enbridge Gas.

• With Jordan Rossman & David Caplan.
• A look at how entrepreneurship, innovation and new business development are helping shape Orillia's future economy.

  • Meet the Speakers: Jordan Rossman is an Orillia entrepreneur, REALTOR® and active member of StartUp Orillia who is exploring how artificial intelligence can turn ideas into practical business solutions. Despite coming from a non-technical background, Jordan has used AI-assisted development to build and launch commercial applications with paying customers. He is also the creator of Why Orillia?, an initiative highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs, and recently partnered with David Caplan to develop Ori, an AI-powered civic information platform built from thousands of City of Orillia public documents. Jordan brings a unique perspective on how entrepreneurs and small businesses can use emerging AI tools to innovate without traditional technology backgrounds.

  • David Caplan is a software engineer, technology entrepreneur and founder of StartUp Orillia, a grassroots community connecting local founders, developers and entrepreneurs. With more than 20 years of experience in technology, David has co-founded several technology ventures, including genomic intelligence platform SolveBio and video discovery platform 5by. Now based in Orillia, David is helping grow the local innovation ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs, encouraging collaboration and demonstrating how emerging technologies can create new opportunities in our community.

• With Paul Jenkins, CEO, St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, & Dale Rowe, Executive Director, The Lighthouse.

• With Georgian College's Dr. Mira Ray & Lakehead University.
• A discussion about connecting education, skills development and employers to create the workforce our communities will need tomorrow.
• Special Guest: Janet Hunter – Co-Founder & CEO, PreCognise Canada.

  • Meet the Speaker: Janet Hunter is Co-Founder and CEO of PreCognise Canada, a Canadian technology company focused on better connecting education, skills and employment. Prior to launching PreCognise, Janet held senior leadership roles at the University of Toronto, including Director of Enrolment Services and Faculty Registrar within the Faculty of Medicine. Her experience at the intersection of higher education, students and workforce development provides a unique perspective on the challenge of moving people from education into meaningful employment. Through PreCognise, Janet is focused on using technology and responsible AI to create stronger connections between verified skills, talent and employer needs.

• Two Chamber leaders discuss successful approaches to attracting investment, supporting business growth, developing talent and building competitive communities.
• Speakers: Vincent Caron, Terry Caddo, and Paul Markle, ACE

  • Meet the Speakers: Terry Caddo is an experienced not-for-profit executive with a strong background in business advocacy, tourism, marketing and organizational leadership. Prior to joining the Burlington Chamber, Terry served as Executive Director of Canada Blooms and held senior leadership positions with the Royal Botanical Gardens and Ontario Place. Today, he works closely with business, government and community leaders to strengthen Burlington's business environment.
    
    Paul Markle, ACE is President and CEO of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce and an advocate for business and regional economic growth. With a background in business development, customer service and relationship management, Paul works with businesses, community partners and government leaders to create opportunities and strengthen the regional economy. He also serves on the Board of Chamber Executives of Ontario and holds the Accredited Chamber Executive designation.
    
    For three years, Vincent Caron held positions of increasing responsibility at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, a national association representing manufacturers of all sizes, in all subsectors across Canada, including most recently as Vice President, Ontario Government Relations and Member Advocacy. In that capacity he worked with member companies and the Government of Ontario to promote policies that lower costs and increase investment. He made a major impact by securing the implementation and expansion of the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, among other measures, in a time of economic disruption. Vincent represented CME on national podiums, in the media, and testified at Queen's Park, while also leading policy committees and regional member engagement to support major reports on the future of Ontario's workforce. 

• How is AI transforming business, employment and economic development—and what should businesses be doing today to prepare for tomorrow?
• Hosted by Nicole Norris of Georgian College
• Speakers: Barnard Crespi, Brock Rowlands, and Myles Harrison

• Guests are invited to enjoy lunch and continue networking. Lunch may be enjoyed throughout the following session.

• Where Should Orillia Be Headed Economically?
• A forward-looking conversation with Orillia's mayoral candidates focused on the local economy, small business, investment, growth and the economic future of our community.

• An exploration of Ontario's rapidly expanding critical minerals sector and the opportunities it presents for communities such as Orillia. The session will examine how local businesses, supply chains, workforce development, innovation and transportation infrastructure can position our region to participate in one of Canada's most important emerging economic opportunities.
• Speaker: Marla Tremblay, Ec.D. – Executive Director, MineConnect (Invited)

  • Meet the Speaker: Marla Tremblay is Executive Director of MineConnect, where she has helped grow the organization from just over 100 members to nearly 400 while raising the international profile of Ontario's mining supply and service sector. Her work spans supply-chain development, industry growth, export readiness and creating opportunities for Ontario businesses. She has also led major initiatives including the Northern Ontario Mining Showcase, connecting more than 1,000 SMEs with global buyers and procurement opportunities.

• The Summit concludes with a look at the day's major themes and what they mean for the future of Orillia and the surrounding region.
• Innovation • Housing • Workforce • Competitive Communities • Artificial Intelligence • Critical Minerals 

1:40 – 4:00 p.m. | Meet the Candidates

• FREE for Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce members.
• Following the Economic Summit, Chamber members are invited to stay for an informal opportunity to meet and network with candidates in the 2026 Municipal Election. The purpose of this session is to provide Chamber members with direct access to candidates in a professional, respectful and non-partisan business environment.  
• Municipal candidates may purchase a limited $50 candidate registration, which includes a designated side-table space where they may display campaign information and meet Chamber members before and at breaks, and receive valuable information during the sessions above and include light breakfast and buffet lunch. It would be invaluable for candidates to listen to informed topics from insightful speakers, so all are invited to attend.
• All candidates are welcome to participate for free from 1:40 to 4:00 p.m. 
• Please note: To preserve the member-focused nature of the session, the free afternoon portion is open to current Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce members and registered candidates. Candidates are asked not to bring campaign teams, supporters or other outside participants who are not Chamber members.