Events

CHAMBER EVENTS

Connect with the business community and enjoy great food and drinks at Chamber on Tap. Learn Entrepreneur Insights when our host Nadine Kanigan interviews members of the business community. SPEAKER: Andrey Kharitonov, Fire & Flower Cannabis Co. DATE: Wednesday, January 8th SPEAKER: Alex Fallon, SREDA DATE: Wednesday, February 5 th

TIME: Doors open 4:30 pm, Speaker 5:00 pm LOCATION: LB Distillers PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS COMPLIMENTARY EVENT

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The Technology Panel Saskatoon has been become the hub for technology development and success in the province, often referred to the Silicon Prairie of Canada. Find out what is happening in your own backyard from a tech perspective.

SPEAKERS: Brendan King, Vendasta Jordan Dutchak, Co-Labs

DATE: Thursday, January 23 rd TIME: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm LOCATION: Delta Hotels Marriott This is your introduction or refresher on how you can make the most out of your Chamber Membership. Learn about the Chamber Group Benefits Plan; cost savings programs for Staples, First Data and more; marketing opportunities; advocacy; events and other info you need to know.

DATE: Wednesday, Fabruary 5 th TIME: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm LOCATION: LB Distillers

PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS COMPLIMENTARY EVENT

The Business of Cannabis Recreational Cannabis became legal just over a year ago but the business of Medical Cannabis has had a much longer life. In 1998, CanniMed was founded with its head office right here in Saskatoon. In 2018, CanniMed was acquired for just over $1 billion dollars by Aurora.

SPEAKER: Shawn Parchoma, Aurora Cannabis

DATE: TIME: LOCATION: Thursday, February 20 th 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Delta Hotels Marriott The Money Panel Access to capital is an ever present concern for business owners at all levels. Join us for this expert panel for more information and tools to move your business into the future.

SPEAKERS: Warren Jackson, BDC Greg Yuel, PIC Investments

DATE: TIME: LOCATION: Thursday, March 26 th 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Saskatoon Inn

Mayor Charlie Clark gives a progress report on innovation and inclusion at the City of Saskatoon. Hear Mayor Clark’s strategy to unlock the city’s full potential as he discusses smart growth, automation, sustainability, disruptive technology and a changing global economy.

SPEAKER: Mayor Charlie Clark

DATE: TIME: LOCATION: Tuesday, April 9 th 11:30 am - 1:00 pm TCU Place

FROM THE CEO Your Voice in Business

As the voice of business for Saskatoon, the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce worked diligently and in the best interest of our business community throughout a year that brought many challenges and changes.

Welcome to 2020!

A very Happy New Year to all of you. I hope you had a wonderful Holiday Season and are looking forward to a successful 2020.

The start of a New Year brings a fresh perspective and new initiatives. But, before I share with you the Chamber’s ambitious goals and plans for 2020 and beyond, let’s celebrate the highlights of 2019.

2019 was a year of growth for the Chamber, as well as our community at large. In addition to hosting many quality events throughout the year, the Chamber also stepped up its advocacy efforts. There were several major issues that took up our time and energy. At the federal level, our advocacy efforts focused on the government’s implementation of the carbon tax, Bill C-69 and the federal election.

At the provincial level, we focused on the provincial budget and, more recently, Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan for the next decade. At the municipal level, the Chamber dealt with the City of Saskatoon’s Low Emissions Community Plan and the City’s 2020-2021 MultiYear Business Plan and Budget. We focused our attention on public policy in order to foster a strong, competitive economic environment that benefits everyone. Darla Lindbjerg, CEO Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce

On a personal note, I want to thank our members and the Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to serve as President and CEO of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. It’s a privilege for me to be associated with the Chamber, our members, volunteers, and the great work the Chamber does for our businesses and community.

We’re always looking for new people to get involved. I encourage anyone who is interested to join us in this worthwhile cause and to step forward and offer their time, talents and experience. Feel free to call our office for more information on the volunteer opportunities that exist at the Chamber.

With a New Year, comes New Year’s resolutions. This year, our Board will review the organization’s strategic plan to ensure our resolutions remain relevant and strong. Based on our membership’s direction, we will focus our advocacy work in 2020 around three core areas: competitiveness, efficiency and growth. We are committed to working with our local, provincial and federal governments to: - ensure a more competitive local business environment is created - build an efficient process for doing business - create opportunities for business growth. We have a great year planned for the Chamber in 2020. It will be full of engaging events, plenty of opportunities for networking and creating a closer community. And, as always, the Chamber will continue to be a strong advocate for our business community’s interests.

Your Chamber is committed to helping you make 2020 your best year ever!

As we approach both provincial and municipal elections in fall 2020, we will dissect candidate and party platforms to ensure they align with these three core areas of focus. We will also examine how our Chamber can play a positive role in connecting our membership and their businesses to Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan 2020-2030 objectives. This plan forms the basis of our province’s movement towards growth into the next decade. Darla Lindbjerg, President & CEO, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce