On August 15, 2023, the Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce held its second Lunch n’ Learn of the summer.

Lunch from Boston Pizza paired with 10-minute presentations from business professionals made for an excellent experience for attendees. Many of the attendees stayed after the presentations to network and connect.

Representatives of the Lake of the Woods Employment Action Project (LEAP), Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan, Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation (LOWBIC), and the Kenora Economic Development Team offered the presentations.

Nikki Faulds, Executive Director of LEAP, touched on key resource offerings, including the Employment Service program and the Youth Job Connection program, which assists youth aged 15-29 in finding and keeping jobs. Faulds was sure to also mention LEAP’s popular job board.

Taylor Forsyth, Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan advisor, highlighted the value of the plan for small to medium-sized businesses, citing its smart, simple, and stable nature. Forsyth explained that with an average renewal action under 3% in the last five years, the plan has a history of performance.

Allyson McTaggart, business development and lending officer at LOWBIC, spoke about the loan process and a new Business Succession Planning project. As part of the latter, LOWBIC with SuccesionMatching.com offers 1 hour workshops across Northern Ontario.

Allyson Pele and Megan Dokuchie of the Kenora Economic Development Team focused on the Community Improvement Plans, which target three areas, including the harbourtown centre, former mill site, and Keewatin. According to Pele and Dokuchie, the plans stimulate private sector investment and promote revitalization to attract tourism.

The next Lunch n’ Learn will be held on September 19, 2023. Contact info@kenorachamber.com to attend or present.