Next week marks the first time I am bringing the Conquer the Invisible process to Ottawa and I am excited. Business people from Halifax to Vancouver have known what it means to Conquer the Invisible and I can’t think of any place more important than in our nation’s capital. Now, thanks to OCRI for their logistical support and event management expertise, I am really looking forward to a great event and sharing ideas that can help you see things in new ways that will make big differences to you and your organization.

My dream is that people who make decisions that affect our world, make those decisions from a place of authenticity rather than survival. It feels better for the people making the decisions and the rest of the world is better off too. What better place to introduce these concepts then in Ottawa.

And it is good for business. Almost every day I hear about people who are creating new and expanded business because of Conquer the Invisible. Recently, someone shared with me how they just raised a first round of financing for $2million to launch a new hi-tech company – an impossible dream just a few months ago. Another has their financing in place and is in the final rounds of negotiations to launch a new mutual fund company – directly as a result of seeing things in a new way because of the Conquer the Invisible program. Another is putting together a team of high profile individuals to bring change to our health care system. None of these things were possible just a few months ago and now they are a reality.

When people can see with clarity and make decisions with confidence and calmness, extra ordinary things can happen. When people can step out of being busy and into doing things that are meaningful and purposeful, not only does extra ordinary happen, it feels good.

I love helping people make meaningful difference in the world. I have worked with hundreds of executives and the most significant impact I can have is to help them Conquer the Invisible. I measure my success by other people’s real results and I am looking forward to meeting you on July 15 so that we can Conquer the Invisible together.

Barry

©2010 ocriblogs.com. All Rights Reserved.

For the full presentation – visit our archives.

Key takeaways regarding the Internet of Things include the basic fact that it is FUN but has serious implications for the way you do business, develop policy and adjust proceedures.  There’s no shortage in information and no rules as to what data is relevant – each product, company, idea is unique.  The Internet of Things is based on REAL services that are available NOW and provide VALUE.  As the Internet of Things continues to evolve on a daily basis, Evan stressed that the “rules of engagement” must make consumers comfortable in order to be successful. 

See you in September at the season opener.

©2010 ocriblogs.com. All Rights Reserved.

Organisée par OCRI,la principale agence de développement économique d’Ottawa, la soirée de gala a honoré les professionnels talentueux et dévoués qui ont fait preuve d’excellence dans l’enseignement, ont été des exemples à suivre, ont donné confiance à leurs élèves et leur ont inspiré la passion pour l’apprentissage. Les prix ont été créés en 2001 par un groupe de dirigeants d’entreprises et de leaders dans le domaine de l’éducation qui souhaitaient revaloriser l’éducation publique en plus de reconnaître et célébrer le dévouement et les réalisations des éducateurs locaux d’Ottawa.

« Ottawa est reconnue pour son esprit d’entreprise, mais sans la compassion et la bienveillance des éducateurs, comme ceux que nous honorons ce soir, Ottawa serait un endroit très différent », a déclaré Claude Haw, président-directeur général d’OCRI, en s’exprimant depuis New York où il participe à la conférence annuelle Intelligent Community Forum. « C’est avec une grande reconnaissance pour tous les enseignants, de la maternelle au doctorat, qu’Ottawa a été reconnue comme une des communautés les plus intelligentes du monde. L’influence de nos enseignants sur leurs élèves pendant les périodes les plus déterminantes de la vie contribue à stimuler et développer le groupe créatif de talents et de futurs leaders et innovateurs d’Ottawa. »

Les nominations pour les prix ont été ouvertes aux éducateurs employés par les quatre conseils scolaires publiques, deux collèges et quatre universités situés dans la ville d’Ottawa. Plus de 450 nominations ont été reçues pour 327 enseignants nommés par les élèves (actuels et anciens), les parents et les collègues. Un groupe de juges représentant les milieux économiques,de l’éducation et les organisations communautaires a examiné les 67 finalistes et a sélectionné les 16 lauréats.

« Nous sommes très chanceux de faire partie d’une communauté qui distingue les personnes dévouées et attentionnées qui font chaque jour de leur mieux pour aider à améliorer la vie de leurs élèves. Cet événement est un moyen fantastique de présenter certains des éducateurs les plus dévoués et créatifs de la région », ajoute François Benoit, directeur de l’éducation du Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario. » Chaque personne nommée apporte l’excellence et la compassion dans chaque classe et sans aucun doute ouvre la voie à la réussite de nos élèves. »

« Je félicite tous les lauréats des Prix de l’excellence en enseignement de la capitale. Les éducateurs jouent un rôle vital en aidant à développer les compétences, la curiosité et l’engagement envers l’apprentissage nécessaires pour aider les élèves à devenir des penseurs critiques et de bons citoyens », a déclaré Roseann O’Reilly Runte, présidente de l’Université Carleton. « Je suis particulièrement fière que leur passion et leur dévouement soient reconnus par la communauté qui s’étend dans le monde entier. »

Les lauréats d’EduGala 2010 sont :

Lyse Bissonnette – Académie de la Seigneurie, Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario
Serge Boisvert – École secondaire catholique Franco-Cité, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est
Émilie Collin-Laflamme – École secondaire publique Louis-Riel, Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario
Heather Counsell – McHugh Education Centre, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Hélène Coulombe – Educational Consultant, Ottawa Catholic School Board
Nathalie D’Amato – École élémentaire catholique J.-L.-Couroux, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est
Father Lawrence Dewan – Faculty of Philosophy, Dominican University College / Collège universitaire dominicain
Donna Forward – Sacred Heart Catholic High School, Ottawa Catholic School Board
Kim Hellemans – Department of Psychology, Carleton University
Ching Lim – Cairine Wilson Secondary School, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Dianna McAleer – Police & Public Safety Institute, Algonquin College
Robert McClure – Art and Design, La Cité collégiale
Eileen O’Connor – Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa / Faculté des sciences de la santé, Université d’Ottawa
Myrtle Power – Faculty of Theology, Saint Paul University / Université Saint-Paul
Brian Schmidt – Woodroffe High School, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Maurice Charles Taylor – Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa / Faculté d’éducation, Université d’Ottawa

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À propos d’OCRI :

OCRI est la principale agence de développement économique d’Ottawa. OCRI est le point de ralliement pour les secteurs des affaires, de l’éducation, de la recherche et du talent afin de créer les conditions économiques gagnantes qui permettent aux entreprises d’Ottawa axées sur le savoir de s’épanouir au niveau régional et d’être concurrentielles au niveau mondial. OCRI fait la promotion du développement économique durable afin de maintenir notre haute qualité de vie. Pour de plus amples renseignements sur OCRI, veuillez visiter notre site Web www.ocri.ca et pour de plus amples renseignements sur la région d’Ottawa, veuillez visiter le site www.ottawaregion.com. En 2010, Ottawa a été nommée parmi les sept premières communautés intelligentes du monde par l’Intelligent Community Forum (ICF).

Pour en savoir plus, contactez :
Kim Cunningham
Directrice, Communications extérieures, OCRI
Bureau: (613) 828-6274 poste 256
Cell. : (613) 851-0768
Courriel: kcunningham@ocri.ca

©2010 ocriblogs.com. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted by OCRI, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency, the gala event honoured the talented and dedicated professionals who have demonstrated teaching excellence, acted as role models, and instilled confidence and a passion for learning in their students. The awards were created in 2001 by a group of business and education leaders who wanted to raise the profile of public education and to recognize and celebrate the dedication and achievements of Ottawa’s local educators.

“Ottawa is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit but without caring and compassionate educators, like those we honour tonight, Ottawa would be a very different place,” said Claude Haw, President and CEO, OCRI, speaking from New York City where he is attending the Intelligent Community Forum’s annual conference. “It is with great appreciation for all teachers from kindergarten through to PhD that Ottawa has been chosen as one of the most intelligent communities in the world. The impact our teachers have on their students during the most influential periods of life helps to nurture and develop Ottawa’s creative class of talent and future leaders and innovators.”

Nominations for the awards were open to educators employed by the four publicly-funded school boards, two colleges and four universities located within the City of Ottawa. More than 450 nominations were received for 327 educators who were nominated by current and former students, parents and professional colleagues. A panel of judges representing business, education and community-based organizations reviewed the 67 finalists and selected the 16 award recipients.

“We are very fortunate to be part of a community that recognizes the dedicated and caring people who do their best every day to help improve the lives of their students. This event is a fantastic way to showcase some of the region’s most committed and creative educators,” adds Francois Benoit, Director of Education, Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario. “Each nominee brings excellence and compassion into every classroom and without a doubt sets the stage for the success of our students.”

“I congratulate all of the Capital Educators’ Awards winners. Educators play a vital role in helping develop the skills, curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning necessary to help students become critical thinkers and good citizens,” said Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President, Carleton University. “I am especially proud that their passion and dedication is being recognized by the community which reaches around the world.”

Award recipients at the 2010 EduGala are:

Lyse Bissonnette – Académie de la Seigneurie, Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario
Serge Boisvert – École secondaire catholique Franco-Cité, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est
Émilie Collin-Laflamme – École secondaire publique Louis-Riel, Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario
Heather Counsell – McHugh Education Centre, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Hélène Coulombe – Educational Consultant, Ottawa Catholic School Board
Nathalie D’Amato – École élémentaire catholique J.-L.-Couroux, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est
Father Lawrence Dewan – Faculty of Philosophy, Dominican University College / Collège universitaire dominicain
Donna Forward – Sacred Heart Catholic High School, Ottawa Catholic School Board
Kim Hellemans – Department of Psychology, Carleton University
Ching Lim – Cairine Wilson Secondary School, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Dianna McAleer – Police & Public Safety Institute, Algonquin College
Robert McClure – Art and Design, La Cité collégiale
Eileen O’Connor – Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa / Faculté des sciences de la santé, Université d’Ottawa
Myrtle Power – Faculty of Theology, Saint Paul University / Université Saint-Paul
Brian Schmidt – Woodroffe High School, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Maurice Charles Taylor – Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa / Faculté d’éducation, Université d’Ottawa

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About OCRI:

Leading the way for Ottawa, OCRI is the city’s economic development agency. OCRI is the rallying point to bring business, education, research and talent together to create the winning economic conditions that allow Ottawa’s knowledge-based companies to thrive locally and compete globally. At OCRI we promote sustainable economic development to maintain our high quality of life. For more information on OCRI visit our website at www.ocri.ca and for more information on the Ottawa Region please visit www.ottawaregion.com. In 2010, Ottawa was named one of the world’s top seven intelligent communities by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF).

For information contact:
Kim Cunningham
Manager, External Communications
OCRI
Business: (613) 828 6274 ext.256
Cell: (613) 851 0768
Email: kcunningham@ocri.ca

©2010 ocriblogs.com. All Rights Reserved.

On April 6th, I embarked on a 10-day economic development mission to the Chinese cities of Beijing, Chongqing, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The mission, coordinated by OCRI, aims to strengthen existing relationships between our cities and to further establish Ottawa as one of China’s strategic partners.

Friday evening marked the conclusion of our delegation’s visit to the City of Beijing. We spent two short but jam-packed days in back-to-back meetings with government officials and professionals from a number of hi tech industries.

As Mayor of the City of Ottawa, my first and most important responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of the City’s residents, which means ensuring access to clean drinking water, waste management, fire and police services. But I also recognize the role of the City in ensuring the prosperity of our citizens, which means creating the kind of environment in which our citizens and companies can prosper. With that focus in mind, I am pleased to report that our mission to Beijing to promote investment and partnership opportunities was extremely successful.

On Thursday of last week I announced that Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong and I had signed a Memorandum of Understanding re-committing to the principles of our original 1999 sister-city agreement.  That was just the beginning of a waterfall of successes stemming from this mission.  OCRI has now signed a new agreement with the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau, and the Ottawa companies who are participating in this mission have had a number of successful meetings with potential customers, investors and partners. I was very pleased to see Tourism Ottawa sign a collaboration agreement with Badaling Special Zone Administration, the managers of the Great Wall of China.

The goal of our visit to Beijing was to promote partnerships in the areas of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Cleantech. For that reason, we were delighted to hear about Beijing’s commitment to building a world-class environmentally sustainable city when we visited the Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition. We met with the Beijing Energy-Saving and Environmental Protection Center where we were introduced to their impressive plans and programs for meeting the goals of the city.  During that meeting, we received confirmation that a delegation from Beijing will be traveling to Ottawa to meet with a broad range of our Cleantech companies.  This is important given the ongoing negotiations between the City of Beijing and Plasco regarding the  implementation of a waste-to-electricity facility in Beijing based on the leading-edge solution which has been developed and demonstrated in Ottawa.

Our delegation also had the privilege of attending and participating in the ICT and Cleantech Cross-Investment Seminar at Z-Park which included presentations by Canadian investment groups like Wesley Clover and Cleantech Capital. It was there that we learned of Huawei’s plans to significantly increase the number of people in their Ottawa R&D centre.

While the focus of our mission is clearly business development, it was a pleasure last evening to be hosted by Mayor Guo at a banquet where we were able to talk frankly about the role of Mayors in our two cultures and the tremendous opportunities of our bilateral relationship. As we begin to emerge from the global economic recession and move forward in a new economy, China has emerged as the key global market- 1.3 billion people, an impressive education system and strong economic growth.  Business partnerships with China will continue to become a more integral part of our economic progress both here in Ottawa and across the country.

My hope is that this mission will continue to provide opportunities to strengthen relationships, and that by working together we can further grow the prosperity of the people of both Ottawa and Beijing.

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The agreement outlines the intent of both parties to work together to promote economic exchange and cooperation between Ottawa and Beijing.

“By signing this agreement, we confirm our intention to develop long term and beneficial working relationships with the city of Beijing,” says Claude Haw, President and CEO, OCRI. “We look forward to working with the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau to promote trade, investment and cooperation between our great cities.”

On April 6, Ottawa Mayor Larry O’Brien, along with nine local companies and representatives from Ottawa Tourism and OCRI, embarked on the trade mission to encourage cooperation between Ottawa and China in a number of sectors including ICT and clean technologies, and to encourage increased Chinese investment in Ottawa-based companies. The mission, coordinated by OCRI, the city’s lead economic development agency, will strengthen existing relationships and further establish Ottawa as a valuable strategic partner.

On the same day, Ottawa Mayor Larry O’Brien signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mayor of Beijing marking the start of a very successful mission. 

Monday, the delegation will travel to Chongqing to meet with senior municipal officials, trade commissioners and companies followed by two days of meetings in Shenzhen. The mission wraps up in Hong Kong on April 16th.

For regular updates on the Mission to China please visit http://ocriblogs.com/ .

 -30-

About OCRI:

Leading the way for Ottawa, OCRI is the city’s economic development agency. OCRI is the rallying point to bring business, education, research and talent together to create the winning economic conditions that allow Ottawa’s knowledge-based companies to thrive locally and compete globally. At OCRI we promote sustainable economic development to maintain our high quality of life. For more information on OCRI visit our website at www.ocri.ca and for more information on the Ottawa Region please visit www.ottawaregion.com. In 2010, Ottawa was named one of the world’s top seven intelligent communities by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF).

For information contact:

Kim Cunningham
Manager, External Communications
OCRI
Office: (613) 828-6274 ext. 256
Cell: (613) 851-0768
kcunningham@ocri.ca

©2010 ocriblogs.com. All Rights Reserved.

It’s easy and tons of fun – register your team online (you can make up your own team – ringers, good skaters, bad skaters, top scorers, no scrappers please). 22 hand picked teams  get to play a minimum of three games and more if you actually can function as a team!  You will also get: certificates for Stanley’s Restaurant & Bar to ensure your team has a good time after the on-ice action is over; a tournament souvenir; and entry into the Wednesday night tournament banquet.

This event is held at THE best facility in the nation’s capital, and put on professionally by a group with an incredible reputation for THE best hockey tournaments anywhere! The Bell Sensplex has 4 arenas (3 NHL, 1 International), a sports bar & restaurant and wireless high speed internet throughout the building! 

Everyone is encouraged to come – bring family, friends and co-workers to cheer your team on. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity.

Hard to think of a better reason to re-work your day to fit in a hockey game or two….If you’ve played in this tournament before – post details of your favourite play, winning game, most hilarious moment…

More information here: http://www.bellsensplex.ca/tournament-adult-details.php?tID=316

©2010 ocriblogs.com. All Rights Reserved.

In the city’s first broadband plan, access to the internet and addressing the digital divide were key issues to overcome in order to become successful in the new global economy.  Programs such as Smart Capital and National Capital FreeNet helped to establish Ottawa as the most connected city in the world.  Not only was technology and access to the technology provided to Ottawa residents, training was also available for those who needed help to develop a level of comfort with the new technology.  Smart Capital was funded by the federal and provincial governments to push forward Ottawa’s broadband connectivity plan. A variety of programs provided the framework for Smart Capital including: Digital Ottawa, Altogether Ottawa, FreeNet, E-Government, Smart Libraries, E-College, E-Democracy and Smart Sites. Today, a number of those programs no longer exist due to the fact that their mission was completed but some continue to serve the community to this day. Their range of services has evolved and changed to reflect the current needs and interests of the local community. 

In addition to technology-based inclusion, Ottawa is a firm believer in providing today’s students and our future leaders with the proper tools they need in order to learn effectively while in school. For that reason, we support learning and skill development for students at all levels through partnerships with the community, government and businesses to develop the talent Ottawa needs to support a globally competitive knowledge-based sector. Some of the community’s most valuable programs in this regard include OttawaReads – a literacy program, JUMP Math – numeracy program, Winning Innovations in Schools (WINS) – joint projects with local cleantech and life science companies for high school students, the High School Technology Program – hands on tech and programming experiences and the School Breakfast Program which provides a nutritious breakfast to 11,000 children in 145 schools each day.   

Did you know? The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) provides services free of charge to increase digital inclusion and the everyday use of technology. The Library works with many local, provincial and national partners to extend and enrich service. Free Internet access has been available at the Ottawa Public Library since 1996 and free high-speed Internet access has been available at all 33 branches of the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) since 2001.  High-speed wireless Internet access was first piloted at the Ottawa Public Library in 2007 and was installed in every branch of the OPL in 2008.  The Ottawa Public Library has 373 public access workstation that provide high speed internet access and a variety of software applications. Wheelchair-accessible computer workstations are available at all wheelchair accessible libraries. All courses at the Ottawa Public Library are offered free of charge. In 2008, 947,499 people used a public Internet access workstation at the OPL. In 2008, the Ottawa Public Library held 376 computer training sessions aimed at teaching older adults and newcomers how to use a personal computer, 1,512 people attended these sessions.

OCRI Entrepreneurship Centre Satellite Kiosks - As entrepreneurial activity spread across the vast Ottawa region it became evident that the one stop shopping approach taken by OCRI’s Entrepreneurship Centre was not adequate for the growing demand for its services. The concept of satellite offices was explored and pilot tested in Orleans with great success. Subsequently, two additional satellite kiosks in Kanata and Barrhaven have been opened.  The impact on the community has been significant while helping minimize costs for staff, travel and overhead and maximizing the use of digital technology to provide easy access services and business advice to constituents.  In 2009 alone, over 1000 people attended networking events hosted at the kiosk centres.

Ottawa Carleton District School Board – Special Education Allocation of laptops to students with Learning Difficulties. Each year, hundreds of laptops are loaned out to students with special needs through this ministry led initiative.  Hundreds of students, teachers and families benefit from this digital inclusion initiative. In the last five months, technical training has been provided to over 600 teachers, on a wide variety of subjects:  wikis, Google Apps, Photoshop Elements, Gizmos, ComicLife, Podcasting, PhotoStory. This year, the school board is introducing a new Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) training for elementary teachers. 

These are just a few of the great examples in Ottawa of programs and initiatives that really do make a difference. By bridging the gap between education and employment and providing access to technology Ottawa is definitely an intelligent city and Canada’s creative economy capital!

More grandstanding to come….

©2010 ocriblogs.com. All Rights Reserved.

Thanks to the great people at the City who knew where to get the most current and relevant information re: connectivity and city initiatives and all the other companies in town who are charging ahead with innovative partnerships and programs that help create skilled talent and strive to see them employed in knowledge-based jobs we were able to put together a really impressive proposal.

So, now we’re Top7, awaiting the arrival of representatives from the selection committee for a two day tour of our great city before the final announcement of the Intelligent Community of the Year in New York City in May. 

Just in case you don’t know how many super projects are on the go here’s a rundown of the projects we chose to highlight – there were many more that didn’t make the cut (we were limited to 25 pages)… Ottawa’s Rural Broadband Project, Abbott Point of Care’s Microelectronics Apprenticeship Program, Algonquin’s Game Development Program, Carleton’s VSIM lab, Digital Inclusion programs at the Ottawa Public Libraries, OCRI’s Entrepreneurship Centre satellite kiosks,  Special Education Allocation of laptops to students with Learning Difficulties at Ottawa Carleton District School Board, Lead to Win, City of Ottawa’s 3-1-1 Contact Centre, BizPal, Algonquin’s Virtual College, TalentBridge, High School Technology Program, Passport to Prosperity, Focus on IT (FIT), Wesley Clover’s Affiliate Program and Winning Innovative Networks for Schools (WINS). Like ICF said in their summary, there are almost too many programs in place to list them all!   If your favourite project wasn’t on the list – let me know so we can consider it for the next time.

Regardless of the outcome of the May announcement we should all be really proud! 

©2010 ocriblogs.com. All Rights Reserved.

Tomorrow, Claude Haw, President and CEO of OCRI, will speak about Ottawa’s Innovation Strategy in greater detail at the Mayor’s Breakfast at Ottawa City Hall.  Facts are… Ottawa has changed, we’ve got good news, positive momentum and diversity on our side which positions the city well for success in the new creative economy.

Over the next three months, the plan will be rolled out including objectives, targets and action items. Essentially, the Innovation Strategy will provide a road map to ensure that Ottawa’s creative class continues to build wealth and successful new companies.   

Key action items of the innovation strategy will address talent, cluster and ecosystem development, investment attraction and marketing the entire region to the world.

Check out Claude Haw’s article which appeared in this week’s Ottawa Business Journal.  He clearly outlines why and how well Ottawa is on track to becoming a leader in the creative economy.  Just like the article says – Ottawa has changed – and the new reality here includes new companies, new sectors, new success stories, renewed growth, revitalized energy and enormous potential.
 
So the next time someone asks you, “What’s Ottawa like?”, what will you say?  Tell them the real story – that Ottawa is Canada’s creative economy capital.

UPDATE: Claude Haw’s presentation is now available online http://www.ocri.ca/about/publications.asp

©2010 ocriblogs.com. All Rights Reserved.