ocriblogs.com » Membership

OCRI’s Member Breakfast – the ultimate in networking

wnoble — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:33:53 +0000

At lunch the other day, a member told me that he thought the Members’ Breakfast was the “best event that OCRI runs.” With all the events that OCRI offers, what makes these breakfasts so special?

After talking with a number of members, here is what I have concluded. The breakfast offers a different level of engagement, people are there to network in the purest sense of the term. For some, the interaction is with companies that they would have never known existed. For others, it’s the opportunity to meet with people who don’t normally attend OCRI events. You should know the crowd at the Members’ Breakfast is not made up of the usual suspects.

In addition to meeting with members, another common thread is the opportunity to meet and connect with OCRI’s senior management team. When you combine that with the opportunity for new members to say a few words about their company, you can see why it gets that “best event” tag.

The next Members’ Breakfast is August 25, if you haven’t been to one maybe it’s time.

Turn your Blackberry RED! OCRI members team up to create new theme

wnoble — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:28:01 +0000

New Blackberry Theme is created as a result of networking at OCRI’s TEB event.

The first e-mail I read this morning was a message from Rick Dalmazzi, President of Magmic Games. Apparently he and Cyril Leeder, President of the Ottawa Senators, were sitting next to each other at the last OCRI TEB (Technology Executive Breakfast). Cyril asked Rick if it would be possible for Magmic to develop a specialized BlackBerry “theme” application that personalizes your BlackBerry to support the Senators’ playoff run. And so Magmic did! The Senators are now offering it to the community free of charge. It’s really just a fun promotional thing that creates buzz for the Senators and introduces people to a new capability for their BlackBerry.

I encourage everyone (including your friends and family) to go to this link and download the Sens theme today – http://www.bplay.com/promo/sens

ALL IN, ALL RED – GO SENS GO!

Eastern Ontario Economic Showcase with Donald Trump

Terry D'Angelo — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:52:45 +0000

BOOK NOW! Don’t wait too long to register as an exhibitor for this event. We’d hate for you to be disappointed when all the prime spots are gone. Register now, get a great location and use the summer wisely to plan your space. Think creatively, constructively and strategically to catch the eye of the media, the public and Mr. Trump himself!

We are getting so many phone calls about the event – but I think folks are already in vacation mode and believe that September 24 is far enough away. Well, in some aspects it is – it is after summer vacation – it is another school year…. but it is only 3 months away and 2 of those are July and August! This is a great event with an amazing lineup and Donald Trump will actually be here in Ottawa talking to the business community. Those that have booked are calling us to ask how they should set themselves up, what is the most strategic place to be on the floor etc! They are very keen and have jump-started their organization to be ready for September 24!

One connection made between you and another exhibitor at the “water cooler” on the tradeshow floor can transform a business. Just like this story….

Earlier this year, a potential development partner backed out of a deal because of the economic downturn (they didn’t understand the unprecedented and continued growth happening in the Kemptville area). Westerra Homes approached a local business lawyer earlier this year to see if he had any contacts that would assist with the land development. He was referred to a contractor in Embrun who was a recent acquaintance of the lawyer. The contact knew of Kemptville and believed in the project. A partnership was formed which allowed the infrastructure and servicing to begin for Phase I. The municipality required security worth several hundred thousand dollars to support the land servicing work. Westerra’s commercial banker referred them to an existing developer located just 30 minutes west of Kemptville to assist in this regard. A partnership was formed and the project is now underway.

The power of multi-jurisdictional networking within the region resulted in two separate partnerships that enabled the start of a development that will generate more than $20 million in economic activity for Eastern Ontario and recurring property tax revenue of ~$200,000/year for the municipality of North Grenville.

Remember – just one new contact or one new piece of information can make a difference for a business and its community.

See you in September!

OCRI 2009 Golf tournament

Terry D'Angelo — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:28:49 +0000

Well the rains stayed away for us yesterday!!! As part of the organizing team – this was a great relief! The day started overcast and cool but by the shotgun at 12:30 pm – the sun was peeking through and the 146 golfers were ready to start their engines! This was our first members only tournament and it had sold out by the end of May! We move the tournament from Club Links Greyhawk course in Cumberland out to Eagle Creek in Dunrobin. Not being a golfer myself , I had no appreciation for Eagle Creek – but as I later found out – this was a big deal!!! As I drove around the course yesterday one could see how beautiful it is! It took most of the golfers a good 6 hours to golf. A couple of backlogs on some holes – especially at 18 – it was a long par 5 with lots of water and lots of sand!

After a great day of golf – we had cocktails and dinner. Our MC was Kurt Stoodley of the A Channel. He was terrific. I must say the best MC we have had so far. I would like to congratulate the golfers from Fraser Milner Casgrain who had the winning foursome and the group from Atria who won the most “honest” foursome. Great job gang – until next year!