As has been well-documented in the local media, last week the City of Ottawa’s Finance and Economic Development Committee approved a new $5.5 million Economic Development Strategy for Ottawa. This is good news for Ottawa, good news for business in Ottawa and good news for OCRI. The management team at OCRI looks forward to working ...

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This is my final blog about my vacation in New Zealand, where I couldn’t resist trying to understand the state of entrepreneurism and innovation. Please see my first and second blog on the topic here. I’ve had several comments and questions since my first blog and I’ve attempted to answer them here. Some time has ...

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February 22, 2011 It is the morning after a devastating earthquake here in New Zealand.  I would like to extend my condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who were killed or injured in powerful earth quake that struck Christchurch.  My family and I are safe but it is a harsh reminder to ...

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February 8, 2011 Greetings from the South Island of New Zealand, which lives up to its reputation as a scenic, almost magical place. We haven’t seen any Orks yet, or Hobbits for that matter, but we have encountered a friendly and inquisitive local population that always has a story to share. I hadn’t intended to ...

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Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to present OCRI’s response to the city’s proposed economic development strategy. The strategy sees Ottawa recognized as a competitive global hub for innovative, knowledge-based talent, businesses and organizations. OCRI is committed to the economic development of the city and overall, we agree with the strategic objectives as outlined ...

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Day 1: Tuesday, April 6th - Ottawa Hello from 36,000 feet over the Canadian Rockies! We were up bright and early before dawn and arrived at the airport just at daybreak, weather looking good for a flight to the other side of the world. It’s very exciting to be going to China, if only we ...

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Day 2: Wednesday, April 7th – Beijing Nihao from Beijing (and that covers the full range of my Mandarin vocabulary). Air Canada treated us very well over the 20 hours between arriving at the Ottawa airport, transiting through Vancouver and finally landing in Beijing. Leaving early morning from Ottawa was easy enough and the planes ...

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The City of Ottawa is conducting consultations that will lead to a new Economic Development Policy which will be presented to Council this spring.  OCRI executives participate regularly in ongoing discussions with the City on their role and leadership.  Last Friday, we attended a stakeholder’s forum  to voice our views and have since met with them specifically on the ...

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