​The Business Summit

​The Business Summit is a half-day conference featuring a keynote speaker and four panel discussions. It’s geared to business owners looking to take the next step with their business and in the past has included a variety of topics such as how to increase your personal and business visibility to grow your business, content marketing workshops to tell your story and sell your product or service, and advanced networking skills to grow your referral base. 

The Business Summit is a natural extension of the role of the Chamber of Commerce: Strengthening the business community while empowering business owners and leaders to strengthen their own businesses. The Summit offers a platform for structured learning, networking opportunities and personal access to community thought–leaders and experts.  

REGISTER HERE

2025 Details
​

When: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 , 9AM-2PM
Where: Ashburnham Funeral Home, 840 Armour Road 
​
​Schedule: 
​9AM-10AM: Welcome and Keynote Presentation by Matt Holmes of Holmes Reisely 
10AM-11AM: Workshop Block 1
11:10AM-12:10PM: Workshop Block 2
1230PM-1PM: Lunch and Networking 
1PM-1:45PM: Panel Discussion with
Donna Rourke of Cottage Toys, Terry McCullough of Savage Arms, and Tim Barrie of Merit Precision Ltd.​
​1:45PM-2PM: Closing Remarks and Networking 
Attendees will have access to coffee and other refreshments throughout the day, a full catered lunch, 2 workshops per person, as well as a keynote speaker and lunch panel. 
​

2025 Workshops 

Attendees will be asked to pick one workshop from block 1 and one workshop from block 2. 
To sign up for your workshops please visit the registration link. 

​​ Workshop Block 1 
​10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Breakout Workshops (Two Concurrent Sessions)

Workshop Option 1: Stop Guessing, Start Growing: Marketing Strategies for Real Businesses

• Facilitator: Heather Watson, Acorn 30
• Key Points:
  • Discover a practical framework to help you make smarter marketing decisions
  • Learn how to identify and prioritize the right tactics for your business
  • Shift from scattered efforts to a focused marketing plan that drives real results

Workshop Option 2: Collaborating for Resilience: Partnerships That Drive Growth

• Facilitator: Joel Wiebe, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, Garnet Northey, &  Bentley Vass, 100 Acre Brewing Co.
• Key Points:
  • Identifying win-win partnership opportunities.
  • Sharing resources and expertise to reduce costs and increase impact.
  • Finding ways to work together within the Business Community, with examples of past success stories.

Workshop Block 2
11:10 AM – 12:10 PM: Breakout Workshops (Two Concurrent Sessions)

Workshop Option 3: Developing Tomorrow's Leaders

• Facilitator: Ryan Smith Unearth Coaching
• Key Points:
  • How to bridge the employee gap
  • Training up from within
  • Cultivating a strong talent pool 

Workshop Option 4: Doubling Down in Uncertain Times

• Facilitator: Stuart Harrison, Chamber Executives of Ontario & Matt Strano, Charlotte Products
• Key Points:
  • Why bold decisions can drive success in challenging times.
  • Identifying and seizing growth opportunities.
  • Case studies of businesses that turned uncertainty into advantage.

REGISTER HERE

Questions?

​General inquiries email [email protected]
Financial Inquiries email [email protected]

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