Join us for an insightful event on Navigating Trade Challenges. The event will kick off with BDC’s Economic Outlook 2025: Trends and Insights for Entrepreneurs, presented virtually by Pierre Cléroux, Chief Economist at BDC. This session will include a 20-minute virtual presentation followed by a 20-minute Q&A. Following this, the panel discussion moderated by Ryan Malcolm, Director, Indigenous Relations at Emil Anderson Construction, will feature experts such as Serena Ko, Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada, Adam Hutchens, Senior Manager at Export Development Canada, and local industry leaders Mark Burleigh, President of Northside Industries, and Alisha McFetridge, CEO of RainStick. The panel discussion aims to share strategies to help businesses navigate trade-relations. This will be followed by a Panel Q&A session to facilitate audience participation.
This event is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses to learn directly from the expert panelists and gain valuable insights into the resources and support available to help navigate trade challenges. Discover how these experts and their organizations are addressing trade challenges and implementing strategies to navigate the current complexities of trade.
Agenda:
9:30 – 9:50 am : Doors Open – Networking Coffee & Cookies
9:50 – 10:05 am : COEDC Welcome & Economic Climate Update
10:05 – 10:45 am : BDC’s Economic Outlook 2025: Trends and Insights for Entrepreneurs
- Presented by Pierre Cléroux, Chief Economist at BDC
10:45 – 11:25 am : Panel Discussion
Moderated by Ryan Malcolm, Director, Indigenous Relations, Emil Anderson Construction
- Serena Ko | Deputy Director, Trade Commissioner, Global Affairs Canada
- Adam Hutchens | Senior Manager, BC Interior, Export Development Canada
- Mark Burleigh | President, Northside Industries Inc.
- Alisha McFetridge | CEO, RainStick
11:25 – 11:45 am : Panel Q&A
In advance of the Navigating Trade Challenges event, the COEDC is also hosting an industry roundtable. This roundtable is an opportunity for businesses to share the impact of tariffs on their business and industry with the COEDC and other orders of government, and collaborate on solutions to trade-related challenges. If your organization is interested in participating, please reach out to our team for more information at info@investkelowna.com
If you are unable to attend, please share your questions and comments by emailing us at info@investkelowna.com and we will ensure to provide you the information you need.
Visit our tariff resources page for up-to-date information from trusted sources to explain what is happening, what businesses can do to prepare and respond and how local businesses can share information.
