CATHY FOX
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
MANSFIELD – Magnum Outfitters in Davidson was the setting for a networking event on Thursday, April 4, where about 30 business owners gathered alongside representatives from the Pontiac SADC, the Chamber of Commerce, and the MRC. The event focused on fostering collaboration and strengthening local business ties.
Rhonda Perry, Director General of the SADC, opened the evening by highlighting that all three organizations share a common goal: supporting businesses as they navigate an ever-changing economic landscape. She noted that, in keeping with this year’s theme of collaboration, the event was designed to help local businesses discover each other’s potential and source products and services locally. Perry emphasized that buying local—and Canadian—is more important than ever.
Brittany Morin, business advisor and marketing and communications officer at the SADC, came up with the idea of adapting the concept of speed dating to business networking. The format allowed participants to quickly get to know one another and explore potential partnerships.
Trefor Munn-Venn, secretary of the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce, saw the event as a valuable opportunity for business owners to share not just what they’re working on, but also their future goals—topics that don’t always come up in traditional business settings.
The event followed a recent presentation hosted by the same agencies on how small businesses can navigate tariffs. Munn-Venn mentioned that a report is being prepared, compiling findings from that session. It will include insights from Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist at the Conference Board of Canada, and local entrepreneurs, offering practical strategies for responding to trade challenges.
The evening was lively, with conversation flowing as business owners rotated every five minutes from table to table. At each station, a representative remained seated, offering services related to one of five sectors: events, services, trade, tourism, and hospitality. Service Canada and the host agencies were among the providers present.
Two bulletin boards were set up at the end of the night—one for products and the other for services—to collect post-it notes about unmet needs. These notes will be followed up on by the appropriate agency.
Céline Morin, owner of Morin et Fils Construction, said that she saw the event as a great opportunity to attract new contracts. But as a mother, she was most excited about making connections that could lead to local job opportunities for her sons, who are still studying at CEGEP.
Photo – Entrepreneurs were seated opposite suppliers rotating every five minutes to make new connections and learn about each other’s offers at a business “speed meet” event held April 4 in Davidson.(CF)