By Allison Chandler
The new chair of Ottawa’s Chamber of Commerce could find himself very busy with some Centretown business issues about taxes and safety.
Ten-year chamber member Michael Hughes has taken over from departing chair, Eric McSweeney. Hughes has been actively involved in chamber leadership for six years.
The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary member-driven organization set out to be the voice for businesses.
The organization is nearly 150 years old and has over 750 members, many of whom are located in Centretown.
Gerry LePage is the executive director of the Bank Street Business Improvement Area.
He says the chamber is an excellent venue to garner support for issues like taxes and other issues facing Centretown businesses.
LePage says one important Centretown issue is to ensure a fair distribution of business taxes.
He would like to make sure the downtown core receives its revenues from the business tax base because the core generates the majority of tax.
He says the money can focus on aesthetics and revitalizing downtown.
“High tax burdens restrict the business from growth,” says LePage. He argues that the more tax a business has to pay, the less money it can spend on other improvements, such as hiring more staff. He says this is less beneficial to the city.
“I’m well positioned to understand the issues and concerns,” says Hughes.
He explains how his experience as a small business entrepreneur is beneficial to his role as president. He says many people do not realize a large majority of members are small businesses.
Small business owner Georgette Skaff of Hair Dynamic on Elgin Street says one of the benefits of membership is the credit card and Interac machine savings.
Art Akarapanich is the owner of Sweet Basil and Bangkok Noodle House, both of which are located on Bank street
He says he was encouraged to join the chamber by a colleague. Benefits like the savings on credit cards are a selling point, but Akarapanich would like to see some other issues lobbied this year.
“We need a fixed rate on hydro and gas,” says Akarapanich. With fossil fuel prices increasing, he says the high costs affect his restaurants.
The Ottawa Chamber lobbies municipal, provincial and federal governments and also helps businesses network and develop.
LePage also raises issues about safety and security. He would like to see the integrity of the downtown core maintained so that it is safe and secure for businesses, residents and visitors.
“When night falls, people need to feel safe on the streets,” says LePage, who explains that his commercial district is the first in Canada to hire private commercial security.
Gas prices, safety and taxes are not the only issues Hughes faces during his one-year term. He says he will continue to grow the chamber’s visibility as the business organization with a voice in the Ottawa area.
“We want to continue to get the message out for the different resources we have,” says Hughes who has a business background in sales and management. He spent 23 years in a corporate career and 15 years as a management consultant.
Transport 2000 Canada is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is research, public education and consumer advocacy. Located on Sparks street, the organization is another chamber member.
Former president David Glastonbury says he likes the chamber’s critical analysis on the way tax dollars are being spent but an important issue for him is the light rail transit proposal. Glastonbury says he is curious about its progress.
The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce does not just handle serious issues, but hosts a variety of events for the chamber members.
Julie Horlick, of Adecco Employment Services Ottawa, located on Bank street, says she and her business associates love attending the events.
“It’s a great organization,” says Horlick.