Business and community leaders recently came together for the 2025 Annual General Meeting, hosted by the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect, reconnect and look ahead at what’s next for our region. The keynote speaker, Daniel Tisch—President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce—shared a powerful message: unity, leadership and collaboration are the keys to building a stronger and more resilient economy.
Daniel Tisch began by reflecting on his early years in Canada—sharing personal stories about learning the culture (including the relevant significance of former Oshawa General, Bobby Orr) and highlighting the diversity that makes Canada strong. He also gave a shoutout to the next generation of business talent, mentioning his former Queens’s Executive MBA student and current Oshawa Chamber board member, Daniel Arbor, who was present as Tisch spoke about how important mentorship and local growth are for our communities.
Tisch’s travels across Ontario—visiting 49 chambers, including 17 just this year—delivered a clear message: local chambers like ours aren’t just about business—they’re the heart of our communities. He emphasized the vital role they play in shaping future-ready economies, especially through strong partnerships with all levels of government. “At every stop,” he said, “I’ve been so impressed and inspired by the way chambers of commerce and boards of trade are working as partners. It’s incredibly urgent, incredibly important and incredibly impactful—because together, we can make a difference.”
Looking back on the start of 2025, Tisch acknowledged the challenges facing many of our local businesses: high interest rates, inflation and global tensions have made this a tough year for entrepreneurs and employers. He described the economy as unpredictable, noting that 67% of Ontario businesses are feeling the effects of tariffs and nearly half are worried about rising prices tied to global trade.
Tisch raised concerns about recent U.S. trade policies. He said that while some American businesses believe tariffs give them a short-term edge, the long-term effects are harmful. “Some businesses may think they’re doing well in the short term,” he said, “but it makes them less productive and less innovative because they’re hiding behind these protectionist walls.” He pointed to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s position, calling tariffs “a tax paid by Americans at the worst possible time.”
Beyond the numbers, Tisch spoke to issues that hit close to home—like substance use, access to healthcare and energy reform. These, he said, aren’t just social issues—they’re economic ones. A healthy community is a strong workforce and that matters to every business in Oshawa and beyond.
The launch of a new coalition of industry leaders shows the Ontario Chamber’s commitment to action. Tisch encouraged businesses to use national tools like the Trade Commissioner Service and to keep telling their stories—because, as he put it, “data moves your mind, but stories move your heart.” He reminded us that sharing our local experiences can spark real change.
Despite the challenges ahead, Tisch ended his speech on a hopeful note. Strong support from local chambers, better collaboration between sectors and clear leadership are all signs of a more stable, creative and inclusive economy. His message was clear: building a better future depends on working together. “The reason I’m optimistic,” he said, “is because I’ve never seen more unity among Canadians… and the determination to turn all this talk into something tangible.”
As always, the Oshawa Chamber remains dedicated to informing, supporting and advocating for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re already a member or thinking about joining, we invite you to stay connected—subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media and join us at upcoming events.
Let’s build that future—together!
