What is the context behind the Business Advisory Committee creation?
Following the amalgamation of Ottawa Markets and the ByWard Market BIA, it was essential for the ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) to establish an advisory body representing the local business community. Undoubtedly, the BMDA recognized the value and necessity of collaborating with the businesses to better represent them in their future advocating activities.
Who are the members of the Business Advisory Committee?
The BAC will initially comprise 7 members representing a diversity of professional backgrounds within the ByWard Market business community:
- Deek Labelle (Chair) – General Manager of the Château Lafayette
- James Baker (inaugural member) – CEO and Co-founder of Keynote Search
- Martine Lauzon (inaugural member) – Certified life and integrative health coach and functional movement specialist
- David Mangano (inaugural member) – Owner/operator of The Grand Pizzeria and bar
- Pat Nicastro (inaugural member) – Owner/operator of La Bottega and Lollo
- Chris Pierre (inaugural member) – Founder and Managing Director at KeyNorth Professional Services Group Inc.
- Samantha Sigler (inaugural member) – Legal and leasing counsel at Properties Group
What responsibilities do the BAC members have?
The BAC members act as stewards of the ByWard Market business community and provide information to the board of directors. Their responsibilities include,
Receive market intelligence, feedback, and guidance from ByWard Market commercial property owners and businesses regarding marketing, communications, programming, safety, operations, and other related issues;
Provide that information to the BMDA board to inform decision-making and enhance the commercial environment in the ByWard Market;
Represent the best interests of ByWard Market businesses to the BMDA;
Empower the ByWard Market business community to explore and propose viable local ideas and solutions for district improvement;
Encourage stewardship through business participation in district promotions, events, safety and security initiatives, and through contribution to overall aesthetic and experience-based offerings;
What to expect next?
With the BAC up and running, we can expect an increase in opportunities for the ByWard Businesses to communicate their insights and experiences. The BAC aims to build trust with the businesses in an effort to identify and prioritize issues that need to be addressed. Its ambition is to unify the ByWard Market Businesses’ voices and to align objectives. The committee will play a key role in the ByWard Market District revitalization and sustainability through its key strategic role in the BMDA’s advocacy mandate.
If you have any questions related to the BAC, feel free to contact Jeanne Matthiss at Jeanne@bmda.ca
