Print isn’t dead, according to OBJ publisher Michael Curran, and the Ottawa business community members who attended the launch event for the 25th edition of the Book of Lists on Wednesday evening seemed to agree.
“First of all, let me get this out of the way,” Curran said to the nearly 300 guests who braved rush hour and snowy streets to attend the event at the Canadian War Museum.
“This is a little overwhelming for us to see all of you here today. This event is typically 50 people. So I don’t know what’s going on in Ottawa, but there’s lots of energy in the local business community.”
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An annual publication compiled by OBJ, the Book of Lists is a directory of more than 650 local businesses organized by industry and sector. It features information about companies that can be hard to find anywhere else, Curran said.
While the OBJ Data Centre, which was launched last spring, offers a digital database for OBJ Insiders, the turnout for the event indicates the enduring popularity of the print publication, according to Curran.
“In the age of Google, we think the Book of Lists is still very, very relevant,” he said. “It’s features, it’s profiles, it’s statistics, it’s largest contracts and awards recipients. If you’re new to the Book of Lists and, I guarantee, even if you’re a veteran of the business community, you will learn more about this city than you’ve ever known.”
Guests packed into the Barney Danson Theatre at the Canadian War Museum to mingle and enjoy drinks while marking the launch of the publication.
Caroline Dromaguet, president and CEO of the museum and its sister organization the Canadian Museum of History, said she was thrilled to see the turnout.
“It’s amazing to see so many people and you can go home today and say it was standing-room only,” she quipped.
Dromaguet said tools like the Book of Lists can be helpful to organizations like hers when looking for partners within the city.
“Here at the Canadian War Museum, we prioritize working with local businesses where possible and we’ve built strong relationships with many of you in this room and many of the companies that have been listed in the book over the years,” she said. “All of your expertise and support have really been really invaluable to our success.”
Ahead of the event, attendees were escorted in groups around the museum’s exhibition hall, led by tour guides who pointed out artifacts and displays about important historical events in Canadian history.
“It’s a truly magnificent (museum) that reminds us of our history and the sacrifice that so many people made to build this great country of ours,” said Curran. “I’m so pleased the institution is dedicated to enhancing Canadians’ understanding of the events that have shaped our history. Without getting too political, we live in hyper-political times and that’s a noble goal.”
Guests could visit a fingerprinting kiosk and learn more about Commissionaires Ottawa, the presenting sponsor. CEO Michel Charron said the museum was a fitting venue for his organization, which is celebrating its centennial this year.
“We are a mission-driven organization, deeply committed to those who have served and serve in Canada today,” he said. “Many of you have worked and collaborated with us. Your trust allows us to not only run a successful business, but to give back in many different ways to veterans and initiatives.”
Printed copies of the 2025 Book of Lists can be purchased at this link. The OBJ Data Centre is only available to OBJ subscribers. More information at this link.
