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Updated 2025-12-26

2025-04-15

Attracting Tourism, Talent, and TV to Greater Sudbury

In this episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with Meredith Armstrong, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Greater Sudbury. Meredith highlights how tourism is integral to Sudbury's economy, from attracting talent to attracting TV and film productions. The conversation covers the impact of the Municipal Accommodation Tax, the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program, and Sudbury's resilience and growth amid geopolitical challenges. 01:13 Meredith’s Background in Tourism, Economic, and Workforce Development03:51 Sudbury's Economic Outlook Amid Geopolitical Challenges06:54 Tourism Excellence North (and Other) Resources For Tourism Businesses10:02 How the Municipal Accommodation Tax Funds Tourism Infrastructure14:04 Sudbury's Diverse Tourism Economy18:57 Trends and Opportunities in Sudbury's Tourism20:54 Sudbury's Growing Film Industry23:21 COVID-19 Impact and Recovery in Sudbury24:11 Tourism Trends and Challenges25:53 Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot31:00 Francophone Community and Immigration33:15 Talent Attraction Opportunities and Challenges38:53 What Meredith Loves About Working in Tourism41:01 Meredith’s Most Memorable Visitor Experience44:51 Next Episode Preview About the City of Greater Sudbury Invest Sudbury website - investsudbury.caDiscover Sudbury website - discoversudbury.caMove to Sudbury website - movetosudbury.caCity of Greater Sudbury municipal website - greatersudbury.caDiscover Sudbury on X - x.com/sudburytourismDiscover Sudbury on Facebook - facebook.com/SudburyTourismDiscover Sudbury on Instagram - instagram.com/sudburytourismResourceful City of LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/11432947/admin/page-posts/publishedInvest Sudbury on X - x.com/resourcefulcity About the podcast Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in while driving or doing chores. For even more insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North, which is part of Destination Northern Ontario: Website - tourismexcellencenorth.caFacebook - facebook.com/DestinationNorthernOntarioInstagram - instagram.com/destinationnorthernontarioLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/destinationnorthernontario If you like podcasts, DNO has another one called Destination: Northern Ontario. Season 1 is for people thinking about buying a tourism business, and Season 2 has helpful advice for new tourism operators. Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.
Feb 4

The State of Canada’s Auto Industry in 2026

Is your knowledge of Canada’s automotive industry up to date? The Trillium Network has crunched the numbers and reports on how vehicle production, assembly plant employment, and labour productivity have evolved since 2016. In this episode, the report’s authors, Brendan Sweeney and Greg Keenan, unpack the stats and discuss the driving forces behind them. They conclude with three policy recommendations that we hope to see in the federal government’s forthcoming automotive strategy. 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Trillium Network’s New Automotive Industry Bulletin 01:34 Reasons Behind the Report's Timing 03:07 Key Findings on Vehicle Production 07:49 Impact on Employment and Productivity 12:58 Federal Automotive Strategy and Recommendations 17:02 Impact of Chinese Auto Imports and Consumer Choices Read the Trillium Network Data Bulletin The Road Behind Is Not the Road Ahead: What a Decade of Data Tells Us About Canada's Automotive Future https://trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/the-road-behind-is-not-the-road-ahead/ Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.
2025-05-30

Tapping the Full Extent of Manufacturing Talent

Statistically, half of the smartest people in Ontario are men and the other half are women. So why aren’t manufacturers taking full advantage of the pool of talented women? This episode features Nikki Morshedi, the Executive Director of Women in Aerospace Canada, who shares insights into the challenges women face in STEM fields, why gender diversity is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge, and how WIA is helping women enter, stay, and thrive in the aerospace sector (and beyond). 01:02 Interview with Nikki Morshedi of Women in Aerospace Canada04:19 Nikki's Journey into Aerospace09:46 Her Brilliant LinkedIn Hacks12:20 Embracing What Women Bring to Teams and Reducing Barriers16:23 Women in Aerospace Canada: Mission, Scope, and Programs23:33 What to Expect from WIA’s Mentorship Program, Tips for Mentors and Mentees27:20 WIA’s Partners32:01 Future of Women in Aerospace and Final Thoughts Find Out More about Women in Aerospace Canada Women in Aerospace Canada website: wia-canada.orgWIA Mentorship Program webpage: wia-canada.org/2025/04/15/ready-to-soar-join-the-wia-canada-mentorship-program-2025 Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing Reports on Gender Diversity Data Bulletin #14: Visible Minorities and Ontario Manufacturing https://trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/visible-minorities-and-ontario-manufacturing/Occupational Diversity and Ontario Manufacturing Data Bulletin trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/occupational-diversity-ontario-manufacturingGender and Ontario’s Manufacturing Workforce trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/gender-and-ontarios-manufacturing-workforceGender Diversity and Ontario Manufacturing: Lessons from Five Leading Companies https://trilliummfg.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Gender_Diversity_And_Ontario_Manufacturing.pdfMaking it in Ontario, S10 E3, Hot Off the Press: New Data on Diversity in Manufacturing https://player.captivate.fm/episode/01981aa3-8a62-4ad3-870c-220ae8322749/ Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the a href="https://trilliummfg.ca/" rel="noopener...
May 13

Why Tourism Investors Are Looking North

Northern Ontario’s tourism sector is at a crossroads. There are big challenges to navigate, from global economic uncertainty to seasonal realities. Yet, visitor numbers and spending are up, new builds are rising across the north, and there's real momentum in the sector. In this episode, Gord Knowles, Destination Northern Ontario's Senior Coordinator of Investment Attraction and Economic Development, shares insights into what's driving investor confidence right now, why tourism businesses need to diversify beyond the US market, and the emerging trends that should be on every tourism business operator’s radar. 00:00 Introduction 02:54 The State of Northern Ontario Tourism Right Now 03:44 US Market Uncertainty 04:55 What’s Driving Increasing Investment and Tourism Receipts 08:29 What to Know If You’re Thinking of Selling Your Business 10:37 Is Now a Good Time to Invest in a Northern Ontario Tourism Business? 13:28 Available Capital 14:35 Challenges Investors Should Know About 15:55 Emerging Trends 18:31 Final Thoughts and Credits Learn more about tourism investment opportunities in Northern Ontario at invest.destination northernontario.ca. Follow DNO on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. About the Destination: Northern Ontario podcast This is a series for tourism business operators in rugged and beautiful Northern Ontario. Whether you're just starting out, or you've got years under your belt, this podcast will make sure you're well equipped for the journey. If you’re not an operator yet, but plan to buy a tourism business in the north, then check out Season 1 for case studies and expert guidance. Learn more about tourism investment opportunities in Northern Ontario at invest.destination northernontario.ca. Follow DNO on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.
May 26

Tapping Into a Global Network of Cape Bretoners

For many Cape Bretoners, outmigration is a rite of passage. They leave for school, for work opportunities, or just for the adventure of it. We see this as a loss for the island, but what if our so-called "lost" Capers (aka our “diaspora”) are actually an incredible asset that can open doors to investment, mentorship, and new export markets? In this episode, Sean Meister of Global Bluenosers talks about the community of ambitious Bluenosers he’s building, and how they can help Cape Breton-based businesses go global. Whether you're firmly planted here on the island or a global Cape Bretoner yourself, it’s worth finding out how you can tap into this impressive network. 00:00 Introduction01:20 What Global Bluenosers Does03:27 Defining Diaspora06:22 Why Cape Bretoners Abroad Are an Incredible Asset08:22 How Other Countries Are Leveraging Their Diaspora10:10 Who Global Cape Bretoners Are and How They Give Back15:23 Who Can Benefit From Engaging With the Diaspora17:34 How To Engage with the Network of Global Cape Bretoners18:44 Helping People Go Abroad22:55 Global Bluenosers Membership Options and Benefits27:54 Final Takeaways and Credits Find out More About Global Bluenosers Website: globalbluenosers.caMemberships: globalbluenosers.ca/#MembershipPodcast: globalbluenosers.ca/#podcastConnect with Sean Meister on LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/seanmeister About the Invest in Cape Breton podcast Unama'ki-Cape Breton is on the cusp of an economic renaissance. Invest in Cape Breton is a podcast that will challenge your assumptions about the island’s economy through in-depth interviews with local changemakers. We go beyond the headlines to reveal the untapped potential for investors and entrepreneurs, and offer a preview of the island’s coming transformation. Right from the first episode, we’ll show you why there's never been a better time to invest in Cape Breton. This podcast is an initiative of the Cape Breton Partnership. It is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media. The theme music is "Under My Skin" by Elyse Aeryn.
2025-05-27

Recruiting the Next Generation of Tourism Workers

In this episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with Lawrence Foster, an instructor with Sault College’s Adventure Recreation and Parks program. They discuss the kinds of people registering for the program, what these in-demand graduates want from employers, and Lawrence’s advice for recruiting during a workforce shortage. Lawrence also shares why the producer of the hit show Mantracker called him up and gave him a job. 01:05 Meet Lawrence Foster: From Law Student to Mantracker to çInstructor06:26 Inside the Adventure Recreation and Parks Program09:10 Student Backgrounds15:08 Tourism Career Opportunities18:47 Advice For Owners That Are Succession Planning21:10 Opportunities Students Are Looking For23:46 What Students Want From Employers25:22 Awareness of Government and Non Profit Jobs in Tourism28:11 Recruitment Advice For Business Owners and Managers32:01 Customer Service Training35:52 Filling Education Gaps With Volunteer Experience About Sault College and the Adventure Recreation and Parks Program Sault College website - saultcollege.caAdventure Recreation and Parks Technician program - https://www.saultcollege.ca/programs/school-natural-environment/adventure-recreation-and-parks-technicianContact Lawrence: lawrence.foster@saultcollege.ca About the podcast Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in while driving or doing chores. For even more insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North, which is part of Destination Northern Ontario: Website - tourismexcellencenorth.caFacebook - facebook.com/DestinationNorthernOntarioInstagram - instagram.com/destinationnorthernontarioLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/destinationnorthernontario If you like podcasts, DNO has another one called Destination: Northern Ontario. Season 1 is for people thinking about buying a tourism business, and Season 2 has helpful advice for new tourism operators. Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.
2025-03-14

Avidbots: Scaling Up and Doubling Down on Robotics

Our Hannover Messe countdown series—featuring Ontario manufacturers and technology companies that will be showcasing at the world's largest industrial technology trade fair—continues with Pablo Molina, Co-Founder & CTO of Kitchener-based Avidbots. In this episode, Pablo shares Avidbots' journey from a small office in Waterloo to a multinational company shipping autonomous cleaning robots around the world. Pablo pulls no punches about Canada’s lagging adoption of robotics and lack of investment in scaling up the industry, both of which are challenges that he and the Canadian Robotics Council (CRC) are working to address. The episode concludes with a preview of Avidbots' participation at Hannover Messe 2025, and his take on the rumours, thus far, of which musical act will be playing at NGen’s Hannover Messe reception. 03:41 Avidbots’ Journey07:16 Avidbots' Products and Innovations11:20 Challenges and Future of Robotics14:36 Hardware, Software, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Ecosystem17:03 How We Can Help Canadian Companies Scale Up 22:46 The Role of CRC in Canadian Robotics26:10 Avidbots at Hannover Messe28:32 What Pablo is Excited About in 202530:17 Whether Avidbots Will Stay in Canada35:26 Musical Rumors Find Out More about Avidbots and the Canadian Robotics Council Avidbots website: avidbots.comCanadian Robotics Council website: roboticscouncil.ca Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.
2025-12-26

The Future of Housing in Strathroy-Caradoc

Strathroy-Caradoc’s population could double in the next 30 years—can this small municipality accommodate them all? To find out, we sat down with Jake DeRidder, Strathroy-Caradoc's manager of development and growth services, to talk about how the municipality is encouraging new construction and working to make those units more affordable. By the end of this conversation, you'll know what kinds of housing are coming down the pipeline, where those new builds will be concentrated, and how many units are officially on the books. If you're in the market to buy a new home in the next few years, this episode is a must listen. 00:00 Introduction to Growing Strathroy-Caradoc01:15 How the Municipality is Predicting and Preparing for Growth03:43 Strathroy-Caradoc’s Settlement Areas and Housing Mix05:45 Encouraging New Housing Construction08:07 Grant Programs for Developers and Individuals09:50 Additional Residential Units Explained11:36 Affordability and Financial Incentives13:01 Response from Developers13:59 Housing Projects in the Pipeline16:38 Final Thoughts on the Future of Housing in Strathroy-Caradoc Find out more about Strathroy-Caradoc’s growth plans Growing Together Strathroy-Caradoc webpage: growingtogethersc.caFacebook: facebook.com/strathroycaradocInstagram: instagram.com/strathcaradocX: x.com/strathcaradocYouTube: youtube.com/@strathroy-caradoc About the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast Strathroy-Caradoc is a place where people and businesses grow deep roots. With a population of 24,000 people. It would be easy to assume that Strathroy-Caradoc is a sleepy part of Southwest Ontario, but new residents and businesses—from independent shops to multinational power players—are flocking here. Listen to the Growing Strathroy-Caradoc podcast to find out why. If Strathroy-Caradoc sounds like a community you'd like to move to, learn more at strathroy-caradoc.ca. If you’re an investor, learn about our value proposition, key sectors, and available properties at investstrathroy-caradoc.ca. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.
Jan 9

What Visitors Need from Northern Ontario’s Transportation Network

Northern Ontario is big—REALLY big—which can be a challenge for anyone trying to get from one city to another or to escape into our great wilderness. Roads, air, and rail networks are critical to the success of our tourism industry (and economy at large) and that’s why Destination Northern Ontario is making it a priority. Ian Wood is a director on Destination Northern Ontario's board of directors and the chair of its ad hoc committee on transportation issues. In this episode, he lays out the current state of our transportation network, what should be done to improve them for visitors, and what YOU can do to help. 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Why Transportation is Key For Northern Ontario Tourism 03:19 Formation and Goal of the Transportation Issues Committee 05:32 Road Transportation in Northern Ontario 10:38 Air Transportation Post-COVID 14:40 Rail Transportation in Northern Ontario 17:36 Opportunities for Air Transportation 21:49 Opportunities for Rail Transportation 26:42 Opportunities for Road Transportation 30:10 How DNO is Advancing Improvements 31:36 Call to Action for Tourism Operators 32:35 The Top Priority 34:16 Postscript: New Air Routes! Mentioned resources Northern Ontario Transportation Challenges & Solutions destinationnorthernontario.ca/sites/default/files/2025-10/MC_Transportation%20Challenges%20and%20Solutions_04-14-25_LowRes.pdf About the Destination: Northern Ontario podcast This is a series for tourism business operators in rugged and beautiful Northern Ontario. Whether you're just starting out, or you've got years under your belt, this podcast will make sure you're well equipped for the journey. If you’re not an operator yet, but plan to buy a tourism business in the north, then check out Season 1 for case studies and expert guidance. Learn more about tourism investment opportunities in Northern Ontario at invest.destination northernontario.ca. Follow DNO on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.
2025-03-28

Innovative Group: Advice From a Hannover Veteran

In the final episode of our Hannover Messe countdown series—featuring Ontario manufacturers and technology companies showcasing at the world's largest industrial technology trade fair—we speak with Hannover veteran Michael Lalonde, President and CEO of the Innovative Group of Companies. In this episode, Michael tells us about the Innovative Group, which includes Innovative Automation and RoboTape, and his journey from account manager to CEO. He also offers smart advice for custom machine builders looking to establish their own branded products and for Hannover newbies overwhelmed by the scale of the fair. And of course, one final guess at NGen’s mystery Canadian musical guest. 01:03 Brendan's Upcoming Trip to Hannover02:04 Plug For York Region’s Tariff Impact Video Podcast05:33 Michael's Journey and Role as CEO07:16 The Birth of RoboTape15:33 RoboTape's Market Impact and Applications18:43 Hannover Messe Insights and Networking Tips26:39 Upcoming Product Launch: RoboClip31:56 Speculations on the Special Musical Guest York Region’s The Tariff Impact Podcast The Tariff Impact Podcast YouTube Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq3vDdWJ2ruwBM-Kms5heLkJ8HZPfSXzpEpisode 1 - “EDC: All-in-One Banking, Insurance, Investment, and Advisory to Help Canadian Exporters Through Crises,” featuring Todd Winterhalt youtube.com/watch?v=3BdUfsVmuDw&list=PLq3vDdWJ2ruwBM-Kms5heLkJ8HZPfSXzp&index=2Episode 2 - “CME: What Canada’s Largest Manufacturers and Exporters Industry Association is Seeing and Doing,” featuring Dennis Darby: youtube.com/watch?v=qCLY4Sek26s&list=PLq3vDdWJ2ruwBM-Kms5heLkJ8HZPfSXzp&index=1&pp=iAQB Find Out More about Innovative Group of Companies Innovative Automation website: innovativeautomation.comRoboTape website: robotape.comMecsmart Systems website: mecsmart.com Find Out More About Trillium Trillium website: trilliummfg.caTrillium GIS: trilliumgis.caLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfgX/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfgInstagram: instagram.com/trilliummfgFacebook: facebook.com/trilliummfgOld ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past About the Making it in Ontario Podcast Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future. This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.

Storied Places Media is a podcast production agency that specializes in helping communities tell their stories to drive economic development.