OTTAWA—Donald Trump has promised he will “share some of my secrets for making money” at the first Eastern Ontario Economic Showcase (EOES) convention and tradeshow at the Ottawa Civic Centre scheduled for September 24.
Expected to draw about 4,000 attendees, the event is the brainchild of Prescott-based brothers Jim and John Doris, who threw pebbles at Trump’s window for almost four years before schedules were aligned and the high-profile tycoon had the time to come to Ottawa for such an event.
Keynote speaker “The Donald” is joined by a panel of Canadian economic experts, including Mitel chairman Terry Mathews, celebrity entrepreneur Brett Wilson from the TV show “Dragon’s Den” Linda Duxbury, professor at Carlton University’s Sprott School of Business, and TD Bank Financial Group chief economist Don Drummond.
John Doris told The Epoch Times that the main impetus for setting up the EOES was twofold: Communities and businesses are trying to promote economic development, which means they are competing against larger centres, and there is a constant need for those venturing into business for the first time to network to promote themselves, find resources, and generate business.
“These businesses are looking for equity capital, so they need to meet accountants, lawyers, commercial bankers, and equity guys. So I created the platform of the EOES showcase,” he said.
“Networking locally is not enough, you need to broaden your horizons and raise your awareness of businesses outside the region.”
When Doris experienced firsthand how beneficial networking can be he decided to provide an opportunity for others to network in as broad a range as possible.
He said he wanted Trump because of his “entrepreneurial mindset, ability to build successful businesses, his resiliency,” and the fact that he has “been down and out and yet managed to rebuild.” He thinks that businesses and communities can learn from Trump’s ability to set his sights on the future.
“Real economic development comes from entrepreneurs—the people who take the risks. It comes from their own personal drive to create jobs for themselves and other people.”
The TD’s Don Drummond, known for the accuracy of his economic forecasts, was listed by Hill Times as one of the top 100 most influential people in Ottawa. And Terry Mathews, said Doris, “is the same [as Trump]. He has set up over 70 companies and I expect he will showcase his new companies at the event.”
Doris explained that the EOES is not solely about motivation—it provides a chance for municipalities and businesses to present their partnership and investment opportunities to professionals who have the business acumen to invest in ideas they like. He expects the event to be a catalyst for networking and deal making.
Municipalities can pitch their top three ideas to the panel of speakers and the attendees, providing the opportunity for the best presentations to establish contacts and make deals right there.
“The manufacturing sector has been hardest hit by the economic downturn, and small businesses need to think outside their day-to-day operations, look for opportunities and consumer trends to find what people need or want,” Doris said.
Historically, Canadian-made products are known for their quality and after-sales service. The standard of living in Canada is such that companies may not be able to offer the lowest prices, but those high standards are a way for Canadian companies to compete. Innovation and R&D are also Canadian strengths and another way to compete despite the economic downturn, he said.
Trump has dedicated five hours to the event and he and the other panelists will walk the floor to view the municipality exhibits, mingle, and talk with the attendees. The exhibitors include two economic development offices from northern New York.
Representatives of international communities will be in attendance, including ambassadors to Canada from New Zealand, Spain, Malaysia, Ireland, Mexico, Azerbaijan, and Jamaica.
Canada will be well represented as well with business people from Oakville, Sault St Marie, Oshawa, Toronto, Alberta, and Quebec coming together to network and generate leads or prospects.
“Eastern Ontario is a great place to be. Some people may not know that Kemptville is the fastest growing community in Canada,” Doris said.
Jim Doris is a business lawyer while John runs Small Business Capital and Consulting. The brothers plan on making the EOES an annual event and want a similar forum to be held in other areas of the province.
“The first one is in the target market. For the next show, whichever community is best represented at this event could be the site for next year’s event.”
Tickets are $99 for the panel commentaries and tradeshow. There are two networking receptions—one a V.I.P. reception with Trump at an additional cost. Information and tickets can be found at www.easternontarioshowcase.com.
Expected to draw about 4,000 attendees, the event is the brainchild of Prescott-based brothers Jim and John Doris, who threw pebbles at Trump’s window for almost four years before schedules were aligned and the high-profile tycoon had the time to come to Ottawa for such an event.
Keynote speaker “The Donald” is joined by a panel of Canadian economic experts, including Mitel chairman Terry Mathews, celebrity entrepreneur Brett Wilson from the TV show “Dragon’s Den” Linda Duxbury, professor at Carlton University’s Sprott School of Business, and TD Bank Financial Group chief economist Don Drummond.
John Doris told The Epoch Times that the main impetus for setting up the EOES was twofold: Communities and businesses are trying to promote economic development, which means they are competing against larger centres, and there is a constant need for those venturing into business for the first time to network to promote themselves, find resources, and generate business.
“These businesses are looking for equity capital, so they need to meet accountants, lawyers, commercial bankers, and equity guys. So I created the platform of the EOES showcase,” he said.
“Networking locally is not enough, you need to broaden your horizons and raise your awareness of businesses outside the region.”
When Doris experienced firsthand how beneficial networking can be he decided to provide an opportunity for others to network in as broad a range as possible.
He said he wanted Trump because of his “entrepreneurial mindset, ability to build successful businesses, his resiliency,” and the fact that he has “been down and out and yet managed to rebuild.” He thinks that businesses and communities can learn from Trump’s ability to set his sights on the future.
“Real economic development comes from entrepreneurs—the people who take the risks. It comes from their own personal drive to create jobs for themselves and other people.”
The TD’s Don Drummond, known for the accuracy of his economic forecasts, was listed by Hill Times as one of the top 100 most influential people in Ottawa. And Terry Mathews, said Doris, “is the same [as Trump]. He has set up over 70 companies and I expect he will showcase his new companies at the event.”
Doris explained that the EOES is not solely about motivation—it provides a chance for municipalities and businesses to present their partnership and investment opportunities to professionals who have the business acumen to invest in ideas they like. He expects the event to be a catalyst for networking and deal making.
Municipalities can pitch their top three ideas to the panel of speakers and the attendees, providing the opportunity for the best presentations to establish contacts and make deals right there.
“The manufacturing sector has been hardest hit by the economic downturn, and small businesses need to think outside their day-to-day operations, look for opportunities and consumer trends to find what people need or want,” Doris said.
Historically, Canadian-made products are known for their quality and after-sales service. The standard of living in Canada is such that companies may not be able to offer the lowest prices, but those high standards are a way for Canadian companies to compete. Innovation and R&D are also Canadian strengths and another way to compete despite the economic downturn, he said.
Trump has dedicated five hours to the event and he and the other panelists will walk the floor to view the municipality exhibits, mingle, and talk with the attendees. The exhibitors include two economic development offices from northern New York.
Representatives of international communities will be in attendance, including ambassadors to Canada from New Zealand, Spain, Malaysia, Ireland, Mexico, Azerbaijan, and Jamaica.
Canada will be well represented as well with business people from Oakville, Sault St Marie, Oshawa, Toronto, Alberta, and Quebec coming together to network and generate leads or prospects.
“Eastern Ontario is a great place to be. Some people may not know that Kemptville is the fastest growing community in Canada,” Doris said.
Jim Doris is a business lawyer while John runs Small Business Capital and Consulting. The brothers plan on making the EOES an annual event and want a similar forum to be held in other areas of the province.
“The first one is in the target market. For the next show, whichever community is best represented at this event could be the site for next year’s event.”
Tickets are $99 for the panel commentaries and tradeshow. There are two networking receptions—one a V.I.P. reception with Trump at an additional cost. Information and tickets can be found at www.easternontarioshowcase.com.
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