Host of Chatter that Matters podcast, branding guru Tony Chapman joins Shane Hewitt for a discussion about his interview with Ben Cowan-Doer, the creator of Cabot golf properties in Cape Breton. He talks about Cowan-Doer’s project revitalizing a struggling coal mining town by creating a world-renowned tourist destination, attracting new investment and community identity. Later the conversation shifts to the importance of taking the first step in pursuing dreams and building businesses, highlighting the need to define goals and identify unmet needs. Examples are given of successful Canadian entrepreneurs who started small and grew their businesses. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the challenges faced by Canadian businesses with Americanized names (like Boston Pizza and New York Fries) amidst growing Canadian nationalism and a desire to support local businesses. Check out Chatter That Matters: https://www.chatterthatmatters.ca/podcasts

Restaurants Canada’s Richard Alexander joins Shane Hewitt for a conversation in which he highlights the deeply integrated US-Canada food supply chains, making tariff separation difficult and causing significant uncertainty. The discussion covers various concerns: tariffs on liquor and food imports, decreased consumer confidence due to rising costs, and the challenges faced by restaurants with American-themed names. While some restaurants are exploring alternative suppliers, the immediate impact is increased costs and reduced consumer spending, affecting profitability and employment. Alexander emphasizes the need for strong Canadian resolve in the face of these challenges and the importance of educating both the government and the industry to navigate this difficult period. The recent 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs offers some hope, but the overall situation remains tense and uncertain for the industry.