In his new year's address to the chamber, Mayor Watson talked about dividends from a $5.5-million increase in city funding to economic development.
"One of the major elements of this plan is the transformation of OCRI into a more focused organization called Invest Ottawa to pursue strategic economic development in the nation's capital," he said. "I can't emphasize enough that this isn't a simple rebranding exercise. It's about a new way of thinking. It's about sharper focus to achieve clear goals."
Mayor Watson said the creation of Invest Ottawa is proof that economic development will be a top priority for his administration.
Among other achievements, the mayor pointed to the Major Events Office that will operate in partnership with Ottawa Tourism. The office will try to bring major events, such as the NHL All-Star Game, the 2012 Juno Awards and possibly the 2015 FIFA Women's Cup, to Canada's capital.
Along with the new Convention Centre, he said these major events can help grow the city's tourism sector.
The mayor's speech coincided with the installation of the chamber's 2012 board of directors.
The board will be led by Dave Donaldson, who will serve a second term as chair. The chamber believes this is the first time a chair has completed a second successive term in its 150-year history.
Mr. Donaldson, also dean of Algonquin College's School of Business, said he believes the chamber should look at standardizing a two-year term for chair. This will allow for more continuity and allow the chair to more aggressively pursue the chamber's evolution.
Mark Sutcliffe was also sworn in as first vice-chair. Mr. Sutcliffe is CEO of Great River Media, the owner of Ottawa Business Journal.
