Unplugged with Derek from DCCES

CBOT Unplugged: What We’re Hearing from Business

In this episode of CBOT Unplugged, we’re talking about what we’re hearing from the business community right now. From small businesses to larger employers, we dive into the conversations happening across Clarington — the challenges people are navigating, the opportunities they’re excited about, and the positive momentum we’re seeing in our community. We chat about growth, collaboration, innovation, and what businesses are feeling hopeful about moving forward. Think of it as a real-time pulse check on business in Clarington and the conversations shaping what’s next. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Apple Blossom Flowers [https://www.appleblossomflowers.ca/], and to our CBOT Unplugged series sponsor, the D’Amico Family, for supporting these conversations and helping us spotlight the Clarington business community.

At the Centre of Business: Impact Report 2026

In this episode of CBOT Unplugged, Bonnie and Alyssa chat about our very first 'At the Centre of Business: Impact Report 2026'. It’s a high-level look at the impact behind the work - from supporting local businesses to building connections, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for our community. At its core, it’s about the people and relationships that make Clarington’s business community strong. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Red Minstrel Marketing [https://www.redminstrel.com/], and our series sponsor, the D’Amico Family.

Unplugged with Derek from DCCES

What does it take to attract, support, and retain great people in today’s workforce? In this episode of CBOT Unplugged, Bonnie sits down with Derek from Durham College Community Employment Services [https://www.employmenthelp.ca/] to talk about what businesses are experiencing, what job seekers are looking for, and the supports available to help bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. It’s a practical conversation about how employers, job seekers, and community partners can work together to build a stronger workforce. Thank you to our episode sponsor Nish Security [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nish-security-services/?originalSubdomain=ca] and our Season 2 sponsor, the D’Amico Family.

Partnerships

Partnerships are a big part of what we do at the Clarington Board of Trade, and in this episode of CBOT Unplugged, we’re diving into what that really looks like. Bonnie and Rhonda talk about how CBOT approaches partnerships, what makes a partnership the right fit, and why shared value matters for everyone involved. They also highlight some of CBOT’s key partnerships — including Durham College, BACD, Affinity Partners, CLMA, The Wellington Lofts, Roam Coffee, and the Municipality of Clarington — and of course, they couldn’t talk about partnerships without mentioning CBOT’s most important partners of all: our 440 members. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Crozier Environmental [https://crozierenviro.com/], and our season sponsor The D’Amico Family, for supporting CBOT Unplugged.

2026 Looking Ahead

Bonnie and Rhonda are looking ahead to 2026 on this episode of CBOT Unplugged! They share what’s coming up this year, including some exciting new events happening in 2026 and a few favourites we’re bringing back. They also talk about CBOT’s goals for the year — and then go one step further by sharing a personal goal for each CBOT team member as we head into a new year. Thank you to our podcast sponsor North Brothers Films [https://northbrothersfilms.ca/] and our season sponsor The D’Amico Family for supporting CBOT Unplugged.