The Future of Cross-Border Trade Forum: The First 100 Days of Trump

Date: Thursday, May 1
Location: Art Gallery of Hamilton
Time: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Tickets: $70 for Chamber Members  |  $85 for Non-Members

Join top business leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore the volatile Canada-U.S. trade landscape and economic policy in the first 90 days of the Trump administration. Gain insights from keynote speakers and panellists and shape the future of business in our city.

About the Keynote Speaker:
Pierre Cléroux was appointed Vice President, Research and Chief Economist at BDC in 2012. Pierre leads a team of experts who analyze economic data to identify business and sector trends impacting Canadian entrepreneurs. A seasoned speaker, he helps business owners understand the risks and opportunities presented by the economic environment. Mr. Cléroux is also responsible for providing economic analysis and advice to the Bank’s senior management team and supervises all marketing and industry research activities. Over his 25-year career as an economist, he has held several influential positions that had a direct impact on entrepreneurs in Canada and abroad.

About the Panelists:
Keanin Loomis | President & CEO | Canadian Institute of Steel Construction Keanin was named President and CEO of the CISC in June of 2024. Prior to that, he was VP, Member Services at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Keanin is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and the College of William and Mary School of Law. He practiced construction litigation in Washington, DC, before moving back to Canada to settle in his wife’s hometown of Hamilton. He helped launch Innovation Factory, Hamilton’s Regional Innovation Centre, and then served for nine years as President & CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Keanin sits as a Director on the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, having been appointed by the Federal Government. He and his wife, Trish, are proudly raising their three children in Hamilton’s Lower City.

Julie Martini | Vice-President, Public Affairs | Ontario Chamber of Commerce With over two decades of marketing and communications experience in the financial services sector, Julie combines her professional background and studies in cultural anthropology to form a unique understanding of the challenges, opportunities and human behaviours that are driving transition in Ontario’s business community. In her current role, Julie serves as a key strategist and advisor in shaping the narrative in support of Ontario’s business community. A graduate of McGill University, Julie also holds the Professional Certified Marketer (PCM®) and Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP®) designations, and a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. Julie is a proud mom of two, community volunteer, and veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Michael Collins-Williams | Chief Executive Officer | West End Home Builders Association Michael is a registered Professional Planner with extensive experience in the new home building and development industry. Prior to taking on his new role at the WE HBA, Mike was the Senior Director of Planning and Policy at the Ontario Home Builders’ Association focusing on government relations for the residential construction industry at Queen’s Park. Mike graduated from Ryerson University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning in 2003 with a Bachelor of Urban Planning and a Minor in Public Administration. Mike is a member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and the Canadian Institute of Planners.

Event Partners:

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Katie Stiel (k.stiel@hamiltonchamber.ca).