Town of Collingwood, Ontario, Canada

"Harnessing the Potential: The Creative People, Places & Products of Independent Business" is the theme of the 2008 Business Improvement Areas National Conference to be held in Collingwood April 6th to 8th. "The BIA National Conference is presented with the goal of giving BIA's and associate members the opportunity to hear from experts in their fields and to network with others that share the same passion for their core areas" said Collingwood BIA General Manager Sue Nicholson.

The conference will host BIA managers and board members, business owners and arts and culture industry professionals. Keynote speakers and seminars will supply delegates with relevant information that they can take home with them to apply to their own municipality. This year’s conference will also give delegates opportunities to experience downtown revitalization first hand through mobile workshops and social events. A dine around social event and tours through in Historic Downtown Collingwood will launch the conference.

OBIAA is an organization that represents, supports and encourages member Business Improvement Areas to increase their effectiveness and their contribution to the economic and social well-being of communities in Ontario.

During the seven years that OBIAA has been constituted, its volunteer board of directors from across the province has worked collectively to assist our members in becoming stronger, as the organization itself works to mature and become more representative of the BIA movement in Ontario.