Associated Podcasts (APod) was proud to serve as the Podcast Sponsor for the 2025 Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) Conference, held this past week in The Town of The Blue Mountains, hosted by the Collingwood Downtown BIA. This event brought together business leaders, BIA representatives, politicians, and local economic development champions from across the province and beyond, all united in their mission to strengthen Ontario’s main streets.
As podcast sponsors, APod played a key role in capturing the insights, discussions, and innovations that emerged throughout the conference. We had the incredible opportunity to sit down with business leaders and BIA executives, recording insightful conversations that will soon be shared across digital platforms. These discussions highlighted the importance of community-driven economic growth and the power of storytelling in fostering connections between businesses and their local communities.
One of the conference’s most memorable moments was the tribute to outgoing OBIAA Executive Director Kay Matthews. For years, Kay has been a driving force behind the growth and success of Ontario’s BIA network, championing the importance of local businesses and advocating for stronger support systems for main street merchants. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping OBIAA’s initiatives, including their widely recognized “Support Local” messaging and their use of the hashtag #shopmainstreetcanada to encourage communities to embrace and celebrate their local businesses.
As we bid farewell to Kay, we also extend our congratulations to Rachel Braithwaite, the incoming Executive Director. With a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Ontario’s BIAs, Rachel is poised to continue building on OBIAA’s momentum, ensuring that local businesses have the tools and support they need to thrive. We look forward to working closely with Rachel and OBIAA in the years to come, helping to amplify their message through the power of podcasting.
Beyond the formal sessions and keynotes, the conference was a testament to the strength of Ontario’s business communities. APod had the pleasure of forming meaningful relationships with BIA leaders, elected officials, economic development officers, and local entrepreneurs who are all passionate about driving growth at the grassroots level. The energy and enthusiasm shared throughout the event reinforced why we do what we do—providing businesses and organizations with a powerful platform to tell their stories and connect with their audiences in authentic ways.
OBIAA’s commitment to spreading the “Support Local” message aligns perfectly with what Support Local Magazine and the Support Local Podcast aim to achieve. By fostering a culture of community-based commerce and encouraging consumers to invest in their own neighbourhoods, OBIAA is leading the charge in ensuring Ontario’s business landscape remains vibrant and resilient.
Looking ahead, we are already excited about next year’s OBIAA Conference, set to take place in St. Catharines. If this year’s event was any indication, 2026 will be even more impactful, providing new opportunities to collaborate, learn, and celebrate the incredible work being done across Ontario’s business communities.
A huge thank you to the OBIAA team, the conference organizers, and everyone who took the time to connect with us at APod. Mike Wixson and I look forward to continuing to build on these relationships and expanding our efforts to support local businesses through podcasting and digital storytelling. See you in St. Catharines!
Photo Credit: Kat Dodge