Industry Media - Editor's Note

Hello,

Taking cues from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, this month Canadian Industry Online focuses on Canadian small and medium-sized businesses and how they make the world go ‘round.

Early this month, Ted Mallett, Vice-President & Chief Economist for CFIB said: “After inching upward during the autumn months, small business optimism picked up the pace in December. CFIB’s Business Barometer Index climbed to 65.0, almost a point and a half above its November level. The Index has historically hovered between 65 and 70 when the economy is expanding, so the return to ‘near normal’ is seen as good news for Canada’s economic performance, which had lately been constrained by uncertainties in foreign markets.”

And why shouldn’t the climate be positive? In our exclusive with Laura Jones, Sr. Vice-President Research, Economics & Western Canada for CFIB, you can read a laundry list of reasons that Canadian small businesses are at their peak. While our big guns are going through some growing pains, our small businesses are thriving.

We are also starting to take a serious look at the shifting approach to energy development in Canada, and had the opportunity to get some insight from the Energy Council of Canada and our friends at CAPP. The Canadian energy companies of the future will not look like they do now.

A toast to all the progress Canadian companies made in 2011, and upcoming success this New Year!

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Share your business success story with us: sara.kopamees@industrymedia.ca. I will share it with our executive network and with the thousands of other businesses that are looking for a little inspiration in their days.

Best regards,

Sara Kopamees
Editor in Chief