One of OXA’s most anticipated events of the year is back — and you won’t want to miss it!  Book Now – https://forms.gle/oMhrkLLU9buhaFwt8

Join fellow members and guests for networking, friendly competition, prizes, great food and golf (9 or 18 holes) — or just dinner!

Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Location:  The Meadows Golf & Country Club
Time: 11:30 AM – Registration, 12:30 PM – Tee-off (staggered), 6:00 PM – Dinner
Cost: 18 holes – $130, 9 holes – $115, Dinner only – $45

Spots fill fast, so Register Today! – https://forms.gle/oMhrkLLU9buhaFwt8

Last week was OXA’s annual Golf Event at Emerald Links Golf & Country Club. Despite a cool breeze, the weather was perfect for a great day on the course. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner of chicken, ribs, and all the fixings, with prizes awarded for on-course achievements and raffle draws for items generously donated by OXA members.

A big thank you to the Pattersons and the Emerald Links staff for hosting us again this year. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and hope to see even more members, friends and colleagues join in the fun!

This year’s Annual President’s Summer Social, hosted by our new President David Dugas, was an unforgettable evening on the Upper Deck at the Britannia Yacht Club. David and his wife Michelle warmly greeted members and their guests over hors d’oeuvres and wine and beer tasting with sommelier Rob from The Drunken Grape on the scenic covered balcony. Following a heartfelt welcome from David, attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet featuring beef tenderloin, chicken, and delectable desserts. The evening buzzed with excitement as David held draws for concert tickets, wine and the beautiful floral centerpieces generously donated by OXA member, Nectar Flowers Ottawa. The event was perfectly complemented by a lively mix of 80s hits and bossa nova music from Dynamix Productions.

This year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was attended by over 40 members. New President David Dugas of D.E. Systems welcomed Paul O’Reilly of Avenue North Realty and Martin Patterson of Emerald Links Golf & Country Club to the board as well as François Beauvais of Art Woods Office Supplies to the role of Board Advisor. Congratulations to the new 2024-2025 board.

Last week, OXA Alumni Program participants Jim Tugwell, formerly of CFRA and CHUM Radio, and Ron Campbell, formerly of Capital Cleaning Solutions, joined us for an engaging interview session led by Thom Bourne of Nutri-lawn Ottawa. Thom introduced Jim and Ron, who reflected on their time with the Ottawa Executives’ Association and their proudest career achievements. They discussed their retirement transition, sharing tools and strategies for planning, and offered insights into the challenges and lifestyle changes they faced. Both emphasized the importance of staying connected through community groups, clubs, or volunteering to ease the transition from a work-focused life to retirement. The session concluded with a lively Q&A, where Jim and Ron answered members’ questions and provided valuable advice for those nearing retirement.

Last week, OXA hosted an Open House luncheon that successfully brought together 18 guests and over 40 members to introduce attendees to the Ottawa Executives’ Association (OXA). David Dugas, our Membership Recruitment Chair, highlighted the association’s rich history 88-year history (est. 1936), including a nod to founding member Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, and shared the numerous benefits of OXA membership. Members Thom Bourne of Nutri-lawn Ottawa and Melissa Gardner Webb of Relax Massage Group offered testimonials about their experiences and the valuable connections they have forged through OXA. Additionally, an HR panel featuring OXA members Karen Brownrigg of iHR Advisory Services, Diane Craig of Corporate Class Inc., and Graham Young of CAPCORP Financial shared their insights with attendees. Thank you to all those who contributed to making this year’s Open House luncheon a resounding success!

This year, just over 50 members and guests attended the OXA’s annual Christmas Event at member restaurant NeXT. Based on feedback from members and to add a fresh twist on the event, this year we changed things up and held the event in January. Upon arrival, attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling and networking. Before a delicious four-course meal, Nick welcomed everyone and shared housekeeping items. Throughout the evening, Nick conducted draws for various prizes generously donated by OXA members. After dinner, guests tried their luck at Blackjack and Roulette tables, with those accumulating 40 or more chips entered into a draw for 2 Club Bell tickets to an Ottawa Senators game and transportation. Thank you to everyone who participated and once again made this annual event a resounding success.

Last week’s meeting was our annual Christmas luncheon, a festive gathering where members enjoyed a holiday meal, took photos with St. Nick, participated in holiday-themed activities, and networked during the Contact Period. The highlight of the meeting was the return of the Ebert Ralph Executive of the Year award, presented to two deserving members: François Beauvais of Art Woods Office Supplies and Paul O’Reilly of Avenue North Realty. Congratulations to both! This final meeting of 2023 concluded with members exchanging Thank yous and well wishes.

Once again this year, General Walter Natynczyk (ret.) graciously joined OXA members at our weekly luncheon to share his knowledge and insights. President Stephanie Applejohn opened the meeting and introduced OXA member Dr. Roly Armitage, who spoke warmly about his friend, General Natynczyk. The General’s presentation highlighted the global respect for the Canadian military, detailing the many accomplishments and significant contributions of Canadian soldiers both at home and abroad. He concluded by sharing stories from Dr. Armitage’s life and military career and answered members’ questions. Thank you to everyone who attended, to the General for his enlightening presentation, and a special thank you to Roly for making it possible.

Last week, we held our first OXA Volunteer Thank You Luncheon, celebrating and honoring the invaluable contributions of our dedicated volunteers, who are integral to the sustainability and success of our organization. President Stephanie Applejohn acknowledged each volunteer for their efforts and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their hard work in helping to keep the organization thriving.

This year’s annual golf event at Emerald Links Golf & Country Club saw over 45 enthusiastic golfers join us for a day of fun on the greens. After completing 9 or 18 holes, golfers returned to the clubhouse and were joined by non-golfing members for a delicious meal of chicken and ribs. During dinner, prizes were awarded for on-course events, and attendees were entered into a draw for several items generously donated by OXA members. Congratulations to all our winners! A fantastic time was had by all. Thank you to everyone who participated and to Martin Patterson and his team at Emerald Links for hosting us. We look forward to seeing you all next year!

This year’s Annual President’s Summer Social was a vibrant celebration hosted by President Stephanie Applejohn of Merry Maids of Ottawa in the Riverview Salon at the Canadian Museum of History. Members and guests were greeted by dazzling Brazilian Samba dancers, setting a lively tone for the evening. Inside, attendees mingled over drinks and hors d’oeuvres while taking in the breathtaking views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill. Photographer Josh Storm captured memorable moments on the terrace. Stephanie’s opening remarks introduced the evening’s theme, leading to a culinary adventure with food stations featuring delicious Brazilian and Canadian dishes. The night culminated in thrilling Samba performances and delightful Brazilian desserts. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this fun-filled event!

On March 9^th, OXA held its first Succession Day luncheon. Members were invited to bring their company’s next or future generation to the weekly OXA meeting to participate and see what the association is all about. Vesta Marble successor Bruno Polito was the craft talk presenter for the day. Based on the success of this first-time event, we look forward to meeting even more future leaders next year at this new annual initiative.

Last week, OXA members came together to celebrate long-time member Dr. Roly Armitage with a surprise luncheon in his honour. Roly’s family and friends were on hand to share the day with his OXA colleagues and to help make it extra special. OXA President Graham Young and Vice-President Stephanie Applejohn awarded Roly the distinction of OXA Lifetime Member.

Last week’s meeting was the last luncheon of 2022. Members enjoyed a holiday meal together before sharing Thank Yous and well wishes for the year.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This year, just over 60 members and guests attended the OXA’s annual Christmas Event at member restaurant, NeXT.

Upon arrival, members and their guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling and networking with one another. Sports & Social Chair, Will Pearl kicked off the evening by welcoming everyone before turning things over to Chef Michael Blackie and his staff who prepared a delicious four-course meal.

After dinner, participants were entertained by musician John Allaire, whose performance was enjoyed by all. Throughout the evening there were draws for various prizes. Once again this annual event was a resounding success and a fabulous time was had by everyone in attendance.

Last week was the OXA’s golf event at Emerald Links Golf & Country Club. Just over 45 golfers participated in this yearly event and additional members who did not golf joined the event both before and after for a BBQ lunch and/or chicken & rib dinner.

As always, a great time was had by all. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s event and to Martin Patterson and the staff at Emerald Links for once again hosting us and helping to make this great event a success.

This year’s President’s Summer Social event was hosted by President Graham Young and his wife, Lindsay at Beyond the Pale Brewing Company.

Upon arrival, members and their guests enjoyed networking and mingling. After opening remarks from Graham, attendees sampled mini lobster rolls and oysters from Supply and Demand and a BBQ Buffet from The SmoQue Shack.

The event was a resounding success and a great time was had by all! The laid-back atmosphere was the perfect way to mark the return of this fabulous annual event after a two-year hiatus.