Niagara Chamber Partnership Virtual Summit
day three: I want to use AI to help my business run smoothly
Using AI Tools and Strategies for Creating Efficiencies
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DATA FINDINGS: Generative AI in Small Business: Benefits, Challenges & Considerations
Kate Cassidy: Assistant Professor, Organizational Communication
Kate Cassidy (PhD, Brock University) is a professor of Organizational Communication and a Research Associate with the Niagara Community Observatory. Her current research focuses on how technological advancements like generative AI and remote work reshape workplace communication, collaboration, and organizational culture, particularly in small businesses. She has co-authored several policy briefs, including an upcoming one on Generative AI at Work, and frequently engages the public through media appearances. Drawing from her extensive consulting experience, Dr. Cassidy offers practical strategies to help business leaders adopt AI while maintaining trust and strong group cultures. Her work aims to create workplaces where collaboration enhances productivity, engagement, and a sense of belonging, allowing individuals and teams to thrive.
Stay in touch with Kate
Our forthcoming Niagara Community Observatory Policy Brief on Generative AI (GAI) adoption in Niagara. It outlines key research findings and actionable insights to help businesses implement GAI responsibly and effectively.
Email Brock University and ask for this document/
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Discover how AI can optimize workflows, reduce costs, and free up time for innovation.
CLAYTON LETOURNEAU
About the Presentation:
Through real-world examples, I’ll demonstrate how SMBs can automate routine processes, enhance customer experiences, and make data-driven decisions using AI. While also discovering how AI can optimize workflows, reduce costs, and free up time for innovation
ACTION STEPS
- 1. Start Small: Identify Initial Opportunities, Research, Implement Pilot Projects, Evaluate and Learn, Plan for future AI integration
- 2. Choose the right AI Tools: Align AI use with your Business Goals, Develop a user-friendly solution with AI, plan for Ai Scalability
- 3. Develop a perspective for Continuous Learning Stay Informed, Encourage Team Development and Adapt Strategies as needed
Clayton Letourneau: Managing Director
Clayton is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Custom Sign Lab, a leader in experiential fabrication and sign manufacturing. As a second-generation artist and sign-maker, Clayton combines creativity and quality to transform the company into an innovator in crafting immersive environments and brand activations. He is married to his business partner, Katy, and together they balance their professional endeavours with raising two wonderful children. Driven by a commitment to community enhancement Clayton has successfully collaborated with the Niagara Parks Commission, numerous Niagara municipalities, and countless locally owned SMB’s. Under his leadership, Custom Sign Lab is on a mission to double its customer base in 2025. His dedication to excellence, preparedness and quality is reflected in every project that passes through their doors.
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Effortless Efficiency: Streamlining Systems and Automating the Routine
NICOLE CAMPBELL
About the Presentation:
I’ll guide you through practical ways to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to simplify daily tasks, from content creation to customer responses and workflow automation. Learn how to craft effective AI prompts and implement simple techniques to make these tools work for your business.
ACTION STEPS
- 1. Test an AI Prompt using the 6 elements of a good prompt: Choose one demo from the presentation (e.g., content creation, customer responses) and craft your customized AI prompt to help automate or streamline a step in your business.
- 2. Connect for Further Guidance: If you’d like more personalized support, consider booking a free Google Glow-Up or AI Prompt Power-Up session.
Nicole Campbell: Founder & CEO
Nicole Campbell, also known as “The Solutionista,” is a business consultant and project management specialist with over 20 years of experience helping businesses streamline their HR and operations. She’s worked across various industries, including magazine publishing, political communications, charitable organizations and community organizations. Nicole is known for combining innovative AI tools with practical, human-centred strategies to create systems that allow businesses to run efficiently. When she’s not crafting business solutions, you’ll likely find her doing yoga on her paddleboard or puttering in the garden.
stay in touch with nicole
A free virtual 30-minute Rapid Refresh with me in December or January. Choose either: Google Glow-Up: a quick Google Workspace audit with actions to streamline your setup. AI prompt Power-Up: a custom AI prompt tailored from one of my use cases to get high-quality results from your chats.
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Using AI Tools, Automation and Strategies for Creating Efficiencies with a CRM & Processes
DEBI KATSMAR
About the Presentation:
In this session, participants will learn: The history and evolution of AI, proving it’s more than just a trend How AI enhances CRM beyond content creation—think automation, insights, and predictions Key AI-powered CRM systems like Zoho, Salesforce, and HubSpot, and their unique strengths Practical steps to implement AI and automation in your CRM Strategies for starting small and scaling efficiently as your business grows Transform your CRM into an efficiency engine that lets your team focus on growth, not repetitive tasks!
ACTION STEPS
- Book a demo or strategy session with us. Learn more about our Customer Journey Building Offer
Debi Katsmar:
Debi Katsmar is a seasoned marketing strategist with over 40 years of experience in the industry, and the owner of Prowl Communications, a full-service marketing agency based in Niagara, Ontario. Debi has worked with thousands of businesses, providing customized solutions that span traditional and digital marketing, web design, CRM systems, and consulting services. As a Zoho Authorized Partner and Constant Contact Solution Provider, Debi helps businesses streamline operations, enhance customer journeys, and drive growth through smart marketing strategies. With deep knowledge in both B2B and B2C sectors, Debi’s expertise focuses on optimizing sales funnels and automating processes to improve business outcomes. Passionate about delivering powerful results, Debi is also a sought-after speaker and author, committed to sharing her insights with businesses looking to expand their reach and impact.
Free Webinar: Making Sense of Zoho One to Earn & Save
This webinar details all that is available in the Zoho One CRM and Business Operations System – by registering for the session they will also receive 3 hours of our time to help get the system started- a $450 value.
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The Ultimate Work hack with AI
SANA PABANI
Sana Pabani: Founder
Sana Pabani is the founder and visionary behind Ad and Spike, an AI-driven marketing agency redefining digital engagement and advertising. With deep expertise in artificial intelligence, data-driven strategies, and digital marketing, Sana has developed groundbreaking solutions that enable brands to connect meaningfully with their audiences while driving measurable growth. At Ad and Spike, Sana leads a team dedicated to harnessing machine learning and predictive analytics to deliver hyper-personalized campaigns, transforming how businesses engage in competitive markets. Her insights into the power of AI in marketing make her a sought-after speaker, known for her practical, forward-looking presentations that break down complex technologies into actionable strategies. Sana’s mission is to empower businesses to innovate fearlessly, and her speaking sessions are packed with real-world applications and dynamic takeaways that inspire her audience to lead with AI and drive transformative success.
stay in touch with sana
Complimentary Consultation and Form for the same:
1) Receive Complimentary Marketing Support to grow your clientele.
2) Gain access to tailored resources and support services.
3) Help shape future networking opportunities and collaborative efforts within our community.
4) Receive insights on how your business can leverage cutting-edge technology and marketing tools.
Open till year end. Fill up the form previously mentioned to redeem
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A Decision-Centric Approach for AI Integration
GRAHAM LOVE and ED UNRAU
About the Presentation:
A Decision-Centric Approach to AI Integration, explores a new perspective on AI implementation, emphasizing that success is driven not only by objectives but by the key decisions leading to those outcomes. Key Takeaways: Strategic Shift: Moving from objective-focused planning to decision-focused strategy, where AI serves to enhance informed decision-making rather than simply achieving predefined goals.
ACTION STEPS
- 1. Identify Key Decisions: Begin by pinpointing critical decisions within their organization that directly impact core objectives. This foundational step sets the stage for a decision-focused approach.
- 2. Assess AI’s Fit: Evaluate where AI can enhance these specific decisions rather than tackling objectives broadly. This ensures AI is used intentionally and effectively.
- 3. Implement a Decision Centric Framework: Start integrating aspects of the 3DM6 Framework—analyzing target events, identifying impactful associations, and establishing clear decision pathways. Attendees should consider small, pilot applications of this framework to see immediate benefits.
- 4. Foster Decision Transparency: Commit to creating a culture of transparency around decision-making, where data and AI-driven insights are accessible and discussed across the organization. These steps will guide attendees in shifting from traditional, objective-based AI adoption to a refined, decision-centric approach that maximizes impact and clarity.
Graham Love, Senior Innovator, Armstrong Strategy Group / Ed Unrau, Decision Architect, 3DM6
Graham Love Senior Innovator at Armstrong Strategy Group Graham Love brings years of international experience in business strategy and innovation, having worked across sectors to help organizations align their strategic objectives with effective decision-making. His passion for helping organizations refine their key decisions to drive success has led him to become a leading advocate for strategic decision-making processes. Ed Unrau Decision Architect at 3DM6 Ed Unrau is the visionary behind the 3DM6 framework, a decision-centered approach designed to help organizations align their key decisions with strategic goals. With decades of experience in analyzing decision-making processes across industries. Through 3DM6, Ed has created a simple yet foundational system that allows organizations to continuously refine their strategies, ensuring that every decision is aligned with their core objectives.
a 20% Discount on a Decision Centric Workshop Package
We will provide a 20% discount off a customized decision centric workshop, once we have completed a statement of work with a client.
The coupon is valid till December 2025 Contact Graham Love: graham@armstrongstrategy.com