Chamber to host automation discussion panel

A panel discussion on automation and its impact to society is being held today from 11 a.m. to 1 p. m. at the Marigold Cultural Centre in Truro.

The event is being hosted by the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce and is open to everyone.

The demand for higher productivity, improved quality, cost reduction and efficiency is driving the introduction of automation in all sectors, industries and markets and businesses in the region have been managing the impacts and benefits of automation for a number of years,” said chamber president Alex Stevenson.

“Going forward the scope and pace of automation will increase, as will the resulting impacts on business, customers and workers,” he said.

The six- person panel representing business and industry organizations will discuss how the implementation of technology is already having an impact on business and organizations and how it is evolving within the workforce.

“The panel the chamber has assembled will offer varying per- spectives on the anticipated impacts of automation and how it will transform how business is conducted going forward,” Stevenson said.

The event is to be moderated by Michele Bursey, senior account manager with BDC Truro and will feature guest speakers Abid Ahmad P. Eng., academic chair for Mechanical and Industrial Technologies, the Aviation Institute and the Design and Innovation Center at NSCC; Michel Raymond, executive director, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters; Stephanie Jones, owner, Mcdonalds Restaurants; Keith Gillis, owner, G & G Computers; Eric Mackeen, general manager, Tri County Ford; and Craig Paul, director Business Solutions and Information Technology with the Halifax International Airport Authority.

There is no cost to attend the event, which is sponsored by Halifax International Airport Authority.

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided following the discussion.

To register, contact the chamber office 902-895-6328 or email oa@tcchamber.ca.