Greetings Chamber members. After a frigid, snowy winter some may want to forget, we are welcoming a warming spring!
In this spirit of transition, our latest Let’s Talk for members of the South Niagara Chambers of Commerce spotlights the revolution of Artificial Intelligence, or AI.
With this recurring newsletter, we give an overview of an important issue affecting members, with AI a cornerstone at our May 6 Niagara Networks and Industry Collaborative event at Brock University.
A.I. is rapidly taking over our world of work- how do members handle it?
Easily accessible artificial intelligence was released on a mass scale only recently. It allows computer technology to replicate and improve tasks done by people; things like complex computations, administrative tasks, manufacturing logistics, and instant analysis of anything needing information collation, communication and recommendations.
These powers of generative AI are increasing exponentially, faster than even the advent of personal computers and public Internet.
With AI surrounding us, the South Niagara Chambers of Commerce Niagara Networks conference has pivoted this year to practical applications of this widespread and critical technology.
Titled: ‘Shifting Gears & Driving Niagara’s Collaborative Future: From Connection to Momentum’, its subtopics include A.I. and Workforce Transformation, Economic Navigation, Capital and Capacity and Strategic Alignment.
For info. and to register, please visit https://southniagaracc.com/event-2026/
For business owners, the message is blunt. We need to understand how AI can be used effectively, strategically and cautiously to make tasks easier, with minimal cost and fuss.
Fear, or lack of understanding of AI holds back some small-to-medium (SME) businesses from starting that journey. However, in baby steps, its applications are self-sufficient and easy to use. Indeed, this early technology is already affecting us in many ways: We’re using it daily in routine tasks like banking, purchasing, online assistance and smartphone scrolling.
For this Let’s Talk edition topic, an AI application itself (via Microsoft Office) instantly recognizes its efficiency for Niagara’s SME’s, noting adoption of the technology is currently low here. That AI ‘run’, done by asking and fine-tuning a question, also summarizes online information from sources studying it.
Using examples, it cites boutique wineries using AI-powered sensors, data analytics that improve grape yields and sustainability, and AI-driven robotics reducing labor costs in tasks like strawberry harvesting by up to 30%
In tourism and logistics, AI enhances transportation management through computer vision and automated parking systems to ease congestion. Manufacturing firms apply machine learning for predictive maintenance to reduce downtime and costs, it says. Sector-specific training is also key to more-seamless adoption of AI.
This technology of AI has emerging troubling aspects
With the explosion in AI, experts have stressed serious ethical issues about this technology, with dire implications for some sectors of employment, in social- media manipulation and problems with lack of oversight in using AI. Other issues include fraudulent and criminal use, information-source authenticity and copyright, bias and inaccuracy in AI responses — and even occasional “hallucinations.”
Dolores Fabiano, executive director of the SNCC, says we are experiencing AI’s effects in almost every realm. Now’s the time for chamber members to harness it.
“How do we understand and share AI knowledge that’s set to be intertwined in our businesses and lives,” Fabiano said. “How do we manage it safety, successfully, and reskill employees while accessing help in using this technology?”
These questions — and suggestions from experts — are connecting gears driving May’s Niagara Networks.
We encourage you to register, learn more and join the conversation about this critical social evolution at the conference. It’s also a great way to meet others in business and develop new connections and leads with attending decision-makers, entrepreneurs and community leaders. The Niagara Networks website above offers information for trade-show exhibitors, and more on the agenda. We’d love to see you there!
As always, we’re keen on feedback and suggestions for future roundtables, podcasts and Let’s Talk editions so please reach out.
Submit any ideas and feedback to dolores@niagarafallschamber.com
