Issues & Insights: Health benefits to become taxable?
By Charla Robinson, Chamber President

We have heard the federal government is considering taxing employer-paid health and dental benefits. That's why we have created an alert for you and your employees. MPs must be told that taxing employer-paid health benefits will harm middle class Canadians.

We have provided an email template for you to send to the Minister of Finance and our local Members of Parliament.  Read more.... 
       
In Case You Missed It

Thunder Bay to host National Alpine Event: Feb 21-25
Alpine Canada and the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiing have named the Lake Superior Ski Division Alpine as hosts for the U16 Canadian Alpine Championships from February 21-25.  Loch Lomond Ski Area will be the venue for the national event which will attract up to 200 athletes from across Canada.  The event is expected to generate an economic impact of over $1 million dollars for the City.

Open House: East-West Tie Transmission Project
NextBridge Infrastructure LP has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment Report to construct a new, approximately 446-kilometre double circuit 230-kV transition line connecting the Wawa Transformer Station to the Lakehead Transformer Station.  An open house is scheduled for February 6th from 4pm-8pm at the Current River Community Centre, 450 Dewe Ave.  Check www.nextbridge.ca for full details.

Canada 150 Speaker Series presents Derek Burney, Canada in the World of Trump on March 2
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is pleased to welcome Derek Burney as the first presenter in its Canada 150 Speaker Series.  Mr. Burney will speak on the topic of "Canada in the World of Trump" and will discuss the opportunities and challenges for business, education, and trade with the US under its new President, and what it means for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.  Tickets are $20 and are available at the Chamber office, by calling  622-4273 or at the door.

Welcome New Members
 
Pl ease join us in welcoming the following companies that joined the Chamber in January:

Christina's Home and Garden
Good News

This month's Good News highlights the following Chamber members:
BMO Bank of Montreal
Confederation College
Ling Lee's
Skyway Canada
Richard Kehrig, Sunset Memorial Gardens
Thunder Bay's National Team Development Centre
 
What would you like to learn in 2017?  Who would you like to meet? 

Take our 3-Minute Member Event Survey and help us to serve you better!  
Click here to begin 
Upcoming Events

February After Business - "That's Amore!" 
Wednesday, February 15th, Italian Cultural Centre
5:00pm-7:00pm
Presented by RBC
Limited booth space available!
Register today  

Becoming a Music City: A cafe discussion
Wednesday, February 22
Italian Cultural Centre  1:30pm - 4:30pm  
Keynote: Graham Henderson, President & CEO of Music Canada
Presented by Tourism Thunder Bay & Tourism Northwestern Ontario
There is growing recognition that communities with a vibrant music scene can deliver significant economic and employment benefits beyond the long-acknowledged cultural social benefits. Suddenly, there is a lot of interest in becoming a "Music City" and how to make one succeed. Join us as we discuss the challenges and opportunities Thunder Bay faces and how we can become more of a Music City!
Register online 

Leaders Luncheon with the Canadian Forces 
Tuesday, March 28th, Da Vinci Centre
11:30am-1:30pm
Keynote speaker: Col. Mark Larsen, Director Air Reserve, Royal Canadian Air Force
Presented by Intercity Industrial Supply
Event will include presentation of recognition awards to local businesses who are supportive of the Canadian Forces.
Register now

Business Awards Gala
Saturday, April 8th, Valhalla Inn
Presented by Bell
Symposium: 5:30pm  Dinner & Awards: 6:30pm 
Celebrate businesses who have contributed to the success of our community!
 
Leadercast: Powered by Purpose  
Friday, May 5th, Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
8:00am - 5:00pm   
Leadercast is the world's largest one-day leadership conference, broadcast live from Atlanta and simulcast to hundreds of locations around the world.  This year marks the first year that Leadership Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the event locally.
Register before February 28th and receive the early bird rate!
Limited exhibit space available.

Help Wanted
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is looking for a Chamber member to represent the business community on the Healthy Kids Community Challenge Steering Committee.  The committee's goals are:

*    To bring community partners together to implement the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care-funded Healthy Kids Community Challenge
*    To create and implement a coordinated, community-wide, sustainable plan to engage local environments, childhood settings and families to support, promote and maintain the adoption of healthy lifestyles in children.
*    To raise healthy kids, promote healthy eating, physical activity and healthy lifestyles through societal processes by targeting all children, families and local stakeholders.

The group meets once a month for two hours. If this opportunity is of interest, please contact Marianne Stewart


200 Syndicate Avenue South, Suite 102 | 807.624.2626
[email protected] | www.tbchamber.ca
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