Your Chamber Connection 
July Newsletter 
Issues & Insights: Update on activities on Bill 148: Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Plan
By Charla Robinson, Chamber President  

On May 30th, the Ontario Government introduced Bill 148: Fair Workplaces and Better Jobs Plan, which proposes numerous changes to current labour and employment standards legislation.  Since that time, your Chamber has been very active in making your voice heard on these proposed changes. 

The number one message we have heard from you, our members, is that the increase to minimum wage to $14 on Jan 1, 2018 and $15 on Jan 1, 2019 is simply too much too fast for business to adjust.

On June 21st, we were pleased to sit down with Secretary of the Cabinet Steve Orsini, to discuss issues of concern to business.  Mr. Orsini and Deputy Minister David de Launay listened carefully as business owners from a number of impacted sectors outlined how the proposed legislation will impact their operations.  Mr. Orsini will report those concerns directly to Premier Kathleen Wynne.

On July 4th, we held an information session for members to learn more details about the legislation.  Warren Mouck of Cheadles LLP provided an overview of all the changes proposed in Bill 148 and some examples of how these changes will be applied.

On July 10th at 9:30am at the Valhalla Inn, we will be appearing before the Standing Committee that is reviewing Bill 148 to present the concerns of our members about this legislation.  We invite you to attend these presentations to show your support for our presenters and their important message to Committee members.

Follow our webpage for up-to-date information, to read the Bill 148 overview presentation, and to write a letter to Government about your concerns. 
 
In Case You Missed It

5 Minutes for Business 
Now that the Trump administration has notified Congress that it plans to renegotiate NAFTA, in this edition of  5 Minutes for Business , Hendrik Brakel, Senior Director, Economic, Financial and Tax Policy for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, is supporting the bilateral trade relationship between Canada and the U.S. through its efforts and future visits to key U.S. states.
Prepare for the heat - You know its coming 
It's just a matter of time before the cold, rainy spring turns into a blistering hot summer. These heat waves may last only a week or two, but in this time workers can suffer debilitating effects and even death. A few simple steps taken now can keep your people thriving and productive even in the hottest weather.  

Welcome New Members
 
Pl ease join us in welcoming the following companies that join ed the Chamber in June:
 
Lakehead Regional Safety Council 

Member to Member (M2M) Discounts
Our enhanced Member-to-Member (M2M) Discount program facilitates Member-to-Member relationships and encourages shopping locally. This is an excellent opportunity to support your fellow Chamber members and promote your business.

Login to your Chamber Member Information Centre and click on the M2M Deals tab on the left side bar to add a discount for your business and visit our website for a detailed list of offerings. 

Good News

This month's Good News highlights the following Chamber members:

Applebees Neighbourhood Bar & Grill
Association des Francophones du Nord-Ouest de l'Ontario
APEX Security 
Blue Sky Community Healing Centre 
City of Thunder Bay
Kari Chiappetta Consulting 
Lakehead University
PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise
Staples Business Depot
The Salvation Army 
Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce 
Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission
The Thunder Bay Community Foundation 
Thunder Bay International Baseball Association 
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Union Gas
Walleye Magazine 

Upcoming Events
 
32nd Annual Chamber Golf Classic
Thursday, July 27th, Whitewater Golf & Country Club
You asked - we heard. Join us for a 9-hole tournament dedicated to connecting you with other Chamber Members!
Sponsorship Opportunities still available! 
For registration, sponsorship and more information click here.  

September After Business 
Wednesday, September 20th, Port Arthur Curling Club
5pm-7pm
Presented by Skyway Canada 
Sponsored by RBC

Thunder Bay Hot Topic Series & APEX Aboriginal Partnership Exchange
Thursday, October 12th, Valhalla Inn
Thanks to APEX presenting sponsor Tbaytel!
5:30pm - 9:00pm
This Hot Topic session will focus on partnerships between Canadian companies and Aboriginal communities to launch businesses in urban and rural markets. The discussion will explore issues including the creation and alignment of shared goals, team building and management, and resource maximization.
 
'Tis the Season show and shop
Sunday, November 5th, Valhalla Inn
The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce a spectacular new event!
Join us for a magical afternoon just as the holiday entertaining season begins. Thunder Bay's leading experts in fine foods, cocktails, fashion, home decor and guesting gifts will delight and inspire thousands of visitors with fashion shows, demonstrations, samples and featured inventory available for purchase.
Click here for exhibitor registration.  

  
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS TO THE THUNDER BAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Thunder Bay Chamber's Nominating Committee is seeking nominations from members to serve on the Chamber Board of Directors for a three year term, commencing November 1, 2017.  
 
Chamber members are invited to submit names of individuals interested in letting their name stand for election.  As per the Chamber By-Laws (Article 4), four (4) directors need to be elected in the September Board Election.  The deadline for the 1st slate of nominations is July 29th, and the deadline for additional nominations, received in writing with 10 signatures is August 31st.  
 
For more information see the following link:  Responsibilities of a Board Director and Code of Conduct.
 
For additional information or questions, please call the Chamber office at 624-2626.  




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