Your Chamber Connection 
September  Newsletter 
Photo credit: Epica Pictures
Issues & Insights: 2,010 Jobs at Risk in Thunder Bay District from Bill 148
By Charla Robinson, Chamber President  

To date there has only been one study done on the proposed impacts of Bill 148, the controversial bill proposing changes to numerous labour laws and a $15 minimum wage.  That study was released on August 14th by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Keep Ontario Working Coalition.  It was conducted by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis (CANCEA).

The results of the economic analysis reinforce the concerns of fewer hours, fewer jobs that we have heard from our members since this legislation was introduced.  Some business owners have told me directly that their expansion plans are on hold as they come to terms with how the multitude of changes in Bill 148 will affect their business in a very quick time frame.

Simply put, the time frame for implementation of the changes to minimum wage, sick days, vacation days, scheduling and unionization is too fast.

  Read more...    

In Case You Missed It

5 Minutes for Business: Hammering Business - Finance Canada's New Crackdown
The government has just proposed the most radical tax overhaul in 50 years! We're particularly worried about the impact on business from (1) a new tax on investment income in a corporation and (2) tough new rules for compensation in family businesses. In this edition of  5 Minutes for Business, Hendrik Brakel, Senior Director, Economic, Financial and Tax Policy for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, looks at what is driving the government's new crackdown on private corporations.  
 
Lakehead University is now offering Work Integrated Learning
WIL placements are available for 20 students enrolled in the Lakehead University Business program or Entrepreneurship Certificate program. 
Students may be placed in the private or public sector and participate in specific business tasks, activities or projects to assist them in preparing them for potential employment in that industry or discipline. They will be also guided and mentored by individuals to develop enhanced skills in areas such as effective communication, conflict resolution, professional behavior, negotiation, time management and problem solving. 
 
Employers and students will work together  over a 6 month period (roughly 6 hours a week, totaling 144 hours), providing sufficient opportunities for students to learn and take on tasks in a wide variety of roles. Six workshops throughout the year will provide further training in key areas to support their learning .  If you are interested in becoming a mentor please contact: Siobhan Farrell

 
Working Towards Mental Wellness 
 
Mental health conditions in the workplace are being diagnosed with greater frequency. Disability claims for mental illness is the fastest growing claim type in Canada. The cost of mental illnesses to the Canadian economy is estimated at over $50 billion annually, with $20 billion of that stemming directly from workplace losses. On average, mental health issues cost businesses almost $1,500 per employee, per year.a couple of paragraphs. 

In Working Towards Mental Wellness: A toolkit for employers, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) seeks to illuminate the distinctive character of mental wellness in the workplace, outline the case for action and provide resources for starting this conversation workplaces across Ontario.
Welcome New Members
 
Pl ease join us in welcoming the following companies that join ed the Chamber in August:
 


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. 
 
September Featured M2M Discounts 
Fit Body Boot Camp: We are pleased to offer our fellow Chamber members our $147/mo membership for just $117/mo
Contact Josh to learn more:  [email protected] or 807-251-7900


Good News

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

Beaux Daddy's 
City of Thunder Bay
Easter Seals
Lakehead Regional Safety Council
Matawa First Nations 
Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Resolute Forest Products
Roots to Harvest
Shelter House 
Thunder Bay International Baseball Association
Thunder Bay Port Authority 

Read our Good News
 
Upcoming Events
 
Information Session on Corporate Tax Changes
Wednesday, September 13th, TownePlace Suites Marriott
7:30am - 8:30am
Presented by Grant Thornton, Hosted by TownePlace Suites Marriott 
If your business is incorporated, then you could be facing a larger tax bill and big compliance costs from the government's new proposals to change the way corporations are taxed.  Join us on September 13th as Diane Zimmerman, Senior Manager with Grant Thornton to learn more about the proposed changes.

Leaders Luncheon - Becoming a B Corp
Wednesday, September 20th, Airlane Hotel & Conference Centre
11:30am-1:00pm
Series Sponsor Intercity Industrial Supply
Event Sponsor Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission
Supported by Business Development Bank of Canada
Keynote Speaker: Craig Ryan, BDC
Learn about the movement of entrepreneurs creating local prosperity, strong community, a healthy environment - and profits!
 
September After Business 
Wednesday, September 20th, Port Arthur Curling Club
5pm-7pm
Presented by Skyway Canada 
Sponsored by RBC

NEW! Member Morning 
Tuesday,  September 26th, Acadia Broadcasting
7am-9am
Join us for our inaugural Morning with  Country 105 and  Magic 99.9 in their beautiful offices overlooking the Sleeping Giant. Take a tour of the station, watch the making of the morning show right in front of you, try making a sample commercial, and learn first-hand why radio is such a powerful force for communication. Plus, you'll have a chance to win a $1,500 advertising campaign from Country/Magic!
This event is for Chamber Members only and is free of charge.

Thunder Bay Hot Topic Series & APEX Aboriginal Partnership Exchange
Thursday, October 12th, Valhalla Inn
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Thanks to APEX presenting sponsor Tbaytel and supporting sponsor Thunder Bay Hydro. 
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.  

NOTICE TO MEMBERS - BOARD ELECTION 

Please watch the mail for your ballot for the 2018 Board election next week.  Ballots and candidate profiles will be sent to the primary representative for each Chamber member.  The deadline for ballots to be received in the Chamber office is Friday, September 29th - by faxing, mailing or emailing as indicated on the ballot. 
 
Please remember to take the time to exercise your right as a Chamber member and vote. 


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