Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Welcomes 126th Chair Lee Winchester
|
|
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) announced its board of directors for 2021-2022 where Lee Winchester was sworn in as ACC’s new board chair during the 125th annual general meeting. A respected business executive, Lee is the Director, Regional Operations for Atlantic Canada and Head, Workforce Management for Canada with BMO.
“The last year has been nothing less than an extraordinary testament to the importance and value of the continued contributions of Chambers of Commerce across Atlantic Canada to their communities. The network leadership has been unwavering, and the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce continues to provide a strong backbone of support to its members and businesses across the region,” says Winchester. “While the future holds much economic uncertainty, I am proud to say I have every confidence in the Atlantic Chamber, its team, and the hundreds of dedicated staff and volunteers throughout the network who will continue to help business and their communities build back better through our recovery.”
|
|
Atlantic Chamber Releases 2021 Policy Pillars for Recovery |
|
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) works with its members and leverages insights gained throughout the year via its insight community, Atlantic Impressions, to develop the annual policy positions. These positions guide ACC’s primary advocacy initiatives throughout the year. Atlantic Canada continues to be impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, which remains the primary focus of business throughout the region.
Members have identified four priority areas of focus within ACC’s 2021 Policy Pillars for Recovery where business and government can work together to create an environment for economic growth and recovery:
-
Pillar I: Pandemic Recovery
-
Pillar II: Tax Reform
-
Pillar III: Support for SMEs
-
Pillar IV: Improve Access to Qualified Workers
|
|
Atlantic Chamber Appears Before House of Commons Committee on Citizenship and Immigration |
|
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce appeared as witnesses before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration to provide testimony on Labour Market Impact Assessments and the Temporary Foreign Workers program.
|
|
Provincial Updates – Advocacy in Action
|
|
Local Governance Consultations Underway |
|
The Government of New Brunswick has initiated a province-wide consultation on the future of local governance. Public stakeholder sessions are currently underway, and the Government of New Brunswick is aiming to have their engagement and implementation completed by the end of 2021.
Click here to see the current status of the engagement.
|
|
Newfoundland and Labrador |
|
The Premier’s Economic Recovery Team released their report. The report titled “The Big Reset”, is a plan of action to respond to the province’s immediate fiscal challenges and plot a new course forward. The report features bold recommendations that will reduce expenditures and increase revenues.
|
|
Newfoundland and Labrador Budget 2021 |
|
The Atlantic Chamber has raised concerns with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s approach to Budget 2021. The Government announced a deficit of $826 million and put forward very few proposals for economic recovery.
Click here for the Atlantic Chamber’s full reaction
|
|
Government of Nova Scotia Extends Business Impact Support Programs
|
|
The Small Business Impact Grant Part 3 will provide a one(1)-time grant of up to $5,000 to eligible businesses that have been directly affected by public health measures introduced in April 2021. Eligible businesses include: Eligible businesses include:
- restaurants offering in-person dining service
- bars or licensed drinking establishments
- fitness, recreational and leisure facilities
- independent retailers with a physical location
- personal services businesses like hair and nail salons and spas (excluding pet care)
- organizations offering live performing arts
|
|
Expanded Small Business Property Tax Rebate Program Opens |
|
The Government of Nova Scotia has announced that more types of businesses are now eligible for the Small Business Real Property Tax Rebate Program, which opened to applications on May 14.
For eligible businesses, the Government of Nova Scotia has announced $11 million rebate program to help vulnerable businesses weather the impact of the COVID-19 shutdowns.
Information on the Small Business Real Property Tax Rebate Program can be found here.
|
|
National Updates- One Network. One Voice |
|
ACC Joins National Business Groups in Letter to Prime Minister Requesting Plan for Reopening |
|
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce has joined with the Canadian Chamber and business groups across the country calling on the Prime Minister to take a leadership role in developing a clear and consistent roadmap out of lockdown.
“A clear and predictable plan for a gradual and safe return to a more normal life would instill public confidence while demonstrating concern for the physical, mental and economic health of Canadians,” the business groups said in a letter to the Prime Minister on May 18, 2021.
|
|
Policy Insights – Your Voice Fuels our Actions. |
|
Your Feedback Fuels Network Advocacy & Better Outcomes for Your Business |
|
As the voice of business, our network continues to advocate on the issues that are in the best interest of business. Good data and evidence-based intelligence helps our network cultivate more meaningful conversations with government officials.
Be sure to include your views in the evidence-based research we provide governments to substantiate our advocacy claims. Join our network’s digital insight community. We share information and survey results with you on the hub, and we reach out with an issue-based survey 1 or 2 times per month—simply opt-in when the issue matters to you.
Join Atlantic IMPRESSIONS today.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be heard or see what others like you are saying.
|
|
The one constant in 2020 was uncertainty, a trend will continue as we enter 2021 and the ground below us continues to shift. Most will likely take a conservative approach in 2021, focusing on profitability and rebuilding.
To create stronger businesses that withstand sudden changes, it’s important to take stock of your customers and operations, optimize processes and automate tasks, and consolidate systems or outsources services to optimize your productivity and efficacy.
Its also important to make the most of all the programs and services your Chamber membership offers – providing bottom line savings for your business.
Make the Most of Your Chamber Membership & Save on Really Useful Services & Programs
Health Insurance, Business Assistance and EAP Services, Merchant Services, E-Commerce, COVID Compliance, Student Wage Subsidies, Business-Home-Auto Insurance, & Payroll.
|
|
Not a member, join this prestigious community of influence by becoming a Corporate Partner today.
|
|
Helping the Bottom Line & Getting Online |
|
We know most businesses are facing an economic shock due to the shutdown imposed by COVID-19 and livelihoods are at stake. We also know that other businesses are experiencing an unparalleled upswing in business for the same reason. Respectfully, we want make businesses aware of two programs we have available if you need them.
A Discount Shipping Program with one shipping website with one-stop comparison of Purolator, UPS, FedEx, Canpar and DHL discounted rates – savings up to 70%! Enrol with your local community Chamber and start saving today.
|
|
Let First Data take your business online in a few easy steps
Ecwid is now integrated to both Clover and Bambora and FREE for 90 days. If a business is already using Clover from First Data, they can download Ecwid’s app called “Sell Online” and start selling online immediately. If the merchant isn’t already using Clover and doesn’t have a need for a card present solution, we recommend using Bambora.
As a special promotion, First Data Canada merchants can get the first 3 months of any paid monthly plan of Ecwid for free.
If you are not a First Data client or want more information, please contact Mohamed-Ali Kessentini – [email protected]
|
|
Procurement Opportunities: Visit ACC’s Atlantic Notice Board |
|
Your source for Government and other agency procurement opportunities, agency information, services, programs and opportunities for businesses in the region. Find your next opportunity, visit the Atlantic Notice Board regularly.
|
|
Advertise Your Business or Service: ACC’s MarketPlace |
Looking for a way to promote your business throughout Atlantic Canada cost-effectively. Visit The Market Place, our Business-2-Member (B2M) site that provides you with #AllAccess to unique programs and services from companies that can help you do business in the region.
Our goal is to help drive awareness, create a dialogue within communities, and communicate value-added programs and issues to our members in Atlantic Canada. Visit The Market Place to see our promotional pricing and social media packages.
|
|
About ACCion News
ACCion News is the policy and membership newsletter of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. Content submissions are always welcome.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
