Thank-you to Our Newsletter Sponsor, Excel Career College, for helping make this newsletter edition possible.
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This morning’s ZOOM call was informative and helpful! Thanks to
MNP’s HR Consulting division for providing Manager,
Daniel Kasun, to lead us through some practical insights to some of the most common human resource questions business owners are facing during this time. He discussed leave policy, contingency plans, remote work, productivity and workforce planning. Thanks goes to
Paul Ives as well. Paul is a partner at
Ives Burger Law and long time Chamber member and supporter. Paul was able to provide some sound employment advice around WorkBC requirements, severance, layoffs etc.
Daniel and Paul, your time and expertise was very much appreciated.
Business Community – Do you need some answers to your HR questions? Or tax questions and finding the resources are still a little murky to wade through? Contact the Chamber - we can assist you in finding what you need or pointing you in the right direction. We’re here for you, our business community.
The Chamber (thanks,
Daniel Kooman) launched the
Great Business Stories in the Comox Valley videos. Kudos to Daniel Kooman, Chamber Board Chair, and partner in
Unveil Studios for offering his time and skills towards encouraging our business community and showcasing how “we’re all in this together”.
As our week comes to a close, yes, its
Blursday already -- the Chamber team wants to remind you that we know “it's NOT business as usual” but its still business, and we’re here for you.
#StayStrongComoxValley
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The Chamber's Weekly Zoom Meetings
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Join us each week on Thursday (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM) for a virtual meeting, featuring a different guest and topic.
Next week, we'll be welcoming a few speakers who will provide mental health tips and answer questions about how to help family members and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Patterson & Monika Grünberg, M. Ed. RCC
Grünberg Patterson Centre for Counseling and Assessment
Kim S. Wall, RPC, MPCC
Master Practitioner in Clinical Counseling and Registered Professional Counselor,
Conscious Awareness
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Government of Canada launches Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Calculator for Employers
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A Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy calculator has been launched, to support employers as they prepare to apply for the CEWS.
The CEWS calculator can be found on CRA’s Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Web page. The page includes detailed information and instructions about who can apply for the subsidy, how eligibility is assessed, and how the subsidy is calculated. The calculator also includes a printable statement feature that employers can use to view their claim at a glance and, as of April 27, enter required information into the CEWS application form quickly and easily.
By providing employers with additional details about their subsidy claim, the CEWS calculator can equip employers with important information they can use now to make more informed decisions about retaining and re-hiring workers. A series of information sessions will be held in the coming days to provide a forum for eligible employers.
The CRA also encourages employers to sign up for
My Business Account or
Represent a Client, as employers will be able to apply through these portals.
The CRA will open the application process on April 27, 2020. CEWS claims will be subject to verification by the CRA. Funds for approved applications will begin to be released on May 5.
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Premium Adjustments to Chambers Plan
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The core philosophy of Chambers Plan has always been to do the right thing. Today, that means investing much-needed funds back into the business community.
Chambers Plan has worked hard to provide savings to firms as quickly as possible, and they are pleased to announce, they will provide the following credits, retroactive to April 1st, on your May billing:
- Dental: 50% premium reduction adjustment
- Extended Health: 10% premium reduction adjustment
There is nothing for you to do. These credits will be applied automatically. They do not represent a rate change; your May bill will show the credits applied for April, as well as the full premium for May. Adjustments deemed applicable for May would be reflected on your June billing, and so on. We will continue to support firms and their employees in this way until such time as employees are able to make use of these services and claims experience begins to return to normal.
The Chambers Plan is just one of the many benefits that Chamber members are able to take advantage of. Not a Chamber member yet? Find more
info on membership here
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Tourism Resiliency Program Applications OPEN
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Applications for Tourism Vancouver Island’s Tourism Resiliency Program are OPEN. The program provides a range of hands-on assistance services to the region’s tourism operators. The program matches businesses with Tourism Advisors to help navigate available resources, relief and business adaptation measures. Advisors will work with subject matter experts and, as business needs evolve, provide one-on-one coaching and referrals to these expert resources to facilitate long-term business adaptation and resilience.
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Participate In The Canadian Survey On Business Conditions
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The International Chamber of Commerce is surveying businesses globally, in collaboration with WHO, in the fight against COVID-19.
Just a few minutes of your time will help shape the policies of Canada’s COVID-19 recovery efforts. It is critical for businesses of all shapes and sizes in all regions of the country to participate. Please set aside a few minutes for this very important task
It will take only 3 minutes to help the WHO in the global fight against COVID-19.
Survey is open until April 27.
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We could not provide our advocacy, business resources, and services for business in the Comox Valley without the support of our members. Thank you to the members who have renewed their memberships this month:
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BC Hydro Relief Fund Online Application OPEN
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If you own a small business that needed to close due to COVID-19 measures, you may be eligible to have your business' electricity use charges waived for up to three months.
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Treat Mom With a Spa Gift Card
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Although the Kingfisher is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, they are selling gift certificates in anticipation of Mother's Day and the day when they re-open. For every $150 gift certificate purchased, you'll receive a $25 gift voucher.
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Wine Kits and Wine Making
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Thinking of making some wine or having some made for you? The Wine Cottage is open by appointment and offers curbside pickup, delivery and limited in-person shopping.
Email or call (250-338-2686) to arrange a time or reserve your wines.
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Thank you for staying in touch with The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber sends a regularly scheduled Newsletter every second Thursday. From time to time, we will also send emails about important issues facing the business and/or local community, surveys, and information about upcoming events and E-Blasts. You may unsubscribe at any time.
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