CONNECTING YOU - to the Chamber Community
 Jill is away at Queen's Park today with the Ontario Chamber Network for Advocacy Day!
Last Chance to Register!
We are pleased to once again welcome MP Neil Ellis as our guest speaker. Neil will be joining us to share the lastest updates from Parliament for 2019 

As Member of Parliament for the Bay of Quinte, Neil’s overarching priority is to secure a stable infusion of infrastructure funding. He believes this is the key to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all constituents. As a lifelong resident of the Quinte area, Neil is honoured to continue serving his fellow community members in this capacity.  
We have combined our last 2 sessions of our "Get Online Smart" Lunch & Learn series with Matt Richardson.

Join us on Wednesday, April 10th as we discuss the importance of practicing Cyber Security, as well as, using the internet to build your online brand, or your "Google You"
Join us Tuesday April 16
Sandie Sidsworth invites you to our next Meet & Connect at

 CMHA HPE & Partner Agencies at 250 Sidney
 
This event is designed to get you out networking in a fun, relaxed atmosphere, and learning more about a particular business/agency within our community.  
All members of the business community are welcome. 
On Tuesday, the Government of Canada released their 2019 Federal Budget, which failed to address the fundamental issues that continue to undermine the ability of Canada business to create more jobs and generate more prosperity for all Canadians.

While the Budget did deliver on some of our specific policy proposals outlined in its Pre-Budget Submission and policy resolutions, we remain concerned over a number of issues that have not been addressed, such as:
• A commitment to a comprehensive review of the taxation system to make it fair and less cumbersome for businesses.

• A broad-based commitment to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses.

• A renewed commitment to eliminating inter-provincial trade barriers and mobility.

• Support for SMEs to help them find new export opportunities and expand Canada’s ability to diversify its trade.

• A clear strategy to move the Trans Mountain pipeline forward, given the significant investment made by Canadian taxpayers.

We will continue to work with the federal government to ensure the voice of the business community is heard in order to build a more prosperous Canada where all Canadians have the opportunity to succeed. 
On March 19, the Government of Canada released its 2019 Federal Budget, "Investing in the Middle Class."

Despite a projected deficit of $19.8 billion, Budget 2019 made little effort towards addressing the issues we raised in our federal pre-budget submission, which urged the government to focus on creating a business climate that encourages growth through reforming Canada’s tax system, providing sustainable multi-payer drug coverage, and nurturing the innovation economy.

Challenges relating to access to talent, regulation, and the cost of doing business remain major sources of concern for our membership. The government’s proposed solutions fall short in making real change for Canada to be competitive in the global economy.

WHAT DOES BUDGET 2019 MEAN FOR ONTARIO BUSINESS?
Our rapid policy update outlines specific commitments that the government announced regarding:
• Skills
• Pharmacare
• Energy and electricity
• Broadband
• Sector-specific support in the areas of science and innovation, forestry and tourism
• Regulation
• Taxes

Have you joined the Members Facebook Group yet?

Use the power of Facebook to connect with your fellow Chamber members and share your business stories & successes.
Chamber Facebook Page - 2,021 Likes
Chamber Members Public Facebook Group - 110 Members
Ministry of Labour is looking for YOUR input

Ontario Chamber's response to Provincial
Government's new Education Plan
(Toronto – March 15, 2019) – Today, Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), released the following statement in response to the government’s new education plan, “Education that Works for You.”

“Young Ontarians need to be given the tools and opportunities they need to successfully navigate the labour market and economy. We have urged the government to take action in promoting the skilled trades and STEM as viable career options for young people, developing a comprehensive financial literacy curriculum, and expanding broadband access. We welcome today’s announcement of initial steps to further help prepare our youth to contribute to the future of the province.”

Skilled Trades and STEM
“Our 2019 Business Confidence Survey revealed 75 percent of respondents believe the ability to recruit and retain talent is critical to business competitiveness. Recruitment efforts are often stifled by a supply/demand mismatch, driven in part by a deficit in areas such as skilled trades, design, communication, and STEM. Promoting these skills among young people will help to address the skills mismatch and build a stronger Ontario.”

Financial Literacy
“Ontario’s financial literacy deficit represents a significant vulnerability in our economy. Creating mandatory elementary and secondary-level courses focused on personal financial literacy is a positive step in ensuring all Ontarians have the knowledge and skills needed to understand the financial structures that create economic growth and personal wealth. We hope to see banking system fundamentals, retirement planning, securities, basic income tax, and other key areas of focus included in the revised curriculum.

Broadband Access
“Broadband access is extremely important to our members as well as to ensure our schools have access to the infrastructure they need to succeed. We cannot build an economy of the 21 st  century on dial-up.”
Member Discounts & Affinity Programs
DID YOU MISS IT???
Bel-Con Design-Builders didn't...
Alan from Bel-Con Design-Builders saw last week's post about Reid's Dairy so he came by the Log Cabin to learn more about the companies offering discounts & pick up M2M cards for their staff. Another 35 more members will be out using M2M cards at local businesses participating in the program. The support continues to grow! #shoplocal #supportlocal #supportmembersfirst

Does your team have their M2M cards?

Do you offer a Member to Member discount? Consider setting one up today!
Canada's #1 Plan
for Employee Benefits
Understanding How Your Ontario Small or Medium-Sized Business Can Benefit from a Chambers Employee Benefits Plan

Over 30,000 Canadian small and medium-sized businesses are using a Chambers Employee Benefits Plan to provide a wide range of medical and dental coverage to their employees. Over the last 40 years, the Chambers Plan has earned a reputation for being stable, smart, and simple to manage. There are various reasons why your business should consider joining, and our team of experienced insurance advisors will be more than happy to design a plan that suits the unique needs of your small business.
BOOTHS STILL AVAILABLE

Special Booth Discount for Belleville Chamber Members

SHARING - Member News & Events
Dine out & Support TONIGHT!

Jill welcomes Jason Flood to the Chamber community.

JC Custom Tile


Specializing in installing tile, hardwood, laminate, vinyl plank, epoxy, and decking.
From a basic install to complete custom there is no job we can't handle.
All your tile needs, back splashes, fireplaces, floors, tub surrounds, complete showers. Free quotes. Call or text Jason at 613-438-6738.


Community Development Council is 30 years Strong!

Stats below reflect just some of the work they have achieved in our community.

Experience a unique opportunity to learn more about
what happens in a trial involving employers for cases
about health and safety .


Thank you to member Lisa Hallsworth, CEO of Rillea Technologies for sharing this event and extending an invitation to all Chamber members to attend.
Community Events!
Visit one of the participating sugarbushes, enjoy pancake breakfasts with fresh maple syrup, taffy on snow, S’mores, petting zoos, BBQ sausages, lumberjack show, artisan vendors, wineries and more.

Celebrate the first harvest of the 2019 season in Prince Edward County March 29 - 30.
Looking for more Great Events? Check out our full 
Community Calendar  and our  
Closing Thought For The Week...
The Log Cabin
5 Moira Street East
 Belleville On, K8N 5B3
(613) 962-4597