Volume 3 Issue 3 | March 5th, 2018
Business in the County
In This Issue
Message From the Chair
Maximize Your Membership
Business in Your County
Provincial Business Updates
Federal Business Updates
Upcoming Events
Our Partners
On February 13th, the DBOT Board of Directors met for a facilitated strategic planning session to set forth the direction of the organization for the next 12-24 months.

Building on the strategic priorities outlined in the 2016 Strategic Plan, the Board redefined two strategic priorities, and established a third. The Board also identified strategic objectives for each priority. The strategic plan update will carry the organization forward in our mission and vision. A strategic plan document is to be created and shared with the membership within the month.
Pete Renshaw, Chair
Dufferin Board of Trade
Maximize Your Membership
Member to Member Discounts
The Dufferin Board of Trade Member 2 Member Discount program offers discounts from proud DBOT members for their fellow members exclusively!

There are over 25 discounts available to members!
M2M Discount Highlights
CFO Alternative Inc.
10% off initial analysis.
Century Church Theatre
10% off service calls.
Affinity Programs
The Dufferin Board of Trade offers many exclusive savings for members; everything from office supplies to shipping rate discounts!

Save money with your membership!
Affinity Program Highlights
Evolve Collaboration
Evolve Collaboration offers an elaborated suite of Collaboration services.
  • Audio Teleconferencing
  • Web Based Collaboration
  • Streaming/Webcasting
  • Video Conferencing
Grand & Toy
Through the purchasing power of the National Chamber of Commerce, we are able to provide a specialized program that extends preferred pricing to all qualified members. Receive up to 85% off over 7,500 quality office products including; office supplies, technology, furniture, cleaning, breakroom, print and promotional products. Experience the value by shopping at Grand & Toy today.

Dufferin Board of Trade Joins the Ontario Chamber Network at Advocacy Day 2018
On February 26th, representatives of the Dufferin Board of Trade traveled to Queen's Park to participate in the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Day.

Advocacy Day is an opportunity for the Ontario Chamber Network to meet with senior government officials to bring their community's business issues to the forefront. This year, delegates met with members of cabinet, opposition critics, and deputy ministers to advance the Ontario Chamber election platform Vote Prosperity.

Dufferin Board of Trade delegates met with government in three specific areas of focus: health, housing, and infrastructure. In the meetings, specific business issues were brought forward, both local and larger in scope. In the lead up to the next the provincial election, Chambers of Commerce, and Boards of Trade, including DBOT will be hosting election debates, and the Vote Prosperity platform will form the framework of the debate.

Click here to read Vote Prosperity.
Orangeville & Area Job Fair
  
The Dufferin Board of Trade, Town of Orangeville, and partners, invite local employers and agencies to participate in the upcoming Orangeville & Area Job Fair.

Early registration is encouraged as booth space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Registration can only be completed through Eventbrite.

Wednesday May 2, 2018
3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Best Western Plus Orangeville Inn and Suites


Tickets: $50 per table (this includes a table and two chairs)
Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act FAQ
On November 27, 2017 the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 (Bill 148) became law, introducing a number of amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA).  

The Ministry of Labour has developed a comprehensive FAQ to assist the public with understanding the changes to the ESA.
Budget 2018 - Long on spending. Short on growth.

Budget 2018 is primarily about spending—new spending initiatives and enhanced spending for programs that aim to support low-wage Canadians, address gender inequality, support First Nations development, strengthen indigenous rights and self determination, promote skills and research.

The government is intent on tightening tax rules and clamping down on tax avoidance. It should be focused even more intently on bringing its books back to balance and creating a tax and regulatory environment to support business investment and economic growth. Recent U.S. tax reforms are another serious risk to business investment in Canada that is missing from the budget’s calculations—we are awaiting further analysis.

But, what is even more of a concern is that the government now has very little room to respond to an economic slowdown or any other problem affecting the Canadian economy. The leeway it has enjoyed to reduce taxes and increase spending in an era of low interest rates is quickly coming to an end.

Now, more than ever, Canada needs to undertake a comprehensive review of its tax competitiveness—and act with urgency to implement measures that will retain and attract business investment in Canada. That is the only way we can shield the Canadian economy against the headwinds that lie ahead.

Networking 101 with Katie (Cheesmond) Giddy
April 5 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
TD Canada Trust Room, Humber College Orangeville Campus, 2nd Floor, 275

Join the Dufferin Young Professionals for an evening of networking and learning! Learn how to make the most out of your networking opportunities and how you can become a more effective networker! Light refreshments will be provided. 
Understanding Social Enterprise
March 7 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Alder Street Recreation Centre, 275 Alder Street 
Orangeville, Ontario L9W 5H6

A Social Enterprise is an organization or business that endeavours to achieve social or environmental outcomes while maximizing revenue. Learn more about this rapidly developing business model and how it can enable entrepreneurs to enhance their social impact. A social enterprise expert from Pillar Non-Profit will discuss social enterprise structures as well as tools and resources available for socialpreneurs.
Executive Round Table
March 22 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am
DBOT Office, 246372 Hockley Rd 
Mono, ON L9W6K4 Canada

FOCUS Management and Dufferin Board of Trade invite you to an Executive Round Table for business leaders who want great execution of what matters most. You’ll discuss practical solutions with like-minded participants facing similar challenges. Continental breakfast at 8:45am.
Dufferin Board of Trade|519.941.0490|office@dufferinbot.ca| dufferinbot.ca