Volume 1 Issue 23 | December 23rd 2020 |
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A Bi-Weekly Roundup of Chamber News & Resources
We're Here to Support & Give A Voice To You and Your Business!
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Greetings!
As we wrap up our projects and activities for the holiday season and look towards the new year, we send our thanks and gratitude for your commitment and partnership in 2020 to stand strong together. It is because of you and our love for our community that we press on and continue the work of being your indispensable partner in business.
Thank you for nominating us for the Canadian Business Awards! We are honoured to have been awarded the title of Leading Advocates for Local Business Development. We look forward to being of continued service as we move into 2021 and beyond.
In today's newsletter, you'll find information about the following:
- Simcoe-Muskoka enters grey lockdown zone;
- New small business support grant;
- Town support with financial relief options during COVID-19;
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Growth Through People no cost course;
Also, be sure to save the date for our Know Your Resources and Benefits Virtual Open House taking place on Thursday, January 28th starting at 5:30pm.
Thank you again for your commitment and partnership. Our organization is strong because of you. Together, we will continue to tackle this challenge (and whatever the future may bring), ensuring that Wasaga Beach will not only get through this, but will thrive in spite of it!
Sincerely,
Your Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce
P.S. Watch the uplifting holiday video message from the CEO and President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Honourable Perrin Beatty. Click here to watch now.
P.P.S. Register for your FREE Digital Marketplace account and set up your business listing on Wasaga Beach's Community Information & Business Web Portal. Click here to set up your listing now.
How Can We Help?
The Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce is the support and voice for local business. Email us at office@wasagachamber.com to let us know how we can help. NOTE: The best way to reach us is by email at office@wasagachamber.com. You can also call 705-429-2247 and leave a message. |
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Simcoe-Muskoka Enters Grey Lockdown Zone |
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On Monday December 21st, the Government of Ontario announced that increased COVID-19 restrictions for a Province-wide Shutdown in Ontario will go into effect on Saturday December 26, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. Click here to read the full news release.
This means a higher level of control measures for businesses across the Province, including Wasaga Beach.
Regulations for Your Business in the Grey Zone: Lockdown
Please click here to view the detailed list of Grey Zone: Lockdown Provincial Guidelines to make sure you are prepared. You will need to scroll down on this page to the section labelled "Grey - Lockdown" to see the full list of sector-specific requirements.
If you are wondering where to get the latest information on restrictions and guidelines, please visit the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit website or visit the Town of Wasaga Beach's COVID-19 webpage.
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New Small Business Support Grant |
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The Ontario Government announced the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which will provide a minimum of $10,000 and up to $20,000 to eligible small business owners to help navigate this challenging period. Each small business will be able to use the support in whatever way makes the most sense for their individual business. For example, some businesses will need support paying employee wages or rent, while others will need support maintaining their inventory.
Essential businesses that are allowed to remain open will not be eligible for this grant. More information about the Ontario Small Business Support Grant is available here. Further details, including how to apply, will be announced in January 2021.
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Town Support With Financial Relief Options |
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Looking for town support during COVID-19? Visit the Wasaga Open For Business Recovery Portal for information on financial relief options currently being offered to businesses.
Economic Development staff continue to be available by phone and e-mail to provide support and assistance to the public, business community and investors. Please call 705-429-3844, ext. 2274 or email at edo@wasagabeach.com.
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Growth Through People No Cost Course
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Delivered over three weeks, this free course combines expert-led sessions, small-group workshops, and one-on-one mentoring designed to help you kick-start new initiatives, optimize existing processes and fuel people-led growth.
For more information, including how to register, click here.
Program highlights
- Expert-led sessions with world-class people operations experts: Sessions include speakers who have architected and led people operations at companies like ecobee, Eventbrite, Google, OMERS, EY, TalentMap, Twitter, Yelp and more.
- Small-group workshops: Workshops enable you to tailor solutions to your specific context with the guidance of an experienced people-operations mentor. Meet new peers each week and grow your network.
- One-on-one mentoring: Participants who complete the course requirements will gain access to a limited amount of free 1:1 mentoring with an exclusive network of world-class experts who provide advice on seizing growth opportunities and overcoming obstacles.
Dates and times
Sessions
Dates: February 11, 18, 25, March 4
Time: 10am - 1:30pm ET
Workshops
Dates: February 16, 23, March 2
Times: 12pm - 1pm ET
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Thank You For Adverting Your Business
In The 2021 Community Information Guide
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WIDE CIRCULATION
25,000 copies of the The 2021 Official Community Information Guides are distributed nationwide through visitor information centers, as fulfillment to visitor inquiries, at trade shows, and through distribution at many local businesses throughout the area.
We also mail copies to all households in Wasaga Beach and select postal codes in Collingwood, Elmvale, Stayner and surrounding areas.
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GEORGIAN BAY RESTORATION
Residential & Commercial Services
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NATURE'S CLEANING TEAM
Residential & Office Services
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CROSSFIT MZMO ATHLETICS
Fitness, Nutrition & Personal Training
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RUSTUK INK
Luxury Tattoo Studio
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MMEA CATERING
Like NONA Made It!
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JENNY HALL - ENJOPRENEUR
Natural Cleaning Products
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WASAGA EATS
Wasaga Beach Restaurant Directory
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ONTARIO INSURANCE NETWORK
Fiona Frustaci, Insurance Broker
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CRO NORTH INSULATION
Trusted Insulation Contractors
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The Digital Marketplace Web Portal!
Advertise Your Business With A FREE Place Listing
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The Digital Marketplace is a Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce initiative to share local business and community information during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We invite all local businesses, organizations, associations, community resources, clubs and places to register for an account.
Once your account is created, you can login to add your business place information and also add any upcoming events. Yes, you can do all of this yourself as well as update your business listing information as needed! Note: Tutorials are available to walk you through the process. Click here to access the video.
Currently all event and business listings are free and you do not need to be a member of the Chamber to participate. Our goal is to build the Digital Marketplace as the go-to portal for Wasaga Beach business and community information. We need your help to do this! You can help us reach this goal by registering for an account and listing your business information as soon as possible.
Our plan is to market the new portal through both traditional and online marketing channels to spread the word about local business here in Wasaga Beach.
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The Chamber provides Personal Protective Kits to residents and tourists for $10 per kit. Business owners can also pick up a kit with social distancing signage provided by the Town of Wasaga Beach. You are welcome to stop by the office of Wasaga Tax & Accounting Monday through Thursday from 8am to 4pm. For more information or to inquire about sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, contact Colleen Bannerman at colleenb@wasagatax.com or email office@wasagachamber.com. |
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Sponsorship Opportunity: Personal Protection Kits
All Sales Proceeds Donated to The Ministerial Food Bank
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Financial Resources
Video Series
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2020 Community Information Guide |
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Getting to Know Your Local Resources Video Series |
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Workplace Safety & Prevention Services |
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Post Pandemic Business Playbook |
A starter guide to restarting a Post Pandemic business. This tool can help you set priorities, get plans in place and protect your people.
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CTM Media Group Announces
1 Million Dollars In Matching Funds Program
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For Businesses That Have Been Affected By COVID-19 |
CTM is a leader in delivering your message to people looking for places to go and sights to see.
This past year has been difficult for businesses seeking to attract travelers and locals looking for fun.
That's why CTM is launching the Discover More! Program to help businesses amplify their message and make their marketing dollars go a lot further.
Contact Mary Beth today to learn if you qualify for free, additional services for your business.
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Chamber Governing Bodies Resources & Links |
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Ontario Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Tools & Resources For Your Business -
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Wasaga Beach & COVID-19 Information Page |
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Economic Development staff continue to be available by phone and e-mail to provide support and assistance to the public, business community and investors. Please call 705-429-3844, ext. 2274 or email at edo@wasagabeach.com.
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Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Portal
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From Our Partners | Employee Benefits |
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Watch Our Video On Employee Benefits |
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2019 - 2020 Board of Directors |
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Colleen Bannerman, Chamber President - Wasaga Tax & Accounting
Tyler Rollins, Chamber Vice President - Key Mortgage Partners
Leslie Listro, Chamber Secretary/Treasurer - Caithkin Treatment Foster Homes
Selena Blais - Chamber Director - Georgian Life Media
Joel Simpson - Chamber Director - Georgian Family Chiropractic
Jason Ruttan - Chamber Director - RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc., Brokerage
Christina De Palma - Chamber Director - De Palma & Associate Legal Services
Jennie Elmslie - Chamber Director - Free Spirit Tours
Ava Alward - Chamber Director - Realtor, RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc.
Kathy Mulgrew - Chamber Director - Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues
Tanya Emmons - Chamber Director - Butterfly Bliss Healing
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