In this issue...
Your Low Down // What you need to know
Nominate a Business/Individual for a Business Achievement Award Now! 
 
Please take a few moments to let us know who you think stands out for business excellence and deserves to be recognized. It's easy and anyone can place a nomination! 
 
Your Connection // Upcoming Events Connection
Holiday Mingle Open House

Celebrate the holiday season with us! Drop by  the Vaughan Chamber office and enjoy networking, hors d'oeuvres & refreshments, and receive a special gift! 

Date: Thursday, December 6th
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Price: Free for Members with non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy in support of the Vaughan Food Bank. $10+hst for non-members. Registration is mandatory. 
 
Networking at Hank Daddy's Barbecue

We're going out with a bang at our final networking event of the year, and we can assure you, it will be tasty!

Hank Daddy's Barbecue is proud to call Vaughan home. Come for networking, come for southern hospitality, and come for the  Dang Good Q.

Date: Wednesday, December 12th
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm
 
SAVE THE DATE:
Annual Mayor's Luncheon

Every year, close to 1,000 attendees gather as Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of Vaughan, addresses the business community. Be sure to save the date. 

Date: Wednesday, February 13th, 2019
Your Voice // Policy & Advocacy policy

In case you missed it, t he Government of Canada released its Fall Economic Statement for 2018  with a focus on addressing the business competitive landscape in Canada. 

The Canadian Government acknowledged that the recent tax reform in the U.S has significantly reduced the overall tax advantage that Canada had previously enjoyed. 
   
 
Bill 148 Changes Repealed

Changes made to the Employment Standards Act (ESA) through Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces Better Jobs Act  have been repealed. 

The Ontario Government's Bill 47,  Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018  received Royal Assent and as part of the legislation, changes made to the Employment Standards Act have been amended back to pre Bill 148 era. We'll have more details for you on that soon.  
Your Membership // Benefits & Programs membership
Volunteer Spotlight

Being a Member Saves...

Did you know that as a member of the Vaughan Chamber, both you and all your staff have access to exclusive savings and discounts? 

Reduce the risk with BRISK. Your business will benefit from best in class commercial insurance, risk management, and loss control advice.


The Esso Business Card Program gives you exceptional fuel savings, powerful and easy-to-use fuel management tools and broad acceptance at nearly 1,800 Esso stations in Canada. You'll save 3.5 cents per litre.



Global Payments is a leader in payment technology. As a Vaughan Chamber member, you will receive preferred rates - even with AMEX!

Grand & Toy is a leading provider of workplace products and solutions. Get up to 85% off over 7,500 office products. It's as easy as creating an account! 



isure is delighted to offer you access to a very special home and auto insurance program. Through this program you can expect to save up to 30% on Auto Insurance, up to 20% on your Home Insurance, and an extra 10% off if you bundle home and auto insurance. 




Whether you are a solo entrepreneur, home-based business or part of a larger firm, through your membership in the Vaughan Chamber, you have access to a cost-effective and extensive health benefits plan for companies with 1 to 100 employees.



Enjoy preferential pricing with Purolator through a volume discount program. Purolator offers chamber members with discounts starting at 25% on Purolator Express® and Purolator Ground® suite of services.



Save 15% on your gym membership at Vaughan Fitness Centres. Receive access to 6 fitness centres and pools, and free classes.  


 
 
Your Network  //  October & November New Members - Welcome! 
  • ADVANTAGE PHYSIOTHERAPY 
  • ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF YORK REGION
  • ANTHONY'S ESPRESSO EQUIPMENT INC.
  • BGC BARELL GOVERNMENT CONSULTING
  • CACHE FINE JEWELRY
  • CITADEL LEGAL
  • DANI - DEVELOPING AND NURTURING INDEPENDENCE
  • DETAILER'S COMPANY
  • ECOMMERCE PATHWAYS INC.
  • FORTUNE FUNDING
  • GRASSWAY GROUP
  • GROVETREE PRESS LTD.
  • HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GREATER TORONTO AREA
  • I DESIGN INC.
  • JMS LAW & ASSOCIATES
  • KROWN RUST CONTROL CENTRES
  • LUGGAGE CITY
  • MC2 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS LTD.
  • MIR CONSULTING SERVICES CORPORATION
  • MONORY MANAGEMENT 
  • NANOPAY 
  • NATCAN INTEGRATIVE MEDICAL & WELLNESS CENTRE
  • NUAGE MED SPA
  • ONTARIO REBARS INC.
  • PARALEGAL HOUSE
  • PEREGRINE CPA PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
  • PHOTOBOOTHTO
  • PIZZAVILLE INC.
  • PRIMAVERA FLOWERS & MORE LTD.
  • RE/MAX PREMIER INTERNATIONAL
  • RONEY'S HOME HEALTHCARE SERVICES
  • SALUS HEARING CENTRE
  • SUPPA MEDIA INC./SIMPLY SUPPA
  • THE FEMALE EYE FILM FESTIVAL
  • TIDY HAVEN HOME STAGING & ORGANIZING
  • TURF ATHLETIC CLUB INC.
  • UNLEASH PR
  • VISTA ONE REALTY INC., BROKERAGE
  • XYNA INTERNATIONAL GIRLS' SCHOOL 
Your Community // Events Recap community
Vaughan Women of Excellence Award Celebration - Vivian Risi
Tuesday, October 30th

Congratulations to Vivian Risi, President & CEO of  Royal LePage Your Community Realty, for being this year's recipient of the Vaughan Women of Excellence Award. 

Over 130 guests joined us on the evening of Oct. 30th to celebrate the significant accomplishments Vivian has made in her career as well as the positive impact she's had on our community. 

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor  Air Canada, and to our Award Sponsor  Lino Contento - RBC Mortgage Specialist. Also, a big shout out to our Women to Women Committee for their hard work and dedication to our Women's events.

   
 
CEO Speaker Series Featuring Mary Ann Yule, HP Canada

CEO Speaker Series Featuring
Mary Ann Yule, HP Canada
Friday, November 2nd

We were thrilled to have HP Canada's President & CEO Mary Ann Yule join the Vaughan Chamber network for a fireside chat. 

Check out this short video interview between Mary Ann and our President & CEO Brian Shifman. Hear about Mary Ann's background and her path to success, as well as the disruptive changes of 3D printing, and her advice on working with the millennial generation. 
Women to Women Symposium
Wednesday, November 14th

There was palpable excitement in the air as over 500 attendees gathered at the Vaughan Chamber's 9th Annual Women to Women Symposium on Wednesday, Nov. 14th! 

We kicked off the day with a Women's Health & Wellness panel where three doctors shared their insights and advice on stress, sleep, self care, and balance.

After the panel, Air Canada's Bambina Marcello and our Women's Leadership Committee Chair Isabella Bertani took the stage for a chat on "Serendipity" and whether it p lays a role in our careers. The sessions were followed by breaks, giving attendees time to visit with (and shop at!) the close to 50 vendor booths, as well as network and make valuable connections.

After lunch, our guests were eager to hear from our Keynote Speaker, Michele Romanow. The CBC Dragon and serial entrepreneur shared her story and remarkable road to success. Our Event Emcee, CTV News Anchor Marcia MacMillan sat down with Michele following her keynote for a quick chat before opening the floor to the audience for a Q&A.

We can't thank our Women to Women sponsors enough for their support for this year's event. Special mention goes to our Platinum Presenting Sponsor Air Canada, and to our Program Sponsor CIBC.

In addition to our generous sponsors, we want to express our thanks to all vendors, corporate tables, those who donated to our Swag Bags (which we hope you all loved!), and of course to all of our attendees. We hope you all came away feeling inspired and empowered and with some great new connections!