Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce Logo
Volume 1 Issue 3 | April 23rd 2020
A Weekly Roundup of Chamber News & Resources
We're Here to Support You and Your Business!
We're Going Virtual!! Join Us For Our Business After 5pm!
Business After 5 | ZOOM Video-Conference | Thursday, April 30th at 5:30pm
Mark your calendar to join us virtually for our Business After 5 meeting using Zoom's video-conferencing technology. Get ready to introduce your business, win prizes and listen to our guest speakers from the Royal Bank (RBC) share news about the financial support available for small business.

Note: Click the button below to pre-register for the event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting and the option to add the meeting to your online calendar.
Wasaga Beach Chamber Resources
The Digital Marketplace
Share news about your business, including the unique and creative business models you've put into place in response to COVID-19. We will list your business information in our online Digital Marketplace portal and share it across our social media channels. Fill in our online form to submit your information: bit.ly/DBMForm

Digital Community Information Guide
The 2020 Community Information Guide can be accessed here:

Getting to Know Your Resources
Access videos to learn more about the local and regional resources that are available to your business: https://wasagachamber.com/news-article.php?id=54 

How Can We Help?
The Chamber is a 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 or you can call 705-429-2247.
Member Perk
Make the most out of your Chamber membership and take advantage of some of the most competitive rates available on shipping services with the UPS Members Benefit Program. We’re excited to share this opportunity with you and enhance our members’ savings through UPS*. See how you’ll save:
 
Small Package Services
- 50% off shipments within Canada
- 50% off shipments to the U.S.
- 50% off shipments to worldwide destinations
- 50% off imports into Canada
 
Freight Services
- Savings start at 75% off heavyweight, LTL (Less-than-Truckload) shipments over 150 lb.
 
Also Included
- 30% off brokerage entry preparation fees
- FREE Automatic Daily Pickup (Weekly service charge waived)
- FREE UPS On-Call Pickup®
- FREE UPS Access Point® Locations within Canada
- FREE Freight Collect 3rd Party Service (Surcharge waived)
 
Plus, UPS is committed to providing value that goes beyond cost and on-time delivery. Customized solutions and reliable services for shipping, tracking and billing drive greater efficiency and streamline internal processes.

Put logistics to work for you! Receive these discounts even if you already have a UPS account. It’s free to sign up and there are no minimum shipping requirements. Click here to enroll and start saving or call 1-800-MEMBERS (1-800-636-2377), M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST.

*Incentives are based on the daily rates in the UPS Rate and Service Guide. The member understands that actual rates for shipments may vary and be less.
LeaderCast 2020: Positive Disruption
Live-Streaming Conference

Today we find ourselves in the middle of a global health crisis that has not been experienced in our world for generations. This disruption to our routines, personal and business lives is a negative disruption for many families and businesses. In the midst of this storm, we have very  good news!   Leadercast Lake Country 2020— Positive Disruption is NOT CANCELLED and will livestream to your smartphone or other computer device on May 7, 2020.
 
Historically, Leadercast events have been held in-person, however due to COVID-19 and our mission to keep everyone safe and healthy, we are changing this event to a virtual leadership development experience like no other! All scheduled speakers including Andy Stanley, Amy Jo Martin, Dr. Henry Cloud and Magic Johnson will deliver inspiring presentations virtually 'in real time' on May 7 th  from private studios that are equipped to deliver  high quality audio and video right into your home or office space .
 
As a Virtual Leadercast Attendee, you will still receive your Leadercast journal and a whole host of virtual 'swag bag' items valued at over $100! You will also receive a FREE ticket to a follow up 'in person' event that will take place once the pandemic is over, so you have a chance to network in person with other Leadercast Attendees. 

The Building Hope Project will continue to be the focus charity from any surplus funds received above the net cost of providing the event. 

There are scholarships available for our local health care workers, front line employees or business owners with employees who are currently laid off and don't have access to funds to attend the event! If you or someone you know falls into one of these categories, please reach out to our presenting sponsor at info@altavistaplanning.com   so they can connect with you about scholarship ticket opportunities.

At this very challenging time in our history it is paramount that we continue to build leaders worth following in our community and across this great country.  Please help us get the word out to your social networks that Leadercast  Positive Disruption  is going forward on schedule. 
 
If you have already purchased tickets, or wish to buy tickets for Leadercast 2020—Positive Disruption , please click the 'Buy Tickets' button now at www.leadercastlakecountry.com .

Once you have completed your ticket purchase and prior to the event, you will receive further instructions with the "how to" to access the simulcast on May 7 th . Your patience is appreciated as we work through this challenging time, and we look forward to being encouraged, inspired, and fired up WITH YOU on May 7 th !
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Survey of Business Conditions (Deadline Extended to Friday, April 24)
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Statistics Canada have released the  Canadian Survey of Business Conditions (CSBC). We encourage you to complete the survey.  Click here to complete the survey. The CSBC will examine the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, changes that businesses have made to adapt, challenges they continue to face and anticipated challenges as recovery begins.

Chambers Seek Coordinated Approach On Essential Services  
Business operations are still hampered by differences between provinces on approaches to essential services. Given we are likely to have business restrictions in place for some time, it is critical to have alignment within Canada.Together with provincial and territorial chambers, The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has written to the provincial premiers to seek a coordinated approach.
Canada Business Resilience Network
In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has established the   Canadian Business Resilience Network   to help Canadian businesses navigate the COVID-19 reality and prepare for recovery.
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Ontario Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Tools & Resources For Your Business
During these turbulent times, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is here to support you. As one of your indispensable partners in business, they have revamped their website   to give you, your business, your employees, and/or members additional support throughout the COVID-19 crisis. This resource will be updated ongoingly based on member feedback.

COVID-19 Business Webinars To Support You
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has partnered with members to provide you with up to date information to support your business. Click here: https://occ.ca/webinars/

Ontario Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit For Business

BarterPay: Get What You Need Without Using Money
BarterPay has made a special offer for the first 1,000 businesses within the Chamber Network membership (province-wide–not per chamber or board of trade) that sign up. Click here to view video newscast: https://www.chch.com/bartering-economy/ . For more information: https://chamber.barterpay.ca/occ_barterpay_partnership1
Town of Wasaga Beach
COVID-19 News & Resources
Facebook Live Video Briefings With Dr. Charles Gardner
Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

Join Dr. Charles Gardner on Facebook LIVE for briefings three days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at 1pm). You can also access recorded videos on the Simcoe Muskoka District Heath Unit Facebook page and YouTube Channel.
Federal COVID-19 Information Line (1-833-784-4397)
Public Health Ontario (1-866-797-0000)
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program
Businesses can start to apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program beginning Monday, April 27. Use the  CRA website now  to calculate how much your business is eligible for. Also  announced  was an investment of $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services. 

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Calculator Now Available
Ahead of the Wage Subsidy application process, which will be available in the coming days, additional details and a calculator are now available for businesses.

New Resource Web Page From Finance Canada
Finance Canada has produced a refined search tool to help businesses find the financial supports they may be eligible for, including direct financial support programs, access to credit and more.

Stop The Spread: Business Information Hotline Now Open: 1-888-444-3659
The province has launched a toll-free line (1-888-444-3659) to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Eligibility For Emergency Benefit Expanded
On April 17 the Government of Canada   announced   new actions to protect Canadian jobs and provide $1.7 billion to support businesses and organizations dealing with the economic impacts of COVID-19. These new supports are available to those unable to access existing supports including startups, rural businesses and communities, culture, heritage and sports organizations as well as young entrepreneurs. The government also introduced new measures to help retain and create approximately 10,000 well-paying jobs in the Canadian energy sector . 

Funding For Indigenous Businesses And Financial Institutions
The government is providing up to $306.8 million in funding to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses and to support Aboriginal financial institutions that offer financing to these businesses. The program will be provided through Aboriginal financial institutions and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and the Métis capital corporations, in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada. 

Ontario State of Emergency Extended By One Month
On Tuesday, April 14th, Ontario extended its state of emergency for another four weeks. Premier Doug Ford also pledged to move more resources to the province’s hard-hit long-term care homes

New Mental Health Web Portal Launched By The Government of Canada
The Government of Canada connects Canadians with mental wellness supports during COVID-19 with the Wellness Together Canada Initiative. Connect to their web portal or download the app to connect to peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls.
COVID-19 Printables
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From Our Partners | Employee Benefits
2019 - 2020 Board of Directors
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
Marlene Parkins - Chamber Director - Wasaga Beach Farmers Market
Jennie Elmslie - Chamber Director - Free Spirit Tours
Alex Colthart - Chamber Director - Forty-Four Inc .
Ava Alward - Chamber Director - Realtor, RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc.