CONNECTING - to the Chamber Community
The big news last week was the Provincial government's budget announcement. I've included the details and links to further information below under our Representing - OCC Section - but quick thought/response is they didn't cut as much or deeply as was anticipated. In championing the needs of business, we've been hearing that net-cost zero solutions are recommended because there wasn't likely any new money coming. We are happy to see investments will continue that increase the value of the province. Certainly, listening to the feedback on the budget from the opposing parties at a very high level - the emphasis on access to alcohol and the exclusion of poverty issues that need to be addressed raised eyebrows and concern. There is however, some thoughtful consideration given to certain issues that provides the business community some sense that decisions are being made in consultation with advocacy groups at the provincial level.

Also, in case you missed it - we did post an article last week from the CFIB " Canada's Top Entrepreneurial Communities 2018" - ranking Belleville as 48th of 125 for business across Canada. It caught the attention of the media but more importantly, the ranking in the top 10 for entrepreneurial presence was certainly worth celebrating. In terms of the royal "we" - let's also include the region - Prince Edward & Hastings Counties and Quinte West as part of this success. It is our newly minted status as a CMA that has increased our profile within Canada; it is how the surrounding population is involved and impacted by the migration of people here to live and work and stay. It is also how we have finally come to landing a Costco for the region. "If our entrepreneurial presence is that high, that's impressive and suggests to me that something is happening. They looked at the ability of the community to accommodate entrepreneurs. It would suggest that we are more accommodating, more inviting, more prepared to welcome and support entrepreneurs and their business ideas and if one doesn't work, then there's still an opportunity for something else and I think we're seeing -- even with changeover in business and new businesses beginning -- a lot of that is happening here. And then, you have the opportunity to try something else because it remains an affordable community, in spite of the housing issues."

For the full InQuinte article - click here

You don't want to miss joining us TOMORROW
Sandie Sidsworth, CMHA HPE
is hosting our next Mingle at

250 Sidney St. Building 59
(former Nortel building - rear entrance)
 
This is a great opportunity to explore the iconic Nortel building and
see how it is being transformed into a community hub
for both business and non-profit agencies.

Tours will be provided by Joe Shunock, Ekort Realty

Enjoy some hors d'oeuvres & wine from Traynor Family Vineyard.

~ come when you can, leave when you must ~
Stop in to join us and meet other Chamber members!
All members of the business community are welcome.  
Gary MacDonald, Founder & CEO,
Clearview Training & Consulting Inc. of Stirling
will guide us through an interactive learning exercise to
reduce your stress,
keep your employees happy and
make you all more successful. 

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
 Save the Dates
Corporate COMMUNITY Sponsorships
Opportunities include all levels of support from Community Supporter sponsorships to Signature Sponsors of specific Attractions or Entertainment.

This is a great opportunity for smaller businesses who can't afford larger sponsorships to gain exposure in our community through on site acknowledgement.

Contact Susan Walsh, Special Events Coordinator at 613-962-4597 or susan@bellevillechamber.ca to discuss your customized sponsorship package today .

She will work within your budget to design a package for your company.

REPRESENTING - You at all Levels of Government


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2019 Provincial Budget Announced
On April 11, the Government of Ontario released its 2019 Budget, “Protecting What Matters Most.” The following is a summary of key highlights from the perspective of Ontario’s business community.

“Budget announcements always generate opposing reactions depending on the level of either positive or negative impact a sector will experience. While every sector is important, there are inefficiencies that have led to limitations in capacity for growth or success. We want accountability for our tax dollars and digging in to the details of this budget there was some effort made to address this and spending directed to infrastructure needs that will reflect a good investment in the future.” 

-- Jill Raycroft, CEO
Belleville Chamber of Commerce

The message to the government in advance of Budget 2019 had been clear:bring down the deficit, focus on competitive taxation, and choose strategic investments that contribute to Ontario’s long-term economic growth.
  • We are encouraged by the robust plan for returning the Province to a balanced budget,including meaningful action to improve government accountability.
  • This Budget is focused on spending smarter rather than resorting to austerity measures.
  • We are pleased to see that the Government of Ontario heard this message, and is taking reasonable steps to build a stronger Ontario.
  • Their balance of fiscal sustainability and critical investments in skills and infrastructure will promote long-term economic growth.
  • The proposed investments in broadband infrastructure and skills development, especially, will create real value for Ontarians.
  • With the government already moving swiftly with a number of measures aimed at reducing red tape and growing the economy such as the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018,the Access to Natural Gas Act, 2018, and the Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2019, last week's Budget will help to ensure Ontario businesses have as many opportunities as possible to compete on the global stage.
5 Minutes for Business
“A promise made is a debt unpaid.” - Robert W. Service.
 
The Canadian Chamber takes a quick walk through federal efforts to address Canada’s regulatory competitiveness problem following last month’s federal budget. Despite the federal government recognizing these regulatory problems and promising to the resolve them, many regulators have not given it a second thought.
Find our more in this month’s 5 Minutes for Business,  Regulatory Reform: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly .

Chamber Travel

Do you want to travel to exotic locations and see the world?

Chamber Travel is a great way for Bay of Quinte Chamber members and their guests to experience new travel destinations around the globe. These trips offer an opportunity to business people and residents to travel together in small groups to great locations at an affordable price. Tour companies are selected because of the quality of their packages and all bookings are done through a local travel agent.

Discounted prices are available to Chamber Members.
Info Night - What's a Christmas Market?
Tuesday, May 14 @ 6:00 pm
The Belleville Club
Member Discounts & Affinity Programs
ENJOY
25% OFF
ENJOY
10% OFF
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.
SHARING - Member News & Events

Jill presents Helen Wells with Valued Member plaques.

Quinte Ballet School of Canada

We were recently able to correct a longtime oversight and present the
Quinte Ballet School of Canada with plaques
reflecting their many years as a Chamber Member.
Two plaques were needed as they have been a Valued Member since 1988 !

The Quinte Ballet School of Canada is one of Canada’s top-5 full-time professional ballet Schools, based in Belleville, Ontario. Led by Catherine Taylor, Artistic Director, QBSC provides an innovative and versatile dance curriculum,
which is grounded in classical ballet technique.
Over 100 youth and adults aged 3 to 60 years participate in recreational programs including tap, jazz, hip hop and ballet.

Congratulations again to member Christiane "Nanni" Gschwender who won a banner ad on our website at last year's Member Appreciation Mingle. Her ad has been running on the HOME page of our site for the past week and linked to her website.

If you would like YOUR BUSINESS ad featured on the Chamber website please contact Matt Munro to discuss advertising opportunities.
Donini Chocolate YOUR Easter store!

Open DAILY 9am - 6pm

335 Bell Boulevard

Member Milestone
Congratulations to BENTON FRY FORD!
Benton Fry Ford was Proud to accept the Diamond Award for 2018.

This award recognizes the TOP 10% of Dealers across Canada with Outstanding Customer Satisfaction. They wish to extend BIG Thanks to All of their Customers
and their Community for their support.

Benton Fry Ford has been a Valued Member of the Chamber since 1972 !
Friday Night Trolley Tours

Experience a different County Carriage Tour every week!

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and entertainment of our guided tours through Belleville's beautiful historic neighbourhoods, waterfronts and parks featuring different historic buildings and interesting stories from the past.

Friday's, April 26th to August 30th
Tours at 6 pm and 7 pm
*Different tours each week

Reserve tickets online, or cash accepted 15 minutes before each tour.
Tickets $30, under 12 $20. Maximum 15-people per tour.
Treat yourself to a wonderful evening of music!

It's the Mayor's Concert of the Arts & you're invited to attend free of charge, just contact:  The Empire Theatre & reserve your seat.
Community Events!
The City of Quinte West in partnership with Loyalist College and Quinte Economic Development Commission are proud to present Leadercast 2019 . Returning for the second year in a row, this one day Leadership Development Conference is for local leaders passionate about devleoping ther skills alongside fellow community and business leaders.

Leadercast 2019 provides participants with a simulcast broadcast of world famous leadership experts from around the world, as well as an in person presentation .

Friday May 10 - 9am - 3pm

Watch the video below to learn from local leaders why you should attend.
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