WESTERN E-NEWS
Dear Members,
Welcome back to school season!
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we wish you a safe and healthy fall as you ease back into routines. As we move forward into September 2020, the West Prince Chamber of Commerce continue to value and monitor the condition of businesses and community organizations here in Western PEI. We care and we want to hear your input on issues that concern you. Feel free to send a message, reach out for a chat, or call me to arrange a site visit.
We are also very excited to announce an employment opportunity with a Labour Market Resource Project. A detailed job description link is provided below. Stay tuned to our webiste page for more exciting announcements. www.westprincehamber.com
Tammy Rix
Executive Director
Employment Opportunities
The Labour Market Resource person will report respectively to the Executive Directors of Eastern or Western PEI Chambers of Commerce. They will carry out the duties specified by the Labour Market Development Project in implementing the main objectives and work together in collaboration. For more information click on the link.
Government Updates
Prince Edward Island Updates


Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island invest in rural development - The federal government and province announced $700,000  to help tourism recover, attract new investments and diversify employment opportunities in PEI. Through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Government of Canada, along with the Province of Prince Edward Island (PEI), will help to expand opportunities in rural communities and build an economy that is innovative, sustainable and inclusive.

New Changes to the PEI Boardband Fund
The two new funding streams are:
  • Accelerated Internet Service Provider Pilot – funding for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to upgrade or expand their networks to reach more Island residents
  • Residential Pilot – funding for Island residents to purchase equipment that will provide connections to wireless broadband services Islanders eligible for the Residential Pilot will receive up to 100 per cent funding with a maximum of $5,000 per household. Eligible connection equipment costs include antennas, tripods, towers, and hydro poles. One project per household will be approved. Applications are now open and residents can apply for funding by visiting Prince Edward Island Broadband Fund.


Fish Harvester Benefit & Grant Program
Self-employed commercial fish harvesters can now apply for COVID-19 emergency funding measures put in place by the federal government. Applications are open August 24 to September 21st. More information and an online application are available here.


Rural Jobs Initiative – Funding for 200 additional jobs
New funding will help provide up to 200 more jobs in rural PEI. The program cover 75% of wages for 14 weeks and is open to private businesses and not-for-profits. For details and to apply please visit: Rural Job Initiative, or contact the Community Development Officer at your local Rural Action Centre.

COVID-19 emergency funding to protect Heritage Collections

Not-for-profit organizations with a heritage collection, such as museums, archives, and historic sites, may be eligible to receive funding from The Museums Assistance Program (MAP), a program of Canadian Heritage. Organizations can receive between
$5,000 and $100,000 to help care for their heritage collections. For full details on program eligibility and information on how to apply, please visit the COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Heritage Organizations. Deadline September 11, 2020.


Federal Updates

Government Increases access to EI and recovery benefits
The Government of Canada will be transitioning from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program, effective September 27, 2020, to provide income support to those who remain unable to work and are eligible, and introducing a new suite of temporary and taxable recovery benefits to further support workers.

Click here for more information.


Government announces changes and extension to Canada Emergency Business Account
The Government of Canada announced on August 31st that the application deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) is extended from August 31 to October 31, 2020. The government also announced that it is working closely with financial institutions to make the CEBA program available to those with qualifying payroll or non-deferrable expenses that have so far been unable to apply due to not operating from a business banking account. Click here for more details.
 

Guides, Webinars & Information Supports

  • Canadian Business Resiliency Network - Resources and Helpline for business - access here.

 
 
 

 

 
Upcoming Training
Rural Action Centre

Rural Action Centre Alberton is pleased to promote two upcoming Red Cross First Aid Training Courses being held at Western Curling Club – 526 Main Street in Alberton.
902-853-3616
 
Both training courses are being facilitated by C & M Inc.  Limited Seating. 
  
Red Cross Emergency First Aid and CPR – Level C (one day) – 75.00 plus Hst = 86.25. Thursday, September 10th - 9am to 4pm.
  
Red Cross Standard First Aid Training (two-day) – 100.00 plus Hst = 115.00.
Day 1 – Thursday, September 10th - 9am to 4pm.
Day 2 – Friday, September 11th - 9am to 4pm.


Holland College

Online Board Member Training! Sign Up Today!
Many not-for-profit organizations are guided by a volunteer board of directors. No matter
the reason for volunteering, these passionate individuals possess a vested interest in the
well-being and direction of a particular board or volunteer organization. Respecting these
desires, in many cases, board members and staff lack familiarity with key topics, policies,
and board operational procedures. This challenge creates significant liability for board
members, staff, and clients of any not-for-profit organization. This Board Member Training
program has been developed to help bring awareness and knowledge to current and future
board members of PEI.
Instructor: KIN Consulting Group
Cost: $100+HST per individual, due by first training date.
Location: Holland College West Prince Campus - 506 Church St, Alberton, PE C0B 1B0
How to Register: Contact Adam Smith - atsmith@hollandcollege.com or 902-566-9653.

Topics Covered:
Board Composition and Roles
 Leadership Fundamentals
 Fiduciary Responsibility
 Financial Analysis
 Community Engagement
 Human Resource Fundamentals
 Effective Communication Practices
 Conflict Resolution
 Succession Planning

Schedule:
In Person: Sept 13th, 2019 1:00pm- 4:30pm
In Person: Sept 14th, 2019 9:00am - 4:00pm
Online content - Sept 15th- Nov 21st
In Person: Nov 22nd, 2019 1:00pm - 4:30pm
In Person: Nov 23rd, 2019 9:00am - 4:00pm
Chamber Events
4th Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser
4th Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser sponsored by Credit Unions. We have 16 teams registered! Friday, September 11th at 1:00 PM. A big thank you to everyone who registered a team and sponsored a hole.
Member Profile
Do you have news you would like to share with other members. Contact Tammy today!

#230 MEMBERS STRONG
(We are getting closer to reaching our
CHAMBER GOAL of 300 Members by 2022)


Membership invoices have been mailed out this summer.
Thank you for your continued support.

Call 211 PEI to help find Community & Social Resources
Call 2-1-1 or search the website to connect with social, government and non-urgent health services quickly and easily.
211 is an information and referral service available to support all Islanders. Whether you are a permanent resident, a visitor, or a service provider, 211 will help you to community and social services across Prince Edward Island. 211 PEI
Trusted, Engaged, Responsive and in your Community! Refer a local business to join today!