Week of August 19, 2019
So today's "from the desk of" comes from my visit yesterday in the 1000 Islands and a guest appearance on Lorne Brooker's Monday morning "Round Table" which airs from CJBQ 800 am.

While the ride over was a bit damp, we warmed up quickly with the spirited conversation around the table as Lorne loves to pull out the controversial topics of the week and see how our various viewpoints expand the story. The Waterfront Pop-Ups were the first on the agenda today and what I hoped would come out of some of my comments was simply that business people or entrepreneurs take chances and accept the consequences. It takes a special kind of personality to run with an idea that has potential but no guarantee of success.

The only difference between the conversations we have with seasoned business owners compared to new ones is the stage of growth, failure, opportunity they see at the moment. They all share tenacity and perseverance as key traits - and ultimately believe they control their destiny. So when an idea doesn't pan out or become profitable, they roll up their sleeves and move on to the next one. Sometimes they need help. Sometimes they even ask for it but it's far more common to see a true entrepreneur exhibit much more self-reliance than dependence on outside forces.

And that's why we have extended "representing" you beyond government but also to the community. Where possible, we take the opportunity to celebrate the innate nature of business people as our community champions. These are the people who will put their customers and employees first and work tirelessly (easily 14-16 hour days) to pay their bills and taxes, cover payroll and serve their clients - sometimes forgoing taking a paycheque of their own. When they succeed, they don't limit their giving to what they have to do - but seek out causes or respond to requests of support.

We honour this commitment to community with our Cornerstone Awards and it was our absolute pleasure to celebrate Dennis McCullough, with his wife Sheila by his side, at last week's Member Appreciation Mingle. Dennis was recognized for his citizenship over the past 25 years in Belleville. Read below for pictures and a link to the full story.

For each of you who has helped another organization succeed through financial support or giving of your time - thank you. For those of you who give your employees the flexibility to engage with non-profit or community groups - thank you. For those of you building business and putting Belleville on the map locally, regionally and globally - we thank you for all you do!

We will continue to cheer you on, even though you might be too busy to notice (or humbly think it's the least you can do).

Have a great week!


Tuesday September 17
Join us for an annual tradition.....

Two formats available -
Play your own ball
as we revive the old trophy and you can drive to have your name
included with past tournament winners like Roger Ling, Ted Hurst, Charlie Higgins, Joe Leggett, Stan Wilkinson and Vern Hartwig.

OR

Scramble (best ball)
where everyone has fun and you don't have to be a good golfer
to enjoy a beautiful day outside with friends.

We are still looking for members who would be interested in a cart sponsorship,
hole sponsorship or tee sponsorship opportunity.

Sponsorship information available HERE
SAVE THE DATES
Wednesday September 25 - Chamber Breakfast
Wednesday October 2 - Chamber Federal Debate
Thursday October 10 - Mingle at The Banquet Centre
October 22 - 24 - Small Business Week Workshops
Wednesday October 23 - MEGA Mingle at The Armoury, Picton
Friday October 25 - Quinte Business Achievement Awards
Wednesday November 6 - Mingle at BGH Foundation
Thursday November 14 - Mingle/Open House at Belleville Nurse Practitioner Clinic
“While business is doing its part to make Canada more prosperous for more people, the federal government has a critical role to play. That is why the commitments each of the federal parties make during this fall’s federal election campaign will be critical.”
— THE HON. PERRIN BEATTY, P.C., O.C., PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


Vote Prosperity reflects the priorities and concerns of job creators in communities across Canada. Developed in partnership with Canada’s provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, Vote Prosperity lays out our seven priorities, along with a series of specific measures to attract investment to Canada, and help businesses create jobs, grow and strengthen our communities. 
The Federal Election will be held on October 21, 2019.
Belleville Chamber of Commerce will host a local Federal candidates debate on Wednesday October 2 at The Empire Theatre. Doors open at 6pm, debate at 7pm.
Despite repeated requests of the federal government to be part of the reconciliation discussion, the business community has been by-and-large excluded. This unfortunate reality is why we seek to demonstrate to the federal government that businesses and Indigenous peoples are often way ahead of them in reconciliation.
 
On June 19, we sat down with business and Indigenous leaders in Thunder Bay to hear what they had to say regarding reconciliation, what it means to them, their communities and their businesses.
 
Click here to read our report, Lessons in Reconciliation: What we Heard in Thunder Bay .
 
This is the second part in a three-part series, our final round table discussion was held in Fredericton and the report will be released in early September.
 
Click here to read the first report in our series, Lessons in Reconciliation: What we Heard in Saskatoon.
 
To see examples of how Canadian businesses are playing their part in reconciliation, watch Nuclear Waste Management Organization's videos on reconciliation and guiding conversations or Nutrien's video on their  Saskatoon Tribal Council Partnership
ABOUT #OES2019
As the global business environment is rapidly changing, Ontario is faced with an unprecedented opportunity to position itself as a leader in the new economy. At OES, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and public policy officials will meet to debate and discuss how we can ensure Ontario is prepared for success and growth, and explore opportunities to navigate our unique advantages.
 
Don’t miss the opportunity to develop solutions to current economic challenges and explore new ways to build prosperity with visionary leaders from across North America.

JOIN BRETT WILSON AND BRUCE CROXON AT #OES2019! 
At this year's  Ontario Economic Summit  we are pleased to be joined by two ex Dragons from CBC'S hit reality show Dragon's Den: Brett Wilson, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, and Bruce Croxon, Managing Partner of Round 13 Capital and TV Co-host of The Disruptors. 
Join Brett Wilson and Bruce Croxon along with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and public policy officials to debate, discuss, and develop solutions to current economic challenges and explore new ways to build prosperity.
Member Discounts & Affinity Programs
Chambers Plan is the employee benefits plan for small business.
It has everything you need to take care of your team,
at a rate that holds steady year after year.
Or contact your local representative Matthew Howell for more information.

ENJOY
20% OFF
ENJOY
15% OFF
We were pleased to celebrate our 2nd Annual Membership Appreciation Mingle at Crate Marine. Thank you Ryan Crate & Jim Bell for providing such an excellent venue and refreshments on a summer evening.

In addition to some great door prizes and plaquing of new members we were honoured to present our Cornerstone Citizenship Award to Dennis McCullough , owner of Canadian Tire Belleville who was unable to attend our Annual President's Dinner & Awards Night in February.

The CITIZENSHIP award is presented to a Chamber member who has embraced the spirit of the community by their selfless acts and support to causes that improve the lives of Belleville’s citizens. Both Dennis and his wife Sheila exemplify this through many decades of quiet support to the community of which many of us have been unaware, and we were pleased to have 2018 Citizenship award recipient Kristin Crowe be a part of the award ceremony.

Congratulations again to our other 2019 Cornerstone award recipients - Rhonda Barriage, Guenther Huettlin, Sandie Sidsworth, Paul Stinson and Lifetime Achievement recipient Alvin Parkhurst!

For more about how Dennis McCulllough has made an impact on our community, read more here
Member Milestone
Congratulations to

Rick Kevan

40 years
with Quinte Broadcasting!
Jill was pleased to present Jenny Woods, owner of

Quinte Business Accounting Services

with a membership plaque at last week's Membership Appreciation Mingle. Jenny and her bookkeeping team prepare corporate and individual tax returns. They ensure accuracy completing year end adjustments, financial statement preparation and completion of all government forms. Jenny is celebrating her 25th year in business later this month!

Watch for more "plaquing" photos next week!
Happy Anniversary Diamond Window Cleaning
Valued Chamber Member since 1990
Being a business owner has its rewards and its challenges. If you’ve been in business longer than a hot second, you’ve likely experienced both. Often the freedoms override the dissatisfaction, but if you find that the negatives are wearing on you, don’t get discouraged. The earlier you recognize the most common challenges of business ownership, the more likely you’ll be able to take them in stride.
Here's A Look At What To Expect!

Registration will be opened at 9:00 am and our Annual General Meeting will start promptly at 9:30 am. This is your chance to see what the team at RTO 9 have been working on in the past year!

Our Tourism Summit will follow after and will wrap up by 3:00 pm.
  • Hear from industry leaders and professionals from TIAO, Destination Ontario and Destination Canada.
  • Our Makers Market is back and will be opened all day! Sample and support local producers throughout South Eastern Ontario.
  • We will be featuring entrepreneurs throughout South Eastern Ontario who have created successful experiential tourism products.

We want you to leave our Tourism Summit feeling empowered with knowledge and inspired to create your best tourism year in 2020!
RTO 9 Tourism Summit & Annual General Meeting
When: Friday, September 6th, 2019
Where: Four Points by Sheraton Kingston
Address: 285 King St E, Kingston, ON
Time: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Apply for the Women Founders Fund

The Fund
·      Up to $5,000 grants to support business operations or business growth opportunities.

The Perks
·      Promotional feature on StartupNews.ca and a guest-spot on
THRIVE Podcast for Women Entrepreneurs.

Eligibility
·      Applicants must be women entrepreneurs or women-led businesses. Applicants' businesses must be in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field. Applicants and their companies must be based in Canada.  Funds must be used to support business operations or access to business or professional growth opportunities. Applicants must confirm that the company is a new initiative that could not happen without the seed funding or an existing SME that is augmenting their operations or ability to access business development. The company must be at least 51% women-owned.

*Visit  http://www.startupcan.ca/women-founders-fund  for additional terms and conditions.

Apply by September 15th, 2019 at 11:59 pm PT.
Congratulations to all of our member businesses who have been nominated for this year's Quinte Achievement Awards!
Business Person of the Year
Al Ladhani - 116 Bistro
Greg & Charles Murphy - Bay Tech Solutions
John Cairns - Earl & Angelo's
John Sheratt - Starboard Communications
John Paul Tedesco - Tedesco & Associates
Maurice Rollins - Rollins Investment

Hospitality/Tourism
Barn and Country Catering
Black Bear Ridge Golf Course
Bourbon St. Pizza
Burger Revolution
Capers
Chilangos
The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant

Regulated Professions
Direct Realty

Retail
Avondale Flowers
Finkle Electric Ltd.
Friendly Fires
GLI Promotions
That Special Touch
West City Honda

Trades/Construction
A&E Tile and Stone
Duvanco Homes
Malcolm Brothers

Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Stephanie Rayton - Mommy Mops
Tim Keller - Loyalist Martial Arts Academy

Manufacturing/Industrial
GH Manufacturing
New Business
Belleville Senators
Diamond Physiotherapy
Mommy Mops
Shop Bay of Quinte
Signal Brewing Company
Sole Solutions
The 116 Bistro

Not for Profit
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Children's Safety Village
Community Development Council of Quinte
Hastings Housing Resource Centre
Hospice Quinte
Quinte Humane Society
Volunteer and Information Quinte

Specialized Services
Bay Tech Solutions
Crossborder Solutions
Hannafin Automation
KKP
Ontario Dance Academy
Rillea Technologies
Rosebush Energies
Runway Bridal
The Empire Theatre

Health and Wellness
By the Moon
Hitchon's Hearing Centre
Polish Salon & Spa
Loyalist Martial Arts Academy
Step by Step
The Fitness Guild
Wellwise by Shoppers Drug Mart
Click here for trip details.

For reservation and booking contact Marjorie Carr-Braint at
Trent Travel - 613-392-3440
Community Events!
The Belleville Dragon Boat Club is happy to announce that they have partnered with United Way Hastings & Prince Edward to host 2019’s Belleville Dragon Boat Festival. The festival will take place on Saturday, August 24 th , 2019 at Victoria Park in Belleville, rain or shine.
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