From the Desk of the CEO...
A short but busy week at the Chamber, as final numbers for our MP/MPP Breakfast are established today. Due to the number of opportunities and challenges our world is facing, we could have booked an entire day, but we look forward to a thorough discussion on Friday morning ending at 10:00 am. Our Advocacy Committee and Board have prepared questions covering many significant issues for MP Larry Brock and MPP Will Bouma to address. If you are not able to make the event in person, there is a streaming option available, and we look forward to adding it to our library of events on our YouTube channel.

Rapid Testing Kits continue to be popular, and we are working on addressing the waiting list as more kits arrive and space opens up in the schedule.

Next week, the Chamber will be participating in the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Week, meeting with the leadership of each provincial party virtually throughout the week. We look forward to advancing a number of local priorities to government and understanding the diversity of priorities offered in advance of this spring’s provincial election.

Look forward to seeing you soon, 

Dave
Don't Miss It! Upcoming Chamber Events
Our 14th Annual MP/MPP Breakfast is quickly approaching on Friday, February 25th, 2022. For those of you who have registered, we look forward to seeing you safely at the Best Western. Our virtual registration option is still open until 4:30 p.m. today. 
Annual General Meeting and Presidents' Event
March 29th, 2022
Business After Hours - Holistic Healing Arts
April 12th, 2022 
Business Excellence Awards
May 5th, 2022
Fewer Fees, Better Services Act
"Since 2018, we have been working diligently to cut unnecessary red tape and reduce regulatory burdens on Ontarians by finding ways to simplify and streamline the way people and businesses interact with government.

If passed, this bill will be one of eight transformative packages, consisting of more than 400 actions that have improved access to necessary supports, updated processes, and increased compliance for the benefit of Ontarians and the businesses they depend on.

Cutting red tape and putting money back into the pockets of Ontarians has been a hallmark of our Ministry’s mandate and we will continue to eliminate unwarranted fees and make government easier to navigate, by removing duplicative and confusing paperwork.
Upcoming OCC Webinars
How Sustainable are the Natural Resource Sectors?
Learn how these sectors are investing in sustainable innovation.
Thursday, February 24th, 2022
12:00 pm-1:00 pm
The Power of Difference
An important discussion about diversity in the workplace, its importance to economic recovery, and hear powerful stories from women leaders making their mark.
Thursday, March 10th, 2022
12:00 pm-1:00 pm
More Provincial and Federal COVID-19 Provide
Supports for Local Business
Additional COVID-19 Resources
Recovery Activation Program helping local businesses go digital. Click here to learn more and apply
PD27 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy Self-identification Form for Employers. Click here
Government of Canada Covid-19 Alert App: click here to download
Support for your business from the Government of Canada. Click here to find out which supports best fit your business
Support for Individuals from the Government of Canada. Click here to find out which supports best fit your business
Business Resilience Service phoneline: call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession. The service is available 7 days/week from 8 am – 8 pm ET
Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA); This $55 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits. Click here to apply
Develop your Workplace Safety Plan with tools from the Government of Ontario here.
For the most up-to-date provincial & federal programs, take a look at our website.
Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant
519.753.2617