CHAMBER CHAT - Week of January 10 |
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Our first official newsletter of 2022 is here! January is such a month of opposites... we're ready for a reset and make all these resolutions to be more engaged with our health, our family, our work when what we really want to do is hunker down into a nice warm blanket and hibernate just a little. Of course, add a pandemic lockdown and all we want to do is get out and be normal - even if it's cold, cold, cold.
There's a lot of information in this newsletter - so here's a quick look at what I don't want you to miss
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Chamber Membership renewals went out by email on Monday. If your organization has a "billing" representative, they will receive it directly. If you don't see yours, please do check your junk mail. For our members who pay monthly or subscribe through the Chamber Plan, your payments will continue and the invoice is for your reference. Lisa is putting the final touches on our 2022 Membership Information guide and we'll be mailing those out in early February with a paper copy of your invoice OR your receipt. Membership renewals are due the end of February. We so appreciate your continued support and programs like the rapid test kit distribution don't happen without it.
- We are getting ready for our January "Meet the Board" event - we've had to pivot back to a virtual lunch, but consider ordering lunch anyway and joining us. Many thanks to Bell for their continued support as we also acknowledge Bell Let's Talk day and are greeted by Sandie Sidsworth from the Enrichment Centre for Mental Health.
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We're waiting on tests... we're still getting your orders and reports and we're hanging on with you all. Hopefully we'll get these in early February and we're making plans to get them out the door as quickly as possible. In the meantime, what the heck are you supposed to do - everyone seems to be getting it and all of a sudden, the numbers don't matter? I've posted a couple of key links that explain what the Ontario government and our HPE Health Unit are saying "today". Of course, we know that might change again in a couple of days, but we're working with what we have. As I mentioned in an email last week to all our "testing" employers/businesses - the transition from case counts to hospitalization is a signal to me that we're changing the way we think about COVID and we're moving out of pandemic mode to endemic reality. This is the most positive sign I've seen in nearly two years we might be out of this.
- Many of you have received calls over the past month about our "Map Directory - Finding Local Made Easy" from Alan Langabeer. More details below on how we've used the "shop local" grant money provided through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Next week we'll make a much bigger deal about that!
- The Ontario government will be reopening the Small Business Grant application for eligible businesses. We are working on having this list expanded... we know the ripple effect from any closure affects so many of you! See a link for a list of all the programs opening up for application on January 18, 2022.
- Keep scrolling down to see some great news! We're welcoming new members, celebrating grand openings and a 50th anniversary!
For those who have received CEBA - breaking news - the deadline of December 2022 has been extended to December 2023.
Please stay healthy and we look forward to seeing you virtually on Wednesday, January 26!
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THANK YOU, Mary!!!
our FIRST member to renew
in 2022
Staikos Homes Ltd. renewed online within TWO MINUTES of receiving our Membership Renewal email on Monday.
Membership renewal notices went out by email on Monday, January 10.
Don't see yours, please check your junk mail.
Payments accepted by cheque, credit card and e-transfer.
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Our January breakfast has been changed to a
Virtual Lunch event. Don't miss this!
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As part of the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen the province is introducing a $10,000 grant for eligible businesses and is providing additional electricity-rate relief for businesses, as well as workers and families spending more time at home.
ELIGIBLE SMALL BUSINESSES INCLUDE:
- Restaurants and bars;
- Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms);
- Performing arts and cinemas;
- Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions;
- Meeting or event spaces;
- Tour and guide services;
- Conference centres and convention centres;
- Driving instruction for individuals; and
- Before- and after-school programs.
Additional details on how to apply, who is eligible and next steps -
from the OCC is a great help.
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Rapid Tests Kits are not expected until February. |
The Chamber has distributed more than 35,000 kits so far to small businesses.
We are waiting on thousands more.
Let's stay safe and stay open!
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Employees must screen every day, even if vaccinated.
The province is working on an updated screening tool. In the meantime, workers can use this up-to-date self-assessment.
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As the directives from the province change, we know it's confusing. We are fielding so many calls from you. We certainly aren't the experts but in our conversations with the government, access to information from the Health Unit and general observations, some of this information might help.
In general -
If you're feeling unwell, presume you have COVID and go to Step One
And while it only takes a few minutes to go through Step Two, you should move on to Step Three right away.
If you are vaccinated, your symptoms may be very mild - so be conscious of your activity (and contacts), distance, mask and sanitize.
We've been hearing of plenty of people who've had family members test positive and they never feel a thing and never test positive.
We also hear of plenty who have no idea where they might have got it... it's traveling like a cold now.
You may also start spreading the virus a couple of days before you start feeling anything.
The isolation period is getting shorter though - particularly if you've been vaccinated and have no symptoms. And you can resume regular activity after being symptom free for 24 hours (after the initial 5 day isolation) - this is for healthy, vaccinated people... if you're not vaccinated, have other health issues - you will find Step Two one that you should not miss.
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CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO EXPAND |
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DOWNLOAD YOUR DIGITAL M2M CARDS |
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It is even easier to SAVE just by being a Chamber member.
Digital cards can be downloaded right to your phone.
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DID YOU KNOW that M2M offers can be utilized by everyone in your business.
Employees can take advantage of savings from these businesses and more...
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Your membership connects you to almost 450 businesses.
Find what you need from people and businesses you can trust.
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For more information:
Call: 1-800-935-5555 (ATS: 1-800-926-9105)
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The annual call for applications for the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program is open and will remain open until January 25, 2022.
To support employers through a period of economic recovery, the Department will fund up to 100,000 jobs for youth through CSJ 2022. For 2022, CSJ is returning to its regular parameters and will offer quality jobs over the summer months.
Applicants can seek funding to hire youth between April 25, 2022 and September 3, 2022.
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for a quick list of all resources currently available.
Small Business Grant applications will reopen on
January 18, 2022.
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CLICK HERE for information on financial supports, and other business resources available through the federal government.
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How did we use our "Shop Local" grant?
We partnered with the City of Belleville's Choose Belleville campaign
and in addition to the amazing stories shared at
featuring local business owners
we launch the map that makes
Finding Local Made Easy!
Tuesday, January 18
As a Chamber member, you are automatically included on this map that will make finding your business easy for local residents and visitors.
Make sure and claim your 'Google My Business' listing to
ensure the user experience is the best it can be.
Not sure how?
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DID YOU KNOW?
You can add your Google My Business Listing to your Chamber profile.
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Using your login, just add the URL to your Google Listing, along with the links to your social media pages.
NOT SURE HOW TO DO THAT?
and go to STEP 5 of
"8 ways to optimize your Google My Business Profile".
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We wanted to sing "Happy Anniversary" but to stay safe, we just dropped this certificate off to wish Branch Manager Nicholas O'Reilly and the staff at the North Front TD Bank well and thank them for their service to our community. The branch opened in 1971! The celebrations did include the opening of a time capsule from the 25th anniversary and a reflection of the equipment they were using in 1996... remember bank books and adding machines? |
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Since 1972, Bonn Law has provided expert legal representation in the areas of personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, wrongful death claims, disability claim disputes, Criminal Code charges, Provincial Offence Act charges and serious Highway Traffic Act charges
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The Royle Group, Century 21 Lanthorn & Associates
Real Estate Brokerage
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This tight-knit team of real estate professionals is dedicated to providing exemplary service to all of their clients. You deserve #TheRoyleTreatment
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Your Vision, Their Craftsmanship!
Committed to providing custom, top-quality cabinets, countertops, and accessories at competitive prices. Their in-house design and production team will manufacture your project with great detail and pride. right here in Stirling.
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Dominion Lending Centres Mortgages on Point
Anthony Omolade - Agent
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Whether you are a first time buyer or an experienced buyer with excellent credit, Anthony has access to the very best products and rates available. Ask Anthony about refinancing, mortgage pre-approvals and commercial mortgages.
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Bay Regional Veterinary Hospital |
This group of highly trained, experienced animal lovers is devoted to providing the best care possible. Their friendly and compassionate team treats every patient as if they were their own pet, giving them the same loving attention and care.
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Bloom with Graceee Doula & Reiki Services |
Meet Jessica Vader, doula, Reiki practitioner and reflexologist,
Did you know that Reiki can help release emotional blocks, and through natural healing, can help to restore your physical and emotional well-being?
Chamber members can enjoy 25% off a 90-minute reflexology session designed for deep relaxation, stress removal and healing with a special Member2Member offer until February 28th.
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Skyline Group of Companies |
Offering services in real estate and clean energy with fully integrated asset acquisition, management, development and investment
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The Chamber Celebrates New Business in Belleville. |
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The Chamber of Commerce is there to celebrate any and all new business in Belleville. Do you know of a business celebrating a grand opening? We can help. Let us know, We will invite dignitaries, media and we even bring the ribbon and scissors.
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THE LOG CABIN IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
5 Moira Street East, Belleville
613-962-4597
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Belleville Chamber of Commerce | www.bellevillechamber.ca
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