In this issue...

A Message From the CEO | Upcoming Chamber Events

Welcome New Members! | Updates from the Chamber Network

Hello!

Briefly this morning, we look forward to hosting you at the Rope Factory Event Hall late this afternoon for our 156^th Annual General Meeting! Refreshments provided, networking at 5, program 5:30-6:00 pm.

The Chamber is participating this morning in a Housing Affordability Roundtable hosted by our friends at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Guelph Chamber of Commerce, and is looking forward later this week to additional advocacy meetings locally. The Advocacy Committee meets on Wednesday to review some of our current positions, as well as a proposed policy paper on recent changes to the WSIB and the application of all costs and counts associated with COVID-19 to be applied in calculating premium rates to individual Schedule 1 employers. If this will impact your business, please contact David with your feedback.

The Chamber is delighted to support emerging entrepreneurs this spring, through engaging with the Laurier Launchpad Pitch Competition on Thursday, and supporting the Summer Company and Starter Company Plus programs through the Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre. If you have ideas, family, friends, or colleagues that may benefit from these great opportunities, the Chamber pleased to make additional connections. There are other partners and initiatives as well that can be connected.

Finally, our friends at Conestoga College are delightfully bursting with demand for their summer programming, and require additional course instructors. Please see this link to Conestoga opportunities for more details.

See you this afternoon!

Dave

To learn more about our new members, click on their logo!

CEBA Loan Repayment Survey

As you know, the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) repayment in-full date is coming up on December 31, 2023.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and other business organizations, have been advocating to both Federal and Provincial governments for a second deadline extension of at least one year, and to increase the forgivable portion of all CEBA loans to compensate for ongoing economic challenges.

To assist with this and to understand the impact of CEBA in Brantford-Brant, we ask for your help by answering two short questions and any comments. 

Please complete the survey here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/B4yWteZ

Your contribution is appreciated!

Share your perspective on the future of tourism in RTO3: The Heart of Ontario! 

We at RTO3: The Heart of Ontario, an independent, industry-led, not-for-profit organization responsible for enhancing and growing the region’s tourism products and marketing activities, are working on developing a 3-year Tourism Strategic Plan that will guide our organization’s work moving forward.

With support from Bannikin, we are seeking input from residents, business owners, community and organizational leaders about tourism in the region, including strength, weaknesses, challenges, opportunities, and what makes it a great place for visitors and residents alike.

The survey is made up of 18 questions and should take you no more than 10 minutes. The survey will close on Monday 17 April, 2023.

Please use the link below to complete the survey, and please feel free to share the link with others you feel have something valuable to share.

Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RTO3HeartofOntario-IRSurvey

Thank you for your participation! 

Diversifying the Federal Supply Chain Summit 2023

Please join the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman’s for their 5th annual Diversifying the Federal Supply Chain Summit.

Designed to increase the diversity of the federal procurement supply chain, the Summit will:

• Provide you with practical skills needed to win federal government contracts
• Introduce you to key thought leaders and knowledgeable speakers
• Connect you with representatives from the Government of Canada, supplier council programs, and others who can help your business

Day 1

Date: April 4, 2023

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST

Day 2

Date: April 5, 2023

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST

Free of charge via Zoom (with dial-in options).

Simultaneous and sign language interpretation will be provided.

Spaces are limited.

Register

Cutting Through the Noise: 5 Secrets to

Digital Marketing

On Thursday this week the Brantford Brant Business Resource Enterprise Centre is hosting an event, Cutting Through the Noise: 5 Secrets to Digital Marketing where Camp Tech CEO and Best-Selling Author Avery Swartz will reveal the 5 things that local entrepreneurs can do to transform their digital marketing and prioritize the important factors to building a strong online component of their business. This event takes place at the Brantford Golf and Country Club and a part of the $50 ticket cost is a delicious lunch buffet served by the award winning kitchen at the Country Club. This opportunity for world class instruction is useful for any business and can be applied to digital marketing in any industry.

Avery Swartz takes pride in providing actionable steps to business owners that they can implement from day 1. If you find that you are trapped in the constantly changing digital marketing world and can’t find your way forward, allow Avery to provide you the tools to Cut Through the Noise.

Tickets are almost sold out, secure your spot HERE: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/567022568767