In this issue...

A Message From the CEO | Upcoming Chamber Events

2023-24 Directory Advertising

Welcome New Members | Updates from the Chamber Network

Good morning,

Happy Valentine’s Day! We hope you are able to spend some time, in person or virtually, with your loved ones today. Another packed e-news with information and activities for February. We are looking forward to seeing you tonight at Urban Tactical for Business After Hours, and for our Business Excellence Awards Finalists and invited guests, at our rescheduled event at the Rope Factory Event Hall Wednesday afternoon. The Board meets on Wednesday as well to review our Audited Financial Statements and activities for the month. The Chamber joins the thousands in our community who are excited to support the Brantford Bulldogs, and extends a warm welcome on behalf of the business community to the franchise, and looks forward to the economic opportunities it will bring to Brantford, and ancillary benefits to surrounding businesses and the area at large.

Please enjoy a great Family Day weekend, and join me in extending your congratulations to our Business Excellence Awards Finalists this month! 

Dave

We're now booking ad space for the

2023-24 Membership Directory! 

Contact Greg at (226) 387-2991 or greg@brcc.ca to book your ad space today! 

Click here for ad sizes and rates.

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE - BOOK NOW!

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Ontario Economic Report:

Business Confidence Hits Record Low

The 2023 OER contains regional and sector-specific data on business confidence, public policy priorities, regional forecasts, and timely business issues such as employee health and well-being, climate change, succession planning, diversity and inclusion, reconciliation, and remote work.

Key highlights of the report include:

• Business confidence has dropped to a new low, with only 16 percent of organizations expressing confidence in the outlook of Ontario’s economy in 2023 (down from 29 percent in 2022).
• Inflation and labour shortages are primary concerns for organizations.
• Despite low confidence in the economy, 53 percent of businesses are optimistic about the outlook and growth prospects of their own organizations, as high employment rates and population growth should prevent a sharp decline in consumer spending.
• Small businesses want governments to prioritize policies and programs that support their immediate financial and operational challenges, while large businesses are more interested in broader workforce development and health care issues.
• Labour shortages are directly impacting most employers and 87 percent of large businesses. Shortages are especially acute in education, construction, and accommodation and food services.
• Businesses appreciate the importance of employee health and well-being, diversity and inclusion, economic reconciliation, and climate action – but there are notable gaps in addressing them.

The seventh annual OER offers unique insights into business perspectives across Ontario. It is informed by data from our annual Business Confidence Survey (BCS) and economic forecasts for the year ahead. The BCS was conducted online from October 18 to November 30 2022, attracting responses from 1,912 organizations across Ontario.

Read the report.

Hospitality Employer Micro-Credential Survey

Hospitality Workers Training Centre is developing a catalogue of micro-credentials – short, skills-based training programs with targeted assessments - that provide evidence of proficiency in that skill. Micro-credentials present employers with accessible and affordable opportunities to invest in relevant training and upskilling. In addition, during screening and recruitment, micro-credentials provide Recruiters with intelligence enabling them to easily and effectively identify candidates with relevant occupational skills and competencies.

To better understand and serve employers’ needs during recruitment, retention and training, they are conducting a short (14 Questions) survey to inform their work.

Complete the survey HERE.

The Newcomers Gateway is an one-stop source for information and services that can help newcomers settle in the Grand Erie community.

This online guide can be used by newcomers to find information on Canada’s work culture, the local job market, job training, English language classes, government services, starting a business and much more.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, you’re invited to the first annual Women in Business Expo on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at the Marriott in Brantford. Network, learn, and showcase women in business from Brantford, Brant County, Norfolk County and other surrounding communities.

The event will be featuring:⁠

• Trade Show
• Guest Speakers⁠
• Prize Giveaways⁠
• Photo Booth⁠
• Swag Bags

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All are welcome to attend! You can come check out the trade show, listen to a guest speaker or two, network, or stay for the whole day.

This event is free for people to attend. Please pre-register: 

https://womeninbusinessexpo.ca/event/women-in-business-expo/

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