In this issue...

A Message From the CEO | Upcoming Chamber Events

Welcome, New Members! | Updates from the Chamber Network

Welcome to March!

Thank you to all who were able to attend the MP/MPP Breakfast on Friday at the Towneplace Marriott and Suites, and to MP Larry Brock and MPP Will Bouma for their engagement and advocacy on our behalf. See this link for the Expositor Article covering the event. Staff and President Paul Bisanti extended this work on Monday, March 6^th at Queen’s Park for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Day. Both attempted public transit with some success. Local priorities – particularly around children, housing, mental health and addictions – were directly tabled with ministry staff or the Associate Ministers of Labour, Treasury, and Mental Health and Addictions, and the Leader of the Green Party, MPP Mike Schreiner. A special thank you to MPP Bouma for the first Member Statement in recognition of our Chamber in the Legislature during Question Period.

Please check out our Instagram Stories this month. Our BCI co-op student has developed a series featuring Canadian women of significance in support of International Women’s Day on March 8^th. A special thanks to Jade and to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce for their work and support in creating and producing this series. Many Chamber members and friends are supporting and/or delivering events and activities this month as well, including Nova Vita’s annual speaker and dinner event in the evening tomorrow, and the new event by Chamber member Clarity Marketing and Design, free to attend at the Towneplace Suites by Marriott during the day. 

Dave

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Elavon's New Member Promotion for March Only - Meet or Beat with a $250 Visa Gift card

Great news! Elavon has a new promotion for March.

Customers want you to accept payments a number of ways: in-store, online, or over the phone. This doesn’t need to be expensive or confusing. Elavon offers simple and cost-effective payment processing solutions for your business Let them review your last 3 account statements from your current payment processor and provide you with a comparison of rates and services. They will meet or beat your current payment processing rates or they'll give you a $250 Visa gift card.

This offer is available until March 31^st, 2023 - If we are unable to match your chamber member’s current rate, or provide them with a better rate, they will receive a $250 Visa gift card.

To join in on this limited time offer, click here!

Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Funding - Intake Closing March 16

The Ontario government Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) funding program provides financial support to advanced manufacturing companies across Ontario with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. AMIC’s third intake round is currently open and will close on March 16, with funding decisions expected by June 14.

Ontario-based manufacturers can access this fund to make investments in technology, equipment, or skills and help make Ontario’s manufacturing sector more globally competitive. This provincial funding opportunity offers up to 15% in funding to help offset eligible project costs for investments over $500,000 and for projects with a 3-to-4-year timeline.  

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/