In this issue...

A Message From the CEO | Upcoming Chamber Events

Welcome New Members! | Updates from the Chamber Network

Hello!

It has been an interesting start to the spring so far, and a busy one with both the Federal and Provincial budgets being released last week. The links provide the Ontario Chamber of Commerce initial analysis of the budget for Ontario based businesses.

This week’s edition is packed with information and material you can use. Of note, if your business accessed the CEBA Loan as part of its pandemic response, we would like to learn quickly about your capacity to manage it, as part of provincial and national lobbying efforts. Please take a moment to answer our three question survey, and/or provide more information directly to David here.

The Business Excellence Awards, presented by BDO, and our Golf Tournament, presented by Millards, are both filling up quickly, thank you to our members, guests, and finalists for your support. Note our special event with Jon Callegher, an expert in recruitment to, and the importance of, Skilled Trades, presented in partnership with our two school boards and OYAP, on Tuesday, May 16th. For employers, parents, and educators working to develop this career stream.

Finally, two important connections with our Chamber Network. Our friends at the London Chamber of Commerce have an opportunity for free Joint Health and Safety Committee Training for small businesses, and for any business with payment systems, our partners at Evalon have a great offer. 

On behalf of the Chamber, have a great week and a restful holiday weekend with your family.

Dave

Lotus & Linh Inc.

To learn more about our new member, click on their name!

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!

Interested In Reaching 2000+ Area Businesses?

Our InTouch Magazine's advertising space is limited and our summer issues are filling up quickly!

If you're interested in reaching 2000+ area businesses, contact Greg at greg@brcc.ca!

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! 

FREE - Joint Health and Safety Committee Training

The London Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that members with 20-49 employees can now participate in a pilot program and receive FREE Online Part I Joint Health and Safety Committee training through a program being offered by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and OSG.

Why Register?

To be compliant with provincial legislation, companies with 20 or more employees are required to have a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) and must receive training through an Approved Provider.

Companies with 20-49 employees must have two certified people, one management representative and one worker representative on their JHSC.

Part I of the training typically costs roughly $400 per person. Chamber members who participate in this program will save roughly $800!

About the Course

• Chamber members with 20-49 employees are eligible
• 100% online
• Due to its safety sensitivity, JHSC Part I is rated as a 13-hour class by Approved Providers.
• JHSC Part II is a separate program and must be completed within 12 months of Part I for full certification
• JHSC Part II is best completed straight away

Registration, click here. 

New Elavon Promotion for April & May

[$200 Statement Credit for New Merchant]