In this issue...

A Message From the CEO | Upcoming Chamber Events

2023-24 Directory Advertising | Updates from the Chamber Network

Thank you to all of our Finalists, Sponsors, and friends for attending the Business Excellence Awards Finalists’ Reception last week. It was extremely social and popular, and we look forward to hosting the Awards, presented by BDO Canada, on May 4^th! Tickets are now available.

Staff are returning their focus to final preparations for our MP/MPP Breakfast on March 3^rd, our popular 2023 Business Directory, the March issue of InTouch, our signature golf tournament presented by Millard’s, and our 2023 AGM at the end of March, among our other events and opportunities for engagement.

Of note, the Chamber is proud to present a series of three workshops presented by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce through its DiscoverAbility Network this spring. These workshops will help you source and recruit diverse candidates to build a disability confident organization. See the graphic below, and watch our social channels and next week’s e-news to register. 

On advocacy issues, see the link below for a quick reminder on a Career Pathways survey to further understanding on labour market issues. The Advocacy Committee and staff are reviewing our Chamber policies and over 40 proposed provincial policies this spring, in advance of the OCC’s AGM and Policy Convention in April.

Looking ahead, the Chamber is pleased to support the City of Brantford’s Bike Month again in June this year. If your business would like to support or be featured as Bike Friendly, please get in touch with the Chamber for more details.

Finally, please stay safe as we get another blast of winter weather later this week.

See you soon!

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!

Source and Recruit Diverse Candidates to Build a Disability Confident Organization

Public Information Centre for the City of Brantford’s New Zoning By-law Project - February 27

Join in-person or virtually for a Public Information Centre on February 27th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to learn more about the New Zoning By-law Project. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback about the Strategic Directions Report.

• Attend in-person at Council Chambers, Brantford City Hall, 58 Dalhousie Street.
• Participate virtually through Zoom. If you would like to participate virtually, please register by 4:30 pm on Friday, February 24, by emailing cobplanning@brantford.ca.
• Watch the meeting live on YouTube on the City of Brantford’s Neighbourhood Planning Meetings YouTube Page.

There is no need to register to join in-person or watch the meeting live on YouTube.

Read the full notice here.

Looking for something new and innovative to help you attract and retain staff?

Career Pathways is a free online recruitment and retention tool for employers and job seekers. This innovative tool promotes in-demand, entry-level careers with opportunities for growth across Niagara, Hamilton and Grand Erie.

Check out the tool and complete the survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8DRFCZR.

Only 2 questions! It should take you less than 5 minutes. There is also basic corporate information and consent required by the funder.

It gives employers local information about jobs, skills, and training to assist in:

• Recruitment - there’s a good chance that we'll be including a job you're hiring for right now!
• Career Development – easily access a database of current local, provincial and federal training programs for your entry-level and mid-level jobs. They’re all in one simple, accessible place online!
• Employee Retention – help your employees navigate career pathways in your company. Show them the training they’ll need to progress and how to upgrade their skills!
• Understanding the Job Market - follow local job growth prospects and salary trends in your region. Quickly access similar jobs that your competitors have posted!

We need 120 employers across Niagara, Hamilton and Grand Erie to review the tool and complete the feedback survey to make sure we’re on the right track. You can help.

Why participate in Career Pathways?

• It addresses labour challenges faced by your organization by helping you find and keep the right person, in the right job, with the right motivation.
• It can boost your profile. Opt-in through the survey and your organization’s logo and website will be featured on our contributor’s page and viewed by job seekers.
• You could win 1 of 5 $50 gift cards!

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

⁠

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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