Volume 1 Issue 4 | May 1st 2020
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A Weekly Roundup of Chamber News & Resources
We're Here to Support You and Your Business!
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Launched At Our April Business After 5pm!
The Digital Marketplace Web Portal!!
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Yesterday evening at our Business After 5, attendees got a sneak peak of our new web portal, The Digital Marketplace!! The Digital Marketplace is a Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce initiative to share local business and community information during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
From the beginning of the pandemic, we've been working behind the scenes to build a web portal for the Wasaga Beach community to help us all stay up-to-date and connected. We've heard our community asking what businesses are open, how can we reach them and if a business is open how do we interact with them given our new reality.
With those questions and concerns in mind, over the last several weeks, we've asked you to fill in our online form with your business information and current status of operations.
Note: As a courtesy to those who filled in our online form, we've added your listing information to our new web portal. We invite you to visit the portal and search for your business listing. From your business (place) listing page, you can click on "Claim Listing" to go through the process of taking ownership of your self-managed page.
With the launch of the Digital Marketplace web portal, we are sending out another invitation to all local businesses, organizations, associations, community resources, clubs and places to register for an account. Once your account is created, you can login to add your business place information and also add any upcoming events. Yes, you can do all of this yourself and update your business listing information as needed!
Note: We will be working on tutorials to help you with the set up process, but encourage you to open your account and start to add your business information as soon as possible.
Currently all event and business listings are free and you do not need to be a member of the Chamber to participate. Our goal is to build the Digital Marketplace as the go-to portal for Wasaga Beach business and community information. We need your help to do this! You can help us reach this goal by registering for an account and listing your business information as soon as possible.
Our plan is to market the new portal through both traditional and online marketing channels to spread the word about local business here in Wasaga Beach.
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Launched At Our April Business After 5pm!
Financial Resource Videos For Small Business
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Yesterday a team from RBC Royal Bank joined us at our Business After 5 to answer questions about financial support for small business. We also announced a series of
Financial Resource Videos to Support Small Business During COVID-19
. The videos are available in approximately 3 minute segments to make it easy to choose the topics that apply to you.
The video presentation features tax and accounting specialist, Colleen Bannerman, our Chamber of Commerce President and Owner of Wasaga Tax and Accounting. The video series was sponsored by RT07, The Centre For Business and Economic Development, South Georgian Bay's Small Business Enterprise Centre and the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce. Thank you also to videographer, Brian Hunt from H Visual Media.
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Wasaga Beach Chamber Resources
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The Digital Marketplace Web Portal
Set up your account and add your business information, including the unique and creative business models you've put into place in response to COVID-19. Visit our new Digital Marketplace web portal now:
www.thedigitalmarketplace.biz.
Financial Resources For Small Business During COVID-19
A series of topic-based financial resource videos for small business to help you during COVID-19.
Digital Community Information Guide
The 2020 Community Information Guide can be accessed here:
Getting to Know Your Resources
How Can We Help?
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LeaderCast 2020: Positive Disruption
Live-Streaming Conference
Today we find ourselves in the middle of a global health crisis that has not been experienced in our world for generations. This disruption to our routines, personal and business lives is a negative disruption for many families and businesses. In the midst of this storm, we have very
good news!
Leadercast Lake Country 2020—
Positive Disruption
is NOT CANCELLED and will livestream to your smartphone or other computer device on May 7, 2020.
Historically, Leadercast events have been held in-person, however due to COVID-19 and our mission to keep everyone safe and healthy, we are changing this event to a virtual leadership development experience like no other! All scheduled speakers including Andy Stanley, Amy Jo Martin, Dr. Henry Cloud and Magic Johnson will deliver inspiring presentations virtually 'in real time' on May 7
th
from private studios that are equipped to deliver
high quality audio and video right into your home or office space
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As a Virtual Leadercast Attendee, you will still receive your Leadercast journal and a whole host of virtual 'swag bag' items valued at over $100! You will also receive a FREE ticket to a follow up 'in person' event that will take place once the pandemic is over, so you have a chance to network in person with other Leadercast Attendees.
The Building Hope Project will continue to be the focus charity from any surplus funds received above the net cost of providing the event.
There are
scholarships available
for our local health care workers, front line employees or business owners with employees who are currently laid off and don't have access to funds to attend the event! If you or someone you know falls into one of these categories, please reach out to our presenting sponsor at
info@altavistaplanning.com
so they can connect with you about scholarship ticket opportunities.
At this very challenging time in our history it is paramount that we continue to build leaders worth following in our community and across this great country. Please help us get the word out to your social networks that Leadercast
Positive Disruption
is going forward on schedule.
If you have already purchased tickets, or wish to buy tickets for
Leadercast 2020—Positive Disruption
, please click the 'Buy Tickets' button now at
www.leadercastlakecountry.com
.
Once you have completed your ticket purchase and prior to the event, you will receive further instructions with the "how to" to access the simulcast on May 7
th
. Your patience is appreciated as we work through this challenging time, and we look forward to being encouraged, inspired, and fired up WITH YOU on May 7
th
!
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Canadian Chamber of Commerce
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Canadian Survey of Business Conditions (Over 13,000 Businesses Responded)
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Statistics Canada have been gathering data via the the
Canadian Survey of Business Conditions (CSBC). The CSBC will examine the data relative to the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, changes that businesses have made to adapt, challenges they continue to face and anticipated challenges as recovery begins. This data will be used by the government and partnering organizations for future decision-making to support the recovery of businesses in Canada.
5 Keys To Re-Opening The Economy
Businesses want to ramp up economic activity quickly and safely in a way that allows Canadians to get back to work while protecting employees, customers and the general public. As they implement public health measures, businesses will need time to procure personal protective equipment and change how they operate. Policymakers need to develop clear, predictable measures that are coherent domestically and aligned internationally where possible, and that minimize unintended consequences. Doing so will give Canadians the confidence to return to their workplaces and patronize businesses in their communities.
Reopening Canada's Economy: We Need To Hear From You
What issues will impact your company or sector as Canada begins to re-open? What kind of public health guidance will you require from governments? Your insights and needs will inform our discussions with governments as Canada re-opens the economy over the coming months.
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Canada Business Resilience Network
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In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has established the
Canadian Business Resilience Network
to help Canadian businesses navigate the COVID-19 reality and prepare for recovery.
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Ontario Chamber of Commerce
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Ontario Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Tools & Resources For Your Business
During these turbulent times, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is here to support you. As one of your indispensable partners in business, they have revamped their
website
to give you, your business, your employees, and/or members additional support throughout the COVID-19 crisis. This resource will be updated ongoingly based on member feedback.
COVID-19 Business Webinars To Support You
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has partnered with members to provide you with up to date information to support your business. Click here:
https://occ.ca/webinars/
Ontario Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit For Business
BarterPay: Get What You Need Without Using Money
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COVID-19 News & Resources
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Facebook Live Video Briefings With Dr. Charles Gardner
Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Join
Dr. Charles Gardner on Facebook LIVE for briefings three days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at 1pm). You can also access recorded videos on the Simcoe Muskoka District Heath Unit Facebook page and YouTube Channel.
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Federal COVID-19 Information Line (1-833-784-4397)
Public Health Ontario (1-866-797-0000)
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First Ministers Statement On Restarting The Economy
On April 28th, Canada's First Ministers released a joint statement. It includes a set of common principles for restarting the economy and acknowledges the need for a gradual approach that prioritizes public health and allowing for differences between provinces.
Quebec & Ontario Release Plans For Reopening
On April 27th, both the provinces of Quebec and Ontario released their plans for reopening their economies in the coming weeks and months. Both cautioned that a return to normalcy is, however, still a long-term objective.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program
Businesses can start to apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program beginning Monday, April 27. Use the
CRA website now
to calculate how much your business is eligible for. Also
announced
was an investment of $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Calculator Now Available
Ahead of the Wage Subsidy application process, which will be available in the coming days, additional details and a calculator are now available for businesses.
New Resource Web Page From Finance Canada
Finance Canada has produced a refined search tool to help businesses find the financial supports they may be eligible for, including direct financial support programs, access to credit and more.
Stop The Spread: Business Information Hotline Now Open: 1-888-444-3659
The province has launched a toll-free line (1-888-444-3659) to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Eligibility For Emergency Benefit Expanded
On April 17 the Government of Canada
announced
new actions to protect Canadian jobs and provide $1.7 billion to support businesses and organizations dealing with the economic impacts of COVID-19. These new supports are available to those unable to access existing supports including startups, rural businesses and communities, culture, heritage and sports organizations as well as young entrepreneurs. The government also introduced new measures to help retain and create approximately 10,000 well-paying jobs in the Canadian energy sector
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Funding For Indigenous Businesses And Financial Institutions
The government is providing up to $306.8 million in funding to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses and to support Aboriginal financial institutions that offer financing to these businesses. The program will be provided through Aboriginal financial institutions and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and the Métis capital corporations, in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada.
Ontario State of Emergency Extended By One Month
On Tuesday, April 14th,
Ontario
extended its state of emergency for another four weeks. Premier Doug Ford also pledged to move more resources to the province’s hard-hit long-term care homes
New Mental Health Web Portal Launched By The Government of Canada
The Government of Canada connects Canadians with mental wellness supports during COVID-19 with the Wellness Together Canada Initiative. Connect to their web portal or download the app to connect to peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls.
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Make the most out of your Chamber membership and take advantage of some of the most competitive rates available on shipping services with the
UPS Members Benefit
Program. We’re excited to share this opportunity with you and enhance our members’ savings through UPS
Plus, UPS is committed to providing value that goes beyond cost and on-time delivery. Customized solutions and reliable services for shipping, tracking and billing drive greater efficiency and streamline internal processes.
Put logistics to work for you! Receive these discounts even if you already have a UPS account. It’s free to sign up and there are no minimum shipping requirements.
Click here
to enroll and start saving or call 1-800-MEMBERS (1-800-636-2377), M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST.
*Incentives are based on the daily rates in the UPS Rate and Service Guide. The member understands that actual rates for shipments may vary and be less.
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From Our Partners | Employee Benefits
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2019 - 2020 Board of Directors
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Colleen Bannerman,
Chamber
President - Wasaga Tax & Accounting
Tyler Rollins,
Chamber Vice President - Key Mortgage Partners
Leslie Listro,
Chamber Secretary/Treasurer - Caithkin Treatment Foster Homes
Selena Blais -
Chamber Director
- Georgian Life Media
Joel Simpson
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Chamber Director -
Georgian Family Chiropractic
Jason Ruttan
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Chamber Director
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RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc., Brokerage
Christina De Palma
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Chamber Director
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De Palma & Associate Legal Services
Marlene Parkins
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Chamber Director
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Wasaga Beach Farmers Market
Jennie Elmslie
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Chamber Director
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Free Spirit Tours
Alex Colthart
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Chamber Director
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Forty-Four Inc
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Ava Alward
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Chamber Director
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Realtor, RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc.
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