Volume 2 Issue 5 | March 18th 2021 |
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A Roundup of Chamber News & Resources
We're Here to Support As Your Indispensable Partner In Business!
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Winner of the Leading Advocates For Local Business Development
2020 Canadian Business Award
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Greetings!
We had a great time at our 3rd Annual Women In Business Awards in honour of International Women's Day! With 77 tickets sold and a resounding level of community support, it was a fun and memorable evening celebrating together as we cheered on both nominees and winners!! See pictures of the winners and the top two recipes from the mixology contest below.
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Our next social networking event takes place on Thursday, March 25th. Join us for this Business After 5 to get exposure for your business, win prizes and learn about COVID-19 funding, taxes and how to claim your home office expenses with Wasaga Tax & Accounting. Register Here: wasagachamber.ca/BA5
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Keep scrolling for more information about the many opportunities, events, relief programs and more that are available as a support to you and your business.
Thank you again for your commitment and partnership. Our organization is strong because of you. Together, we will continue to tackle this challenge (and whatever the future may bring), ensuring that Wasaga Beach will not only get through this, but will thrive in spite of it!
Sincerely,
Your Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce
P.S. Contact office@wasagachamber.com to get involved through sponsorships, prizes, volunteering, promotional opportunities and more.
P.P.P.S. Register for your FREE Digital Marketplace account and set up your business listing on Wasaga Beach's Community Information & Business Web Portal. Click here to set up your listing now.
How Can We Help?
The Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce is the support and voice for local business. Email us at office@wasagachamber.com to let us know how we can help. NOTE: The best way to reach us is by email at office@wasagachamber.com. You can also call 705-429-2247 and leave a message. |
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3rd Annual Women In Business Awards Celebration! |
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We had a great time at our 3rd Annual Women In Business Awards in honour of International Women's Day! With 77 tickets sold and a resounding level of community support, it was a fun and memorable evening celebrating together as we cheered on both nominees and winners!!
A special shout out to our Awards Emcees, John Eaton and Melanie Case from 95.1 The Peak FM, for keeping us entertained throughout the evening with trivia, award presentations and even a mixology contest (see winners and recipes below)! During the live auction and thanks to prize donors and bidders, we raised $1,555 for My Friend's House. Thank you to Julie LeBlanc and everyone from My Friend's House for all the work you do to provide a safe space for women and children in our community.
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Thank you to our Mayor, Nina Bifolchi, for kicking off the event with greetings and best wishes. And, BIG THANKS to our title sponsor, Caithkin Treatment Foster Homes, our award and media sponsors, as well as, prize donors. Events like this are possible due to your support! |
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Thank You To Our Awards & Media Sponsors |
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Thank You To Our Prize Sponsors |
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Congratulations To The Award Winners |
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FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by 97.7 MAX FM
Jessica Bigalke, Chuck's Roadhouse
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FEMALE MENTOR OR LEADER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Chuck's Roadhouse
Sonia Metheral, Dance By Design
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PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by
Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce
Catharine Sorensen
Body 'n Balance Physio & Wellness Clinic
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TRADES WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by
Wasaga and District Builders & Contractors Association
Sharon Brooks-Wallace
Beach Dental Hygiene Studio
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SALES WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by
Wasaga Tax & Accounting
Tara Orme-Latreille, 97.7 MAX FM
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OUTSTANDING BUISNESS WOMAN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
Sponsored by Wasaga Beach Brewing Company
Debra O'Rourke, Dao'r Designs
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SUPPORTHER (ALLY) AWARD
Sponsored by
Georgian Circle Family Restaurant
David Cubitt
Wasaga Beach Brewing Company
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INSPIRE AWARD
Sponsored by
Sarah Collie, Tim Hortons Franchisee
Michele Smeh
CrossFit Mozomo Athletics
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FEMALE BUSINESS OWNER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by
TD Bank
Cheri Dopp
Wasaga Beach Foodland
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YOUNG BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by
Alta Vista Planning Partners
Toddia Ververs
Make Great Wine
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COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD
Sponsored by
95.1 The Peak FM
Melanie Case
Skydive Wasaga Beach
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Congratulations To The Prize & Live Auction Winners |
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$25 Boston Pizza Gift Card
Hannah McEdwards
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$25 Chuck's Roadhouse Gift Card
Lori Burke
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$25 Georgian Circle Gift Certificate
Nina Eldred
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$25 Boston Pizza Gift Card
Michele Smeh
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Fitness Swag
Sharon Jirjis
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$50 Spa Gift Card
Sue Connell
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Beer & Swag Basket
Maureen Smithers
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Live Auction Prizes & Winners |
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Thank you to prize donors and winners for helping us raise $1,555 for My Friend's House.
Watch the new music video, This Ain't A House by Shipyard Kitchen Party and Friends to raise awareness, hope and support for the cause. Click here.
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Item #4
Tanya Hedley-Emmons
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CONGRATULATIONS!
Winner #1 - Lynda Jeffery
Winner #2 - Tanya Hedley-Emmons
Swag Bag & Beer Gift Basket Prizes Courtesy of Wasaga Beach Brewing Company.
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Chamber Calendar of Events 2021 |
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- January 28: Business After 5 - Know Your Resources & Benefits Chamber Open House
- February 25 : Business After 5 - Crossfit Mozomo Athletics
- March 8: Celebrating Women In Business Awards
- March (Mid to Late March): Community Guide Delivered to Chamber & Distributed Via Canada Post
- March 25: Business After 5 - Wasaga Tax & Accounting
- April: Chamberlicious Spring Campaign
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- April 29: Business After 5 - Nature's Cleaning Team
- May 27: Business After 5 - Rustuk Ink
- June 10: Business Expo & Annual General Meeting
- July 29: Business After 5 - Ontario Insurance Network & MMEA
- September 16: Business Awards & Recognition Ceremony
- October 21: Small Business Week - Mayor Salute & Chamber Mix N Mingle
- November 25: Business After 5 - Holiday Social + Toy, Coat and Food Drive
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NOTE: Event listings are subject to change and will be held virtually until further notice. |
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GEORGIAN BAY RESTORATION
Residential & Commercial Services
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IMAGINE JEWELLERY
Jewellery Store & Gift Shop
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ONTARIO GOVERNMENT
Small Business Supports
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RELIEF WITHIN REACH
For Simcoe North Business Owners
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Looking For Town Support? |
Click here to visit the Wasaga Open For Business Recovery Portal for information on financial relief options currently being offered to businesses due to COVID-19.
Click here to view the new publication that highlights why Wasaga Beach is a great place to live, work, invest and visit.
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Economic Development staff continue to be available by phone and e-mail to provide support and assistance to the public, business community and investors. Please call 705-429-3844, ext. 2274 or email at edo@wasagabeach.com.
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CENTRE FOR BUSINESS
Financial & Business Support
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SMALL BUSINESS
ENTERPRISE CENTRE
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Ontario Trillium Fund
$100 Million Over The Next Two Years
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Not-for-profits, tourism as well as sports organizations and culture operators will be able to access government support of an additional $100 Million over the next two years through the Community Building Fund. The Ontario Trillium Fund support can be found at: www.otf.ca. |
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The Ontario Arts Council
$25 Million Emergency Funding
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The government is investing an additional $25 Million to support core cultural institutions and artists with emergency funding. The Ontario Arts Council can be found here: https://www.arts.on.ca. |
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Thank You For Advertising Your Business
In The 2021 Community Information Guide
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WIDE CIRCULATION
25,000 copies of the The 2021 Official Community Information Guides are distributed nationwide through visitor information centers, as fulfillment to visitor inquiries, at trade shows, and through distribution at many local businesses throughout the area.
We also mail copies to all households in Wasaga Beach and select postal codes in Collingwood, Elmvale, Stayner and surrounding areas.
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The Digital Marketplace Web Portal!
Advertise Your Business With A FREE Place Listing
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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. We invite 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 as well as update your business listing information as needed! Note: Tutorials are available to walk you through the process. Click here to access the video.
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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The Chamber provides Personal Protective Kits to residents and tourists for $10 per kit. Business owners can also pick up a kit with social distancing signage provided by the Town of Wasaga Beach. You are welcome to stop by the office of Wasaga Tax & Accounting Monday through Thursday from 8am to 4pm. For more information or to inquire about sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, contact Colleen Bannerman at colleenb@wasagatax.com or email office@wasagachamber.com. |
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Sponsorship Opportunity: Personal Protection Kits
All Sales Proceeds Donated to The Ministerial Food Bank
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Financial Resources
Video Series
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2020 Community Information Guide |
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Getting to Know Your Local Resources Replay |
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Workplace Safety & Prevention Services |
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Post Pandemic Business Playbook |
A starter guide to restarting a Post Pandemic business. This tool can help you set priorities, get plans in place and protect your people.
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CTM Media Group Announces
1 Million Dollars In Matching Funds Program
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For Businesses That Have Been Affected By COVID-19 |
CTM is a leader in delivering your message to people looking for places to go and sights to see.
This past year has been difficult for businesses seeking to attract travelers and locals looking for fun.
That's why CTM is launching the Discover More! Program to help businesses amplify their message and make their marketing dollars go a lot further.
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Chamber Governing Bodies Resources & Links |
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Ontario Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Tools & Resources For Your Business -
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From Our Partners | Employee Benefits |
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Watch Our Video On Employee Benefits |
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2019 - 2021 Board of Directors |
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Colleen Bannerman, Chamber President - Wasaga Tax & Accounting
Leslie Listro, Chamber Secretary/Treasurer - Caithkin Treatment Foster Homes
Selena Blais - Chamber Director - Georgian Life Media
Joel Simpson - Chamber Director - Georgian Family Chiropractic
Jason Ruttan - Chamber Director - RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc., Brokerage
Jennie Elmslie - Chamber Director - Free Spirit Tours
Ava Alward - Chamber Director - Realtor, RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc.
Kathy Mulgrew - Chamber Director - Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues
Tanya Emmons - Chamber Director - Butterfly Bliss Healing
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