Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce Logo
Volume 1 Issue 5 | May 7th 2020
A Weekly Roundup of Chamber News & Resources
We're Here to Support You and Your Business!
Did You Miss Our Virtual Business After 5 Last Week?
Watch The Replay!
Greetings!

Last week we hosted our inaugural virtual Business After 5 using Zoom's video conferencing technology and the replay is now available for you to review (see below). It was an action-packed call with 32 participants! Here's what a couple of attendees had to say:

I wanted to let you know how impressed I was on Thursday evening. So many attendees and so well organized! Lots of good stories about the local businesses and how busy they've been. I have to admit, it was much easier for me to attend from home rather than put in a full day at the office and travel to the meeting after work. I look forward to the next After 5.

Thank you so much for inviting us to join your meeting! Very well run and lots of great info.

We'd like to thank everyone who attended and shared news about their business. A special shout out to our sponsors RBC Royal Bank and their team for sharing information about the financial support available to small business during COVID-19.

We also announced the launch of a special pandemic video series: Financial Resources For Small Business During COVID-19 and our all new Digital Marketplace Web Portal to promote your business (and events) for FREE during the pandemic. You are welcome to review the replay or refer to the written details provided below.

Thank you to our prize sponsors and winners!! See more information below.

Be sure to save the date for our upcoming virtual Business After 5 on Thursday, May 28th! More details to come.

Sincerely,
Your Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce
Thank You To Our April Business After 5 Prize Sponsors &
Congratulations To The Winners!
$25 Gift Card to Cindy Griffiths, Georgian College
$99 Chamber Leadercast Ticket to Nancy Griffin, Tec-Canada
Wasaga Beach Brewing Company Swag Bag to Steve Wallace, Air Cadets
Watch April's Business After 5 Replay!
Launched At Our April Business After 5pm!
Financial Resource Videos For Small Business
Last week 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.
Launched At Our April Business After 5pm!
The Digital Marketplace Web Portal!!
Last week 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.
Wasaga Beach Chamber Resources
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
Access videos to learn more about the local and regional resources that are available to your business: https://wasagachamber.com/news-article.php?id=54 

How Can We Help?
The Chamber is a 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 or you can call 705-429-2247.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Survey of Business Conditions (Results Of The Survey Are In)
The Canadian Survey on Business Conditions, a joint effort between Statistics Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, provides the most detailed insight yet into the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian businesses. The survey is Canada's first comprehensive view into how our businesses are managing as the COVID-19 shutdown continues. In all, more than 13,000 businesses participated – thank you! Explore the findings.

COVID-19 & The Anatomy Of An Economic Downturn
Our current economic downturn is unprecedented compared to financial crises of the past. So, how is it different? What is expected? And how do we overcome it? Find out in this video with our Chief Economist and VP of Policy, Dr. Trevin Stratton. 

International Chamber of Commerce Launches SOS (Save Our SMEs) Website
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has launched a new website for the SOS (Save Our SMEs) campaign. The website features key advocacy materials and is designed to help entrepreneurs find the insights and information they need to navigate through COVID-19. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canada's national committee for the ICC, provides a platform for our members to become involved in International Chamber of Commerce activities. Visit SOS website.

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.
Canada Business Resilience Network
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.
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
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
BarterPay has made a special offer for the first 1,000 businesses within the Chamber Network membership (province-wide–not per chamber or board of trade) that sign up. Click here to view video newscast: https://www.chch.com/bartering-economy/ . For more information: https://chamber.barterpay.ca/occ_barterpay_partnership1
Town of Wasaga Beach
COVID-19 News & Resources
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.
Federal COVID-19 Information Line (1-833-784-4397)
Public Health Ontario (1-866-797-0000)
Ontario Extends All COVID-19 Emergency Orders Past Victoria Day

Visit The Main Ontario Government Newsroom

COVID-19 TACKLING THE BARRIERS WEBSITE
On April 28, the Ontario government  announced  that it would be accepting proposals for temporarily changing rules and regulations through its  COVID-19: Tackling the Barriers  website. In order to help Ontario businesses deal with immediate challenges, the province will be pausing or extending any existing public consultations, delaying non-urgent related consultations while the emergency situation remains in place, and considering extending deadlines for reports and audits. 

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 Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) Portal
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is administering the CECRA program on behalf of the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories. CMHC now has a portal online for the program; however, applications are still unavailable. Access the CMHC portal and sign up to receive updates.

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.

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

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.
COVID-19 Printables
Member Perk
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.
From Our Partners | Employee Benefits
2019 - 2020 Board of Directors
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 - Chamber Director - Georgian Family Chiropractic
Jason Ruttan - Chamber Director - RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc., Brokerage
Christina De Palma - Chamber Director - De Palma & Associate Legal Services
Marlene Parkins - Chamber Director - Wasaga Beach Farmers Market
Jennie Elmslie - Chamber Director - Free Spirit Tours
Alex Colthart - Chamber Director - Forty-Four Inc .
Ava Alward - Chamber Director - Realtor, RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc.