From the Desk of the CEO...
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Today brings a renewed sense of optimism with public health measures being lifted across the province, and spring arriving soon. A list of the provincially mandated public health measures being lifted is below. Certainly, many questions for business remain, including those who may choose to continue to use the proof of vaccination system. The Chamber is here to listen and support business as uncertainty remains to build safe and profitable business operations.
The Chamber’s 14 th Annual MP/MPP Breakfast on Friday, February 25 was well attended, even as the winter weather made for a challenging commute. While coverage focused on the invasion of Ukraine, MP Brock and MPP Bouma covered much wider range of issues, including rural and inter-urban infrastructure, economic recovery, immigration and the labour market, and several others. Thank you again to our partners Six Nations Polytech, Conestoga College, and Wilfrid Laurier University for supporting the event. Please check out the event on our YouTube channel here.
This week is Advocacy Week with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, with the Chamber meeting with several government and opposition MPPs virtually at Queens Park. The proposed Working for Workers Act (see below) will be on the table for discussion, as well as red tape reduction and pandemic recovery, please let us know how these and other issues might impact your business.
For industrial and commercial customers, the Ontario Energy Board request your feedback on the reliability and quality of power you receive. If convenient, a short survey is here: Reliability and Power Quality Review
Our Rapid Testing Kit program continues to be popular and continues to experience supply chain issues. Please see our poll regarding the potential future use of the program.
Thank you,
Dave
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POLL: Rapid Testing Kit Program (RTKP)
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I currently use RTKP and will continue until advised otherwise/company no longer needs them.
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I have used the program but no longer require it.
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I have used the program but will stop using it within the next three months.
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I have never used the program.
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Don't Miss It! Upcoming Chamber Events
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Please join us and presenting sponsor Advantage Group for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Presidents Event. Your participation in our upcoming AGM is critical to help shape the future for businesses in our community.
Come help us celebrate past president Ken McNaughton (Jan. 2021 - Dec. 31st 2021)
March 29th, 2022 | 5 p.m.
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Business After Hours - Holistic Healing Arts
April 12th, 2022
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Business Excellence Awards
May 5th, 2022
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Chamber Golf Tournament
June 7th, 2022
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Caution: Misleading Emails
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Many of our members have been receiving calls and emails from a company called That’s Great News trying to sell plaques and other merchandise related to the Chamber. This is an American company with no connection to the Chamber; they aren’t affiliated with us whatsoever. Please ignore any correspondence from this company.
If you’re looking for custom plaques or another similar item to celebrate your Chamber membership, the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant has no shortage of members right here at home who would be happy to help!
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Redevelopment of the Brantford General Hospital
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The Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant is proud to support the Brant Community Healthcare System’s Community Campaign, in support of the redevelopment of the Brantford General Hospital to meet the growing needs of our city, our county, and the surrounding region.
The Chamber has submitted a letter of support and will engage business leaders in the community to identify the importance of high-quality healthcare facilities in support of business.
Learn more about the campaign here.
The Chamber has a business-focused template letter for your use. For immediate access, please contact the Chamber to receive it, or look for access in future editions of the E-News.
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Need financial tips for your small business?
Join our free Instagram Live series on recovering post-COVID, implementing the tip financial tips for business owners, payroll and more!
Set your reminder for March 10th, 2022 at 12pm.
We can't wait to see you!
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Navigating the financial ins and outs of your small business was hard enough prior to the pandemic. Since the beginning of COVID-19, you have had to contend with hiring changes, revolving regulations and potential unexpected shutdowns that have all affected how you manage your business’s finances.
We’re here to clear up some of the confusion.
Join us as we partner with the Brantford Chamber of Commerce for a free Instagram Live event where we’ll walk through some of the top tips to get your small business’s finances in order, giving you more time and energy to focus on the growth and wellbeing of your business.
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Brantford Immigration Partnership | 2022 Summit
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FREE Virtual Event!
Wednesday, March 9th, 2022 | 9am - 3:45pm
Join us for the first annual Brantford Immigration Partnership Summit to reflect on successes and make plans for this year.
Agenda includes:
- Highlights from the past two years
- Community Research presentation
- Development of the Brantford Immigration Partnership Action Plan
- Newcomer stories and discussion panels with the Canadian Coalition of Muslim Women
- Excellent networking opportunities
Register and learn more here.
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The FirstOntario 1Awards kicks off 10th annual business competition
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The FirstOntario 1Awards is celebrating 10 years of supporting local entrepreneurs and their dreams of success. Business owners in Hamilton, Halton, Brant and the Niagara Region can apply now for a chance to win and share in $135,000 in cash and in-kind, professional services.
To celebrate this 10-year milestone, all FirstOntario communities have been combined under the 2022 1Awards competition with a bigger prize pot this year.
Successful applicants will present a 15-minute pitch in May to the partners who want to hear about the business – past success, present challenges and future aspirations. Winners can share $25,500 in cash and $109,500 of in-kind services. The partners determine how the prizes will be allocated following the presentations based on individual needs.
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Eligible candidates must apply online at 1Awards.ca before midnight on Friday, April 1.
Eligible businesses must have less than 50 employees and have been in operation for at least two years and demonstrate measurable growth, innovation and community impact. Full details can be found at 1Awards.ca
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An important discussion about diversity in the workplace, its importance to economic recovery, and hear powerful stories from women leaders making their mark.
Thursday, March 10th, 2022
12:00 pm-1:00 pm
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More Provincial and Federal COVID-19 Provide
Supports for Local Business
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PROVINCIAL:
For a full overview of programs provided by the Ontario provincial government, click here.
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FEDERAL:
For a full overview of programs provided by the Canadian Federal government, click here.
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Additional COVID-19 Resources
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PD27 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy Self-identification Form for Employers. Click here
Support for your business from the Government of Canada. Click here to find out which supports best fit your business
Support for Individuals from the Government of Canada. Click here to find out which supports best fit your business
Business Resilience Service phoneline: call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession. The service is available 7 days/week from 8 am – 8 pm ET
Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA); This $55 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits. Click here to apply
Develop your Workplace Safety Plan with tools from the Government of Ontario here.
For the most up-to-date provincial & federal programs, take a look at our website.
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Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant
519.753.2617
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