Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce Logo
Volume 2 Issue 12 | June 24th 2021
A Roundup of Chamber News & Resources
We're Here to Support As Your Indispensable Partner In Business!
Winner of the Leading Advocates For Local Business Development
2020 Canadian Business Award

Greetings!

We're bustling with events, news and activities at the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce! Here's what you need to know and can discover more about in today's newsletter:

  • The 36 Days of Wasaga~licious launched last Friday. Support local participating businesses for your chance to win weekly prizes and one of three Ultimate Grand Prizes. Visit www.wasagalicious.com for the steps to participate, to access the digital business maps, win prizes and more!
  • Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual General Meeting, Farewell Party & Virtual Business Expo last week! Watch the replay, see below.
  • Rapid Test Kits are now available to local Wasaga Beach businesses. See ordering information below.
  • We're having a yard sale! Many items were discovered that the Chamber would like to offer to the community in a yard sale as a fundraiser. We invite you to donate items as well. See more details below.
  • Join us on Zoom for our next Business After 5 with the singing chef from MMEA and neighbouring business Ontario Insurance Network. Register here: www.wasagachamber.ca/BA5
  • If you haven't already, take the time to look through our 2021 Community Information Guide: www.wasagachamber.ca/guide. Opportunities to advertise in our 2022 guide and map will be launching soon.

Keep scrolling for more information to support 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.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.
36 Days of Wasaga~licious
Friday, June 18th to Friday, July 23rd
We are excited to promote registered businesses during our 36 Days Of Wasaga~licious support local media campaign! The campaign started Friday, June 18th and runs through to Friday, July 23rd!!

To qualify to win weekly prizes follow the steps outlined below. You can also win one of three Ultimate Grand Prizes (see prize details and how to qualify below, as well)!!

The first set of weekly prize winners will be drawn tomorrow so jump in, submit your support local activities and share the campaign on social media!! Click here to see a list of prizes that you can win over the next several weeks!

To reach as many people as possible, we invite you to share the campaign on social media!

  • Include the hashtag #wasagalicious in your posts.
  • Feel free to right-click on the poster image below and save the image to your computer files.
  • Or, you can share the event post from our Facebook page. Click here to view post and share.
  • In addition to the event post, we also encourage you to share our Win Weekly Prizes post, click here to view and share.

Wasaga~licious is a business recovery initiative supported by the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Wasaga Beach that's designed to encourage Wasaga Beach residents to try a variety of culinary, retail and service experiences that are unique to our town.
For businesses who registered, your business received a digital listing and map location that is promoted to residents throughout our 36 day media campaign.

NOTE: Businesses are welcome to create a special deal to entice visitors to purchase and there is also an opportunity to donate prizes for our weekly draws. These opportunities are optional and not mandatory to participate.

For more information and to view your digital business listing and map, visit our website: www.wasagalicious.com. While on the site review the steps to participate and fill in our easy-to-use form to win weekly prizes.

Wasaga~licious encompasses all businesses whether a service-based business, traditional brick-and-mortar store, retail shop, home-based, online, restaurant or accommodations business.
Win One Of 3 Ultimate Grand Prizes
Wow!! Check out our Ultimate Grand Prizes and how to qualify to WIN!
Community Spirit Prize
Sponsored By Wasaga Beach Brewing Company

I share what I love and I love everything Wasaga Beach!

This prize is awarded to the top promoter. An individual who voluntarily shares the campaign and is the word-of-mouth advocate posting selfies, uses the campaign hashtag, and more! #wasagalicious
Contents Include $200.00 Visa Gift Card PLUS...

  • WBBC Cooler Bag Chair
  • WBBC Heavy Duty Knapsack
  • WBBC Baseball Cap
  • WBBC Utility Bag
  • WBBC Pint Glasses x2
  • WBBC Grocery Bag
  • WBBC Market Bag
  • WBBC Large Water Bottle
  • WBBC Ceramic Coffee Mug 
  • WBBC BBQ Apron
  • Bluetooth Portable Speaker
  • Charging Cord
  • Portable Power Bar
  • Leather Coaster Set
  • Earbuds
  • Foldable Backyard Party Cooler
  • Beach Mini Football
  • WBBC Beach Bag
  • WBBC Koozie, Beer Mats &
Sunglasses


TOTAL PRIZE VALUE $520.00
Biggest Beach Fan Prize
Sponsored by RE/MAX By The Bay Brokerage

I can’t get enough of the beach and it’s my business to support local!

This prize is awarded to the individual who shops at a wide variety of participating businesses, posts selfies and uses the campaign hashtag--#wasagalicious.
Shop-A-Holic Prize
Sponsored By Black Forest Cottages

I'm not a shop-a-holic, I'm helping the economy!

This prize goes to the individual who shops the most often, posts selfies and uses the campaign hashtag. #wasagalicious
Prize Includes...

  • 1 Week Stay At Beachside 4 Bedroom Cottage

Internet and Basic Cable Included
TOTAL PRIZE VALUE UP TO $2500.00
Steps To Qualify For Weekly
& Ultimate Grand Prizes...
happy_woman_jump.jpg
STEP 1

Make a purchase from a participating business

NOTE: See three digital maps (east, central and west) with business listings that include special offers, deals, and/or instructions to purchase. Visit: www.wasagalicious.com.

STEP 2

Share your purchase(s) on social media with a positive review/comment about the business and/or the product/service purchased.Include hashtag #wasagalicious in your post.

STEP 3

Alert us when you support a local participating businesses by filling in our easy-to-use online form found at www.wasagalicious.com.

Let us know the name of the business(es) supported and any details you care to share. Multiple purchase alerts can be submitted at one time for each calendar week.

Purchase each week and submit alerts using our online form to win weekly prizes and for your chance to win one of 3 Ultimate Grand Prizes.
AGM Farewell Party & Virtual Business Expo
Watch The Replay!
Did you miss our AGM Farwell Party & Virtual Business Expo? Watch as we celebrate the existing board and welcome the new executive and directors.

The AGM was followed by our Virtual Business Expo. This exciting event helped to Map Your Route To Recovery!! Watch the replay and...

  • Set your vision with Keynote Speaker, Sylvia Calleri
  • Dive into mini-masterclasses on digital presence, tourism recovery, and employee recruitment
  • Enjoy the celebration as we mixed, mingled and networked with other local business owners
Meet Our Expo Facilitator - Sandra Kahale
Strategist, facilitator, trainer, and host, Sandra Kahale, creates engaging online and in-person environments that help people connect, communicate, and collaborate.

An entrepreneur with business interests in communications, design, and scuba-related accessories, Sandra is currently working on 11 Rooms, a unique collaboration and retreat space in downtown Collingwood’s creative core that will open in Fall 2021
Your Business Recovery Vision
Keynote Speaker, Sylvia Calleri
In this dynamic vision-building workshop:

  • Discover the 3 keys to accelerating your success;
  • Unlock a powerful code for prosperous living: and
  • Apply simple thinking strategies that guard you from fear, doubt and worry

Transform pandemic stress into powerful strategies that boost your bottom line and create a more balanced approach to life and your well-being.
Choose A Mini-Masterclass
Watch The Replays!
Mini-Masterclass #1
Kim Clarke, RT07
Tourism Experience
Development Specialist
Boost your business with practical tools and strategies using tourism experience development!

Product or experience? Is there a difference?? When it's a struggle to open my business, is it really a good idea to start to add something new?

Join Kim Clarke, Tourism Experience Development Specialist at RTO7 and discover why the addition of experiences to your product offerings can HELP to boost your business during the COVID era and beyond.  
Mini-Masterclass #2
Ben Frisch, Team Lead
The Digital Service Squad

South Georgian Bay
Business Enterprise Centre
Let's plan your roadmap to recovery with our digital audit!

The digital audit is a tool developed by the Digital Service Squad as a starting point and conversation starter to gauge your digital marketing capabilities and educate you on general best practices.

The Digital Service Squad is a team of experts, here to help you improve your digital marketing.
Mini-Masterclass #3
Melanie Oliveira
Career Solutions
Employment Consultant & Job Developer
Ivan Collins
Career Solutions
Employment Consultant & Job Developer
Career Solutions Corporation is pleased to provide a wide range of services to Employers in Wasaga Beach and surrounding communities. One of the programs we offer is the Employment and Training Wage Subsidy.
 
Let us assist you in saving on the onboarding costs in training a new employee. It’s easy and employers continue to use this program once they realize how beneficial it is to their business and the job seeker.
 
The Placement Incentive for employers is intended to:
  • Encourage employers to provide on the job training placements, work experience opportunities, or skill level assessments to support an individual’s employment goals consistent with the needs of the current labour market
  • Encourage employers to support participants in addressing gaps in their credibility, skills and experience
  • Offset some of the employers’ costs, such as temporary reductions in productivity, increased supervision requirements, and out of pocket training expenses
  • Encourage employers to register/hire and train a client as an apprentice.
 
At Career Solutions Corporation we are committed to providing the highest level of quality service and we look forward to assisting you with your staffing requirements. We are here to help!
Rapid Test Kits For Businesses
Order Today!
Help protect our community by curbing asymptomatic workplace spread.

For more information and to place your order, visit:


OR
We're Having A Yard Sale!
As we are aware the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce has moved from 550 River Road West to the new office location at 2115 Mosley St.

Many items were discovered that the Chamber would like to offer to the community in a yard sale as a fundraiser for the Chamber and invite you to donate items as well.

  • If you are dropping off donations for the yard sale, please be aware, if not sold, all items will be given to charity and/or sold online using Facebook Marketplace, etc.
  • Please arrange for donation drop off with Kathy Mulgrew. Refrain from dropping off at either location without contacting Kathy.
  • Feel free to browse other donations and put $$$ that you feel they are worth in the cash box when you arrange drop off of your items.
 
The live Yard Sale will be held in the summer once restrictions allow and will be at the old location. In the meantime, we are selling items online using Facebook.

Kathy Mulgrew
705-352-0638
KathyMulgrew@hotmail.com
Join Us At Our July Business After 5
Thursday, July 29th at 5:30pm
You're Invited!
Join us at our July Business After 5 with the singing chef from MMEA - Like Nonna Made and neighbouring business Ontario Insurance Network.

Register Here:
2021 Community Information Guide
Delivered To Your Door!
WIDE CIRCULATION
20,000 copies of the The 2021 Official Community Information Guide were recently delivered to households and businesses in Wasaga Beach and to select postal codes in Collingwood, Elmvale, Stayner and surrounding areas.

The remaining 5,000 copies will be distributed nationwide through visitor information centers, as fulfillment to visitor inquiries, at trade shows, and through distribution at many local businesses throughout the area.
Community Recognition
Just a note to say – how appreciated all of you are at this organization.
 
A well run chamber makes a huge difference in the business community.
 
I run a networking group on zoom every week with 30 folks coming – mostly from Simcoe County and your chamber has been mentioned a few times.
 
I am grateful I get notified of your events to stay in the ‘know’ for others as well.
Chamber Calendar of Events 2021
Mark Your Calendar!
  • 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 29: Business After 5 - Nature's Cleaning Team
  • May 27: Business After 5 - Wasaga Beach Brewing Company
  • June: Wasaga~licious Spring Campaign
  • June 15: 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
NOTE: Event listings are subject to change and will be held virtually until further notice.
Welcome Our New Members



GREY COUNTY EXPRESS
Trucking and Transportation Carrier
WASAGA SOCIETY FOR THE ARTS
Art Gallery & Promotions of Arts
IMAGINE JEWELLERY
Jewellery Store & Gift Shop
Partners & Resources

RELIEF WITHIN REACH
For Simcoe North Business Owners
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.
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.
CENTRE FOR BUSINESS
Financial & Business Support
SMALL BUSINESS
ENTERPRISE CENTRE
SOUTH GEORGIAN BAY TOURISM
REGIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION 7

AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
TOURISM SIMCOE COUNTY

The Digital Marketplace Web Portal!
Advertise Your Business With A FREE Place Listing
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.
Personal Protective Kits
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.
Sponsorship Opportunity: Personal Protection Kits
All Sales Proceeds Donated to The Ministerial Food Bank
Community Resources
Financial Resources
Video Series
2021 Community Information Guide
Getting to Know Your Local Resources Replay
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
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.
Chamber Governing Bodies Resources & Links
International Chamber of Commerce - https://iccwbo.org

International Chamber of Commerce Launches SOS (Save Our SMEs) Website - https://www.sos.iccwbo.org

Canadian Chamber of Commerce - http://www.chamber.ca

Canada Business Resilience Network - Resources to help your small business navigate COVID-19 -https://www.canadianbusinessresiliencenetwork.ca

Ontario Chamber of Commerce - https://occ.ca

Ontario Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Tools & Resources For Your Business -

COVID-19 Business Webinars To Support You - https://occ.ca/webinars/
From Our Partners | Employee Benefits
Watch Our Video On Employee Benefits
2021 - 2022 Board of Directors
Colleen Bannerman, Past Chamber President - Wasaga Tax & Accounting
Leslie Listro, Chamber President - Caithkin Treatment Foster Homes
Joel Simpson - Chamber Director - Georgian Family Chiropractic
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
Zdenka Stracinski - Chamber Director - CroNorth Insulation
Jennifer Bell - Chamber Director - Bell's Maple Park