In this challenging and constantly changing business environment, the West Niagara Chambers of Commerce want to support our Members by providing relevant and up-to-date information. This includes government announcements and support programs, resources, webinars, surveys, and other important updates.

Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce - Rebecca Shelley

Lincoln Chamber of Commerce - Lindsey Hendriks

West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce - Denise Potter

All students will be able to return to the classroom full time this September under the Ontario government’s highly anticipated back-to-school plan.

The 26-page plan says elementary students and secondary students will attend school in-person five days per week, for the first time in months.

Remote learning will remain an option for parents and students who don’t feel comfortable returning to the classroom.

The best way to prevent COVID-19 from entering your business is to screen employees and visitors. You’ll find below the latest information from public health officials, including new guidelines for screening vaccinated individuals, and tools that can help. The Ministry of Health has released Employers Managing Employees with Symptoms within 48 Hours of COVID-19 Immunization, which provides information on screening in the few days following vaccination and specific requirements for workers experiencing symptoms.

Screening is a critical part of your COVID-19 safety plan, along with physical distancing, disinfecting, wearing personal protective equipment, and other control measures.

Screening helps identify workers, customers, and visitors who are infected and could spread the virus, especially those showing no symptoms of infection. Even vaccinated people should be screened since they may be carriers.

There are two main types of screening:

Rapid antigen testing is also being used in many workplaces across Canada as part of the active screening process to protect workers. While these tests are not as sensitive as laboratory tests, they can be useful in detecting people infected with COVID-19, including those who are asymptomatic. Rapid testing can be used following the initial screening procedures and are only one piece of a broader strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Refer to Ministry of Health considerations for rapid antigen point-of-care screening.

The reopening of businesses and recreational/leisure destinations in Ontario is improving our sense of well-being, yet many of us are still plagued by pandemic weariness.

With a positive approach and outlook, employers can help employees improve their mental health, re-energize and recover their motivation. Click the link below for seven suggestions.

While every harvest season is important to Ontario farmers, 2021 stands apart. The challenges associated with COVID 19 have been felt every step of the way. That said and as tempting as it might be, fast-tracking processes to make up for lost ground should not include any less attention to safety. This includes the operations of tractors on roadways.

“It’s one thing to work quickly, something else entirely to rush,” says Sergeant Kelly Prebble of the Rural Division, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS). “And this includes our approaches to the fundamentals.”

Things like regular equipment checks must be sustained, especially when tractors are being used around the clock. This includes monitoring tire pressure, lights, and brakes. It’s important to make sure that implements being towed are also road-ready with hitches, pins, and drawbars in good shape and secured properly.

On July 30, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, and the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, announced the extension of COVID-19 support measures for Canadians and Canadian businesses in recognition that uneven economic reopening across regions and sectors means workers and businesses continue to need support. These extensions include:

On August 3, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced an investment of up to $1.1 million for the 2022 Canada Summer Games Host Society in the Niagara region. This funding will help cover additional costs due to the postponement of the Games and impacts of COVID-19. The Games, which were originally planned for the summer of 2021, were rescheduled to August 6 to 21, 2022.

The Employment Help Centre is excited to release its 2021, 3rd Quarter Employment Forecast Survey.

This survey will provide some insight into Labour Market conditions in West Niagara.

Each year, the Board of Directors is instrumental in shaping the programming, initiatives, and growth of our Chamber. They are a dedicated group of local leaders invested in finding new ways to engage and support the Lincoln business community.

 

Do you want to get more involved in the Chamber and help lead our organization, or do you know a member who would be a good fit?

 

Complete the nomination form to apply for a 2-year position on the 2021-2022 Board of Directors!

 

Contact us for more details. Nominations close August 15.

Want to place your communication in our collaborative newsletter? For just $150 + HST, we’ll send your message to our collective 1000+ contacts!

Limited to one paid spot per bi-weekly newsletter edition, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Content to be approved by all three Chambers ahead of time. Must be a member (associate or full) of all three Chambers.

Contact your home Chamber for more details and to reserve your spot:

The West Niagara Chambers of Commerce are dedicated to supporting local businesses during the pandemic through advocacy, connecting you to information and resources, offering a space to develop a support system of Chamber peers, and more. Please reach out to Rebecca Shelley (Grimsby), Lindsey Hendriks (Lincoln), or Denise Potter (West Lincoln) if there is anything our Chambers can do to assist your organization during these difficult times.

We're with you!