CHAMBER CHAT - HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Oh - if only we'd even had time to take a holiday picture... it's been all hands on deck to move rapid tests out the past couple of weeks. While we've been providing tests to a growing number of businesses over the past 6 months, our weekly report jumped from 184 businesses and almost 21,000 tests on December 10 to 356 businesses and 29,000+ on December 17... with new orders coming in about every 30 minutes for the past 10 days.

The good news is that we don't have a single rapid test sitting in the Cabin over the holidays. Our inventory is in the hands of small business owners who will be able to help keep their workplaces safer. Thanks to Lisa, Anna and Susan for continuing to rise to whatever occasion the pandemic presents and pulling together whatever resources are needed to get the job done. And we all got our steps in running down to the basement to bring up packed orders for pickups.

It was quite a way to end the year - just a month ago, we were enjoying our first in-person breakfast since this all started - and it felt so good. December was supposed to be about preparing our 2022 Membership Information guide with highlights from 2021 and aspirations for 2022.

We did conduct the official business of swearing in the new Board, though we missed out on the traditional photo. Reflections from outgoing President, Peter Kempenaar (Taskforce Engineering) and goals from incoming President, Anthony Callaghan (McDougall Insurance) will be shared as part of that Membership Guide as well.

We also welcomed Brian Pennell, Kennametal as the new Manufacturing representative and Ian Wilson, Taskforce Engineering for a one-year appointment.

Warm thanks and farewell to Greg Sudds (West City Honda), Past-President and as well to Jessica Klein who leaves after her first term to pursue academic interests and a new career. After a number of years as the manufacturing representative, Kevin McCaughen (Sigma Stretch Film) announced his upcoming retirement earlier in 2021 and Jeff Wood filled in the remainder of this year's term. We've appreciated them both and we look forward to Jeff joining our Government Affairs and Membership committees in 2022.

The executive officers were also elected as follows
Christina Wallis, Wallis Law - 1st Vice
Dale Hoard, Microage Technology - 2nd Vice
Sandra Leslie, Meta Employment Services - 3rd Vice
Jeanette Cyr-Guerreiro, Wilkinson & Co., Treasurer

Shaun Stickle, Sommers Generator Systems and Scott Bartley, Restore Balance were acclaimed to the two open director positions. This will be Shaun's second three year term and Scott comes in after serving a one-year term appointment.

Returning members are
Wendy Kellar, Freedom 55 Financial
Karen Poste, City Representative
Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College Representative

I'm looking forward to working with a great group of dedicated volunteers next year - and I would love to see you join us on any of our committees! Please watch for details and how to sign up in January.

Our conversation on December 16 with Todd Smith was recorded - see the link below - and many issues were raised. We'll be working with our Government Affairs committee in January and other members of the Chamber network across Eastern Ontario to see if any of these concerns might form the basis of a policy resolution with recommendations we will bring forward to the Ontario Chamber for their advocacy work at Queen's Park in 2022.

Please enjoy a healthy and safe holiday - with all the best to you and your families, your work families and let's hope the rest helps launch a 2022 we can all enjoy!

Remembering Past President
Richard Courneyea
Richard served as President of the Chamber in 2015. He was still an active member with his latest venture - Signal Brewing Company - and his passion for Belleville as the best place to live was unmatched.

Details for the visitation and service can be found here... our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Shawna and his children, Davis & Destiny.

The service will be available livestream on Thursday, December 23 @ 11:00 am
The cabin is closed for the holidays from
Wednesday, December 22 until Tuesday, January 4th.
We look very forward to reconnecting with you in 2022.
We were so busy putting out rapid test kits this year, we didn't have time for anything else...
But we do like to reminisce
and the message hasn't changed
so please enjoy our 2020 holiday season video below.
(and remember to choose local, choose Belleville!)
Almost 450 businesses have received rapid test kits through the
Belleville Chamber.
Let's stay safe and
stay open!
Breakfast honouring QBAA winners a big success!
More than 50 members heard inspiring stories from:
Eric Lehtinen from Impacto - Business Person of the Year
Chad Guziewicz from Tire Wizard Inc. - Trailblazer of the Year
Josh Edwards from OSM - Tech Sector
Linda on behalf of Chris and Norah Rogers from Waring House - Sustainability
SAVE THE DATES FOR OUR NEXT BREAKFASTS:
We are keeping our fingers crossed we'll be able to connect in person once again
January 26 - February 16 - March 23
April 27 - May 25
In case you missed it last week...
DOWNLOAD YOUR DIGITAL M2M CARDS
It is even easier to SAVE just by being a Chamber member.

Digital cards can be downloaded right to your phone.
DID YOU KNOW that M2M offers can be utilized by everyone in your business.
Employees can take advantage of savings from these businesses and more...
Your membership connects you to more than 450 businesses.
Find what you need from people and businesses you can trust.
CLICK HERE for more about these programs.
Call Lisa at 613-962-4597 ext. 2 or email lisa@bellevillechamber.ca
THE LOG CABIN IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
5 Moira Street East, Belleville
613-962-4597