From the Desk of the CEO

David Prang – CEO

As we wrap up the first quarter of 2021 we are also closing the books on a year of managing our business through Covid 19. For everyone, it has been a year of challenges and change.

Businesses have been forced to adapt. They have retooled their distribution models, they have adjusted their staffing and of course changed their financial forecasts a hundred times or more. We have had no choice but to learn and embrace new technologies such as voip, Zoom, Teams, Webex or a host of other conferencing platforms in an effort to stay connected to our team members and our clients.

Your Chamber of Commerce is no different. We are working to enhance our video conferencing abilities and are making changes to our member offerings with the goal of increasing value for our members. Some programs will be eliminated as they no longer fit, while others are seeing changes, and of course, new ones are being added to the program calendar. You can look forward to seeing more frequent, but smaller meetings tailored to specific industries in addition to some of your favourites.

Parliamentary Assistant to the President of the Treasury Board, Rudy Cuzetto, for a prebudget consultation, joined by several small businesses and associations.

We hope to be hosting several more of these round tables over the coming months as they give our members direct access to the policy makers. Watch our website and weekly eblasts for upcoming announcements.

While this year will be different again, our region is prepared and well positioned for growth with a strong business community and dedicated, effective elected officials to continue to improve the quality of life in Brantford-Brant.

Business After Hours events have been paused during the pandemic but one of our signature events; the Business Excellence Awards have moved online and continue virtually. The finalists were announced on February 2nd and winners will be announced at our gala event on Thursday, May 20th, proudly presented by BDO Canada . Be sure to get your tickets for the online ceremony from the Chamber website.

Remember, we are here to help you and your business. The vaccines continue to roll out across the country and business confidence levels are on the rise.