InTouch, July 2021

JULY 2021

WITH BRANTFORD • BRANT

Chamber of Commerce Brantford • Brant

13TH ANNUAL CHAMBER TRADE SHOW THREE DAY EVENT – SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2021 EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED SEE CENTRESPREAD FOR DETAILS.

The One Stop Print Shop

PRESIDENT

Ken McNaughton

WITH BRANTFORD • BRANT

McNaughton Agency Inc. The Cooperators

JULY 2021

1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Paul Bisanti

Lanca Contracting Ltd.

For all of your print needs...

2ND VICE PRESIDENT

Chris Rayfield

Methapharm Inc./ ACIC Pharmaceuticals Inc. TREASURER

Jacinda Reitsma Conestoga College

• Business Cards, • Presentation Folders, • Labels & Stickers, • And much more...

PAST PRESIDENT

13th Annual Trade Show September 28, 29 & 30, 2021 Find all the details!

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Paul McCaig

Paulsan Construction

Financial Feature Medical Expenses – Eligible or Ineligible?

DIRECTORS

Garnet Lasby

Massilly North America Inc.

Joy O’Donnell

Grand Financial Planning

Trevor Rumble

The Marco Corporation

Eddy Vance

Ask a Lawyer

The Temporary Layoff: Does it Even Exist?

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

Sandra Vos

Brant County Federation of Agriculture

Mike Yarek

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Business Excellence Award Winners Announced!

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Mayor Kevin Davis City of Brantford Mayors’ Luncheon

Mike Yarek Dodge Chrysler Ltd. SECRETARY TO THE BOARD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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David Prang LIAISONS

Dan McCreary City of Brantford County of Brant JCI Brantford

July 2021

519.759.0087 www.mtprint.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

David Prang Managing Editor

Leslie Barker Events Coordinator

Greg Evans Advertising

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Mayor David Bailey Mayor Kevin Davis City of Brantford County of Brant

is published six times a year by the Chamber of Commerce Brantford • Brant

Marc LaFerriere Michelle Giffin

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77 Charlotte Street, Brantford, ON N3T 2W8 Phone: 519-753-2617 • Fax: 519-753-0921 www.brantfordbrantchamber.com Mandate: To be the voice of business that promotes economic growth and prosperity in our community.

Publication Agreement # 4076850

Mayor David Bailey July 2021 County of Brant

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Message from the President of Commerce rolled out the distribution of workplace rapid testing kits to all small businesses in the region. These kits will allow our business community to open up and return to normal with a greater level of comfort that they are doing everything they can to protect their employees and the customers they serve.

enhance efficiencies, branding and our teleconference and media delivery abilities.

Welcome to the second half of 2021! And what a start to the year it has been.

By the time you have read this we have already presented the winners of the 2021 Business Excellence Awards and I would like to congratulate those winners but also all the nominees for all the tremendous work you do every year. Your efforts contribute not only to your business success but also to the success of our entire community. Thank you.

In May, your Chamber, in partnership with the Paris Chamber and the Ontario Chamber

funding of up to $5,000, as well as advising, professional consulting, and coaching.

Have a productive, relaxing and amazing summer. We will see you all at the golf tournament on July 28th and then back again at the trade show at the end of September.

Coming up we have several big events and you will want to make sure you mark you calendar and reserve your spot soon:

Ken McNaughton - President

Ontario Starter Company Plus Grant Supports Local Businesses

• T he Annual Brantford-Brant Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament is July 28th at Copetown Woods • T he Chamber Tradeshow will be a hybrid of live/in person and virtual and will be September 28th-30th at the Best Western Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre • M ayors’ Lunch will be October 7th, also at the Best Western Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre.

Behind the scenes your Chamber will be working diligently over the summer to

JOIN US FOR THE 54TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT – JULY 28 CHAMBER TRADESHOW SEPTEMBER 28-30 MAYORS’ LUNCHEON OCTOBER 7

Owen Portelli The Ontario Government offers several grants and support to small businesses, new businesses, youth-operated businesses as we head into summer. One of these programs is the Starter Company Plus grant program, which is given to income generating businesses within their first five years of operation. The grant recipients are given

Local business Seventh Coffee Company recently participated in the Starter Company Plus program. Seventh was operational prior to receiving the grant; however, they had recently ramped up production and entered into a new lease, so the grant certainly helped with this transition. Founder Mike Gatopoulos says the grant was certainly used to expedite business growth. Like most businesses, Seventh was not immune to the problems caused by COVID-19.

“We had to change directions what felt like once or twice a week,” said Gatopoulos. In the case of Seventh, the Starter Company Plus program really helped to navigate the tough business scene during the pandemic.

What separates Seventh from other businesses in Brantford and in the program is that Seventh incorporates a social enterprise

A children’s literacy charity

Introduces

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Millard Rouse & Rosebrugh LLP 96 Nelson Street, Brantford Tel: (519) 759-3511

Partners: M.J. Dixon, CPA, CA • T. J Leyzer, CPA, CA • R.D. Sciannella CPA, CA, CBV • H.C. Johnston CPA, CA •S.E. Goodwin, CPA, CA T.B. Sinclair, CPA, CA • D.A. Cleary, CPA, CGA, CFI • S.D. Klein, CPA, CA • G.S. Gravett, CPA, CA•S.A. Salole, CPA, CA • J.B. Baetz, CPA, CA R.W. Storoschuk, CPA, CA • S.W. McGaghran, CPA, CA • J.E. Chowhan, CPA, CA • P.E. Merrylees, CPA, CA • J.A. Laporte, CPA, CA R.A. Parker, CPA, CGA, CFI • G.M. Malecki, CPA, CA • Q.E. Bateson-Hotte, CPA, CA Associates: B.Y. Brenneman, CPA, CA • C.J. Storoschuk, CPA, CA • K.B. Weames, CPA, CA • W.A. Deane, CPA, CA • D.E. Paxton, CPA, CA M.M. Malecki, CPA, CA • N.T. Nguyen, CPA, CA • S.C. Dykstra, CPA, CA • Wes E.B. Caldwell, CPA, CA

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July 2021

Gatopoulos had always been passionate about both business and quality craft coffee.

Gatopoulos would advise other Brantford businesses to “get out there and apply to as much as you can, and learn as much as you can.” Programs like the Starter Company Plus program may certainly get you on your way with creating and growing your own business.

Free at-Home Parent Resources to give your child a Strong Start to reading

Strong Start® continues to create impact in our communities with the introduction of our downloadable Parent Resources to support literacy development at home.

Established in 1920

component, which means that Seventh is a business with specific social objectives; seeking to maximize profits while maximizing benefits to society. Seventh works with many local charities, however Gatopoulos says that Lansdowne Children’s Centre is closest to his heart, as his son has benefited from their service. Further, Seventh is also currently working with Nova Vita. Gatopoulos says the criteria for finding charities is “really just about looking around the community and seeing who is making a difference.”

 Easily adaptable for children ages 3-9 years  Fun interactive games and activities  Uses items commonly found in your home  Developed by educators

Scan QR Code to Learn More

Made possible, in part by:

To find out more about Strong Start and our programs visit www.strongstart.ca Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

July 2021

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Membership Corner Greg Evans

Summer is peak season for a lot of our members here at the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant, but it’s never a bad time to explore new ways you can make your chamber membership work for you.

Carve out a spot on your deck with a beverage of choice, check the Chamber website for new events and member privileges, and start thinking about some programs your membership offers that you may have forgotten about.

Chambers Plan The Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan was specifically designed with the products, services and administration tools to match the needs of today’s small businesses.

It is the most popular employee benefits program in Canada for small to midsize businesses.

And here’s the kicker; the plan is not-for-profit and is administered collectively by Chambers across Canada. It’s built specifically to be comprehensive and affordable, not to make profits for a group of investors. All for-profit businesses are eligible while they are members of the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant - the plan is flexible depending on each member’s situation and offers solutions based on what’s best for Chamber members and their employees.

Member Privileges We’re fortunate here at the Chamber to have relationships with so many great partners who offer special privileges and programs to our members. I couldn’t possibly list and explain them all without making this article four pages long, but examples include: • E sso (fuel purchase tracking, detailed fleet reports, and 3.5c/L off gas!)

• A ir Miles (discounted rates to offer Air Miles at your business!)

• B arterPay (swap your spare capacity with other small businesses to save cash!)

• FreightCom (exclusive discounted shipping

rates, automated labels, and easy pickup scheduling!)

Take a look through the Member Privileges section of the Chamber website to find dozens of opportunities and privileges you may be missing out on.

Events and Marketing As the province begins to awake from our year-long slumber, take some time to familiarize yourself with the Chamber calendar to see what’s coming up! Our annual golf tournament, Business Excellence Awards, Business After Hours events, and Lunch and Learns are a fantastic opportunity to connect with other members and local businesses.

In Touch Magazine is published every two months and is one of the best (and most costefficient) ways to reach 2,500 local businesses and expand your reach. If you’re looking for exposure or promotion, the Chamber always has ways we can help without making a huge dent in your marketing budget.

Whether you’ve been a Chamber member for 50 years or 50 days, I’m willing to bet that your membership offers something you haven’t been taking advantage of – feel free to contact me directly for help finding the next way you can use your membership to help your business take a new step.

Membership Renewals ■ adidas Canada Limited ■ Air Liquide Canada (formerly Mohawk Welding Supply) ■ Apex Chain & Cable Inc. ■ ARK Electrical Ltd. ■ Beck’s Printing Services ■ Bert & Son’s Cartage Limited ■ BMO Bank of Montreal - Henry Street ■ Brant County Health Unit ■ Brant Family Eye Care ■ Brantford Public Library ■ Brantworth Mechanical Inc. ■ Caliber Target Systems ■ Careerlink Employment Centre ■ CARSTAR Brantford West ■ CIBC LPM Banking Centre ■ Copetown Woods Golf Club ■ Cowan Insurance Group Ltd. ■ CPM Group Corp.

■ Cutting Edge Engravers ■ Dan the Window Man ■ Datasym POS Inc.

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July 2021

Welcome to Our New Members ■ Driverseat Brantford Transportation Service Sean Mulder 207 Grulke St Kitchener ON N2A 2S6 226-401-8181 cambridge@driverseatinc.com ■ Heron Head Bikes Sporting Goods Stan Gorecki 366 Grand River Ave Brantford ON N3T 4Y8 519-752-0923 stangorecki@rogers.com ■ Seventh Coffee Co. Food Products Michael Gatopoulos 2-111 Sherwood Dr. Brantford ON N3T 6J9 1-888-218-4010 mg@seventhcoffeecompany.com

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Book your spot for 2021 Contact: leslie@brcc.ca Business After Hours is held the second Tuesday of each month, and is a great opportunity for Chamber members to network. For more information on hosting a Business After Hours, contact Leslie Barker at: leslie@brcc.ca.

Commissioning Services Chamber of Commerce BrantfordBrant provides Commissioning Services for Certificates of Origin and other documents.

$18 plus hst

for Chamber Members &

$36 plus hst

for non-members.

Call (519) 753-2617, ext 25 for more information.

Membership Renewals Continued ■ David Maltby Law Office ■ Days Inn ■ Driverseat Brantford ■ Eby Boys Transport Inc. ■ Elements Casino Brantford ■ Empire Communities - Brantford Communities Ltd. ■ Enbridge Inc. ■ First Defence Pest Control ■ Grandview Flour and Feed Company ■ Energuy ■ Gunther Mele Ltd. ■ Hearth & Home ■ Hematite Manufacturing ■ Holistic Healing Arts ■ IT Force ■ J T Auto Repair ■ Jeff’s at Work Office Furniture – The Design Center ■ The Keg Steakhouse & Bar ■ Kiwanis Club of Brantford ■ Krown & Leading Edge Auto Detailing

■ Lionhead Electric Inc. ■ The Looking Glass Optical Boutique ■ Lynden Park Mall ■ Massilly North America Inc. ■ McNaught Home Improvements Inc. ■ Mike Yarek Dodge Chrysler ■ Colleen E. Miller Enterprises ■ Mitten Inc. ■ Mohawk Motel ■ The Moving Box ■ Nancy Tomkins Implant & Denture Clinic ■ Niagara Peninsula Aboriginal Area Management Board (NPAAMB) ■ Nine North (Viet-Thai Cuisine) ■ Northgate Rent-All Inc. ■ Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre ■ OLG ■ Patricia’s Ladies Wear ■ Prima Klean ■ Redline Properties Inc. ■ Richard G. Sroka, BA, CPA, CMA

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

■ Ringuette Windows & Doors Inc. ■ Rosewood House ■ Rotary Club of Brantford ■ Sherwood Restaurant & Catering ■ Sleep ‘N Comfort Centre ■ H. C. Sleeth & Sons ■ Sociable Kitchen & Tavern ■ Sparling’s Propane Co. Ltd. ■ TD Canada Trust - 70 Market Street ■ Teksign Brantford ■ VIA Rail Canada ■ Sandra Vos ■ W.A. Maguire Sales Ltd. ■ Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie ■ YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford

CHECK OUT ALL THE BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO OUR MEMBERS! www.brantfordbrantchamber.com Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Family owned and operated for 50 years

SALES & SERVICE • REPAIRS & INSTALLATIONS FULLY LICENSED & INSURED Licensed Backflow Technicians Drain & Sewer Cleaning • Water Treatment Systems Plumbing Fixture Installations Electric Water Heaters • Custom Homes

118 COCKSHUTT ROAD, BRANTFORD 519-753-6363 boyleplumbingheating.ca July 2021

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Advocacy The past sixteen months have offered hundreds of opportunities for the Chamber and our network partners to learn about the previously unimaginable challenges facing businesses during a global pandemic, and conversely, to share those concerns with government at all levels and in many cases see programs and services developed, and improved, in a matter of weeks, instead of traditional policy cycles of years. It has been extraordinary being able to work on hyper-local challenges of businesses in our region who are creatively responding to the public health guidelines and trying to stay operational and in-service to their clients, as well as national, provincial, and regional efforts to improve access to support programs for business, rapid testing kits for business, and vaccines for all Canadians.

Our Rapid Screening Kits program has proven to be a popular tool for businesses to safely re-open and ensure safe workplaces through the testing of asymptomatic individuals. We anticipate this program continuing throughout the summer, please reach out to the Chamber

Get Your Building On Track!

office to take advantage of this free program. As one of the first 20 Chambers in the country to roll this out, in partnership with the Paris & District Chamber of Commerce, we are so delighted to be able to deliver this to our region, and for the immediate support from the Board, our municipalities, and our Health Unit.

This summer, we look forward to rolling out a more intentional engagement program for our local, provincial, and federal advocacy efforts, in anticipation of an upcoming Federal Election, and the scheduled Provincial (June 2, 2022) and Municipal (October 24, 2022) elections. Our Advocacy Committee, through our social media channels including re-introducing our podcast and through ChamberTV, will highlight our positions and seek feedback on our website, at brantfordbrantchamber.com/advocacy/policy-papers/ Please continue to share your challenges, questions, and ideas as they arise, and stay safe this summer.

CHAMBER MERCHANT DISCOUNT PROGRAMS

Our Discount programs mean direct savings for your business.

Learn more at brantfordbrantchamber.com/discount-partners

THANK YOU BRANTFORD FOR SUPPORTING THE 1AWARDS! Congratulations to Cara & Co. Silicone Craft Supply and Our Kitchen Brantford on being named a top 10 finalist!

BRAND NEW River Rail Business Park Industrial land for SALE OR LEASE with Rail Shunt Available!

Located at Powerline & Oak Park, River Rail is the only one of its kind in Brant County, with C.N. Rail shunts available and immediate access to Highway 403. All buildings feature premium façade treatments and more! Inquire today. Let’s get your exciting new Class ‘A’ M3 Industrial Space rolling.

FirstOntario.com

1-800-616-8878

• • • •

Contact@FirstOntario.com

Up to 500,000 sq.ft. Design-Build Opportunities Located at Powerline & Oak Park in Brant County Ample parking available 10% Finished Office Space with Mezzanine

• • • •

Access to Highway 403 Minutes to Pearson International Airport Supports various uses Hwy 403 signage visibility

For more information contact LANCA CONTRACTING LIMITED AT 519.756.1880 • LANCA.COM

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July 2021

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

July 2021

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Member Profile

Ask A Lawyer

Driverseat Brantford Sean Mulder, the owner of Driverseat Brantford, launched his first Driverseat terminal in 2019 in Cambridge and has been operating during the pandemic for the last year and a half. He loves the Brantford community and was extremely excited to share his launch of Driverseat Brantford on June 1st.

As a small business owner, Sean recognizes that the value of supporting the community has become extremely evident throughout the pandemic. Many industries have experienced struggles through this past year, and Sean is very excited to help support the re-growth of our local economy.

The Temporary Layoff: Does it Even Exist?

vulnerable sector in the community, assisting them in accessing services, appointments, and amenities.

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

With the reopening of our economy, we will continue to see an increase in demand for our consumer services such as wine tours, craft brewery tours, weddings, and transporting clients to the airport. Driverseat Brantford looks forward to providing the community with exclusive transportation solutions to ensure their experiences are memorable.

Driverseat Brantford is the community’s premiere Shuttle Service, offering Designated Driver, Airport Chauffeur and Shuttle, Assisted Transport, Corporate Transport, and Vehicle Chauffeur services. Driverseat has developed new and innovative ways to support clients with their essential travel needs, such as our Care+ services initiative to support the

Caitlin Turner, Lawyer Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP Brantford, 20 Wellington St., Brantford.

If you are anything like me, you have been waiting for months and months for many things, like a vacation somewhere beachy, a celebration of a child’s birthday with a group of sugared-up toddlers, or the purchase of an article of clothing with that “I tried it on before buying” feel. Even more than these wonderful experiences, I have been waiting for a judge to weigh in on the existence of a COVID temporary layoff in the common law world of constructive dismissal. That moment has finally come!

Some context may be helpful in order to understand the suspense that employment lawyers, employees, and employers alike have been enduring for over a year. In the days before COVID-19, a temporary layoff existed only if an employment contract allowed it and only then if the layoff complied with the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”).

Without a contractual right, a temporary layoff was just a dressed-up constructive termination, presumptively entitling an employee to termination pay.

On May 29, 2020, our provincial government changed the ESA so as to allow an employer to impose a temporary layoff on an employee

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July 2021

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

in the absence of a contractual right, as long as the layoff was related to COVID-19 (the “IDEL regulation”). The IDEL regulation made it clear that an employee laid off due to COVID could not pursue their statutory entitlements to termination pay under the ESA. What was not clear was whether or not that same employee could still sue their employer in court for termination pay under the common law (the law that develops through decisions of judges).

On April 29, 2021, Justice Broad released his decision in Coutinho v. Ocular Health Centre Ltd. Justice Broad concluded that the IDEL regulation did not change the common law and that in imposing a layoff without a contractual right, an employee had been constructively terminated and was presumptively entitled to termination pay under the common law.

including how many other judges follow Justice Broad’s decision and how diligent the laid off employee is in seeking out alternate employment. It is also important to note that Justice Broad’s conclusion may have been very different had Ocular Health Centre Ltd. been forced to close y government order, like many non-essential businesses.

Those fortunate employers with employment contracts that included the right to impose a temporary lay-off likely slept better than those employers without such a right.

With a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel finally visible, many people are starting to plan their post-pandemic future.

Now might be a good time to plan for your business’ bright future, by updating your employment contracts. We can help with that.

This decision has gained a lot of attention and there is no doubt it will embolden many a laid off employee to pursue termination pay. How successful each employee will be in a claim will depend on many factors,

July 2021

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13th Annual Chamber Trade Show Three Day Event: Tues. Sept 28th, Wed. Sept 29th and Thurs. Sept 30th The Chamber of Commerce Brantford Brant invites you to attend our 13th Annual Trade Show, held in partnership with the Best Western Brantford Hotel and Conference Centre.

Exhibitors and the general public will be expected to follow the applicable social distancing guidelines. We will be following local and provincial guidelines which will be updated regularly and revised as we get closer to the event.

Come and check out 30 Businesses and organizations participating as Exhibitors, each day. Discover and learn about a diverse group of businesses, all featuring unique resources, skills and services. Each of them eager to share and exchange information and ideas.

There are 3 sponsorship opportunities available, one per day. If you are interested in participating as an exhibitor and would also like additional exposure, please contact Leslie for details and a sponsorship package.

This event is open to the general public and free to attend. Feel free to bring a business colleague, client or friend. Don’t forget your business cards, it’s the networking event of the year! You can also join us virtually, details to follow!

If you are a Brantford Brant Chamber member and would like to participate as an exhibitor, please contact Leslie at leslie@brcc.ca or call (519) 753-2617 ext. # 21. Or register directly online: 13th Annual Chamber Trade Show: Sign Up Form (brantfordbrantchamber.com)

158 Guest Rooms & Suites Unique Features such as Patio or Balcony, Oversized Whirlpools, and Bunk Beds!

On-Site Restaurant & Bar "Hidden Gem" Licensed Patio Events Small to Large with Customized On-Site Catering Call today for a property tour!

STAY WITH PEOPLE WHO CARE

19 Holiday Drive, Brantford | 519-753-8651 | Toll Free 877-341-1234 www.bestwesternbrantford.com

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July 2021

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner Special Events

519-753-6002 myrasbarandgrill.com July 2021

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Member Profile NPAAMB Did you know, we are your neighbors? NPAAMB has an office right here in Brantford, and we are hiring youth right now -to work for you.

It is our goal to build opportunities that reflect community need and respond to existing and future labour market trends. We need partners to do that, and where better to start than small businesses in our community?

Established in 1992, NPAAMB is a not-for-profit organization with a primary mandate to provide employment and training solutions to prepare self-identifying urban Indigenous youth for a successful transition into the labour market.

SALES • 24/7 SERVICE • INSTALLATION

MARCH 2021 JAN UAR

Heating • Air Conditioning Refrigeration • Ventilation Hydronic Heating

AN TF WI TH BR

BR AN T OR D •

WITH BRANT FORD • BRANT BELL COMMUNITY BUILDER

Chamber of Commerce Brantford • Brant

working. In return for offering a placement, NPAAMB will cover minimum wage and maybe even the MERC’s, depending on the program. Work placements range from summer student positions, to 12-week placements, with an opportunity to extend in some circumstances.

The object of our placements is for Indigenous youth to learn skills, and for employers to be happy enough with the program to recommend it to other employers. NPAAMB has several programs ongoing, and we need employers to help us get Indigenous youth

We do require a completed application and monitors, both financial and performance. We want to know if there are any problems with the employment placement, so we can help fix them. Our local business partners can empower youth to change their world.

MAY 2021

Y 202 1

e of Commerc Chamber • Brant Brantford

Our Mission is to provide skills development and training opportunities for urban Indigenous youth in Southern Ontario. Our five Catchment areas are Kitchener/Waterloo, Fort Erie/Niagara, St. Catharines, Hamilton, and Brantford. This is where I come in, Bernadette, the Youth Services Officer for Brant County, Norfolk, and a little bit of Haldimand-Norfolk thrown in. My cell number is 226 387-0912. Please call me or email, bernadette@npaamb.com with any questions.

WIT H BRA NTF ORD

• BRA NT

Chamber of Comme rce Brantford • Brant

AWARD

Your propane company since 1951

NEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD

ENTERPRISE BRANT ENTREPRE

WATEROUS HOLDEN AMEY

HITCHON COMPANY OF

photo by

Clean Propane Energy

THE YEAR AWARD

N AUGHTO N MCN T MEET KE W PRESIDENE 9 SEE PAG YOUR NE

2020 Golf

2021 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STS BUSINESS EXCELLENCE FINALI e Obbink

Jeanett

PRESENTING PARTNER: BDO

Tournamen t pictures

courtesy of

2021 ANNUAL CHAMBER GOLF TOURN AMENT SEE

— SEE PAGE 12

PAGE 18 FOR

Our Kids Will Thank Us

DETAILS

ATTENTION

Convenient payment & automatic delivery options

ADVERTISERS! Working together to serve you better!

Appliance sales, installation, service & repair A er-hours emergency service

The deadline for the September 2021 edition of InTouch is

Canadian owned and locally operated

August 1, 2021 8 - 236 BRANEIDA LANE, UNIT 8, BRANTFORD 519-758-3500 or 519-751-9190 Fax: 519-758-3505 info@vivemechanical.net • customerservice@brantmechanical.ca

www.vivebrant.ca 14

July 2021

BOOK YOUR AD TODAY! Contact Greg at 519-753-2617

St. George 183 Industrial Blvd.

St. George, ON N0E 1N0

or email: greg@brcc.ca Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Toll-Free

1-866-517-1714

Visit

Sparlings.com July 2021

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Financial Feature

Medical Expenses – Eligible or Ineligible?

Horseshoe Tax & Bookkeeping Services

Some expenses that you would think are claimable are indeed not. Classic examples are personal alert systems such as LifeLine and AlarmGuard and Life Assur, just to name a few. Theses are indeed NOT claimable even with a prescription. One we are asked a lot is can “I claim my hot tub, I have a prescription” – the answer is no you cannot. The same applies for fitness and golf club memberships.

Melissa van Heurn

Some of the most common expenses we come across are claims for dental work, prescription drugs/medical cannabis/ orthotics, vision and hearing aids, attendant care, ambulance charges etc.

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July 2021

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Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Parking, travel and meal expenses can be eligible depending on the distance and reason.

Generally, if you were required to travel for treatment within 40 km’s of your residence then they are not claimable. However, If over 40 km’s from your residence then you may be eligible to make a claim. As with everything, there are exceptions and conditions and should be discussed with your tax preparer.

will provide an end of year report upon request. This eliminates having to hold onto the individual receipts themselves.

Any reimbursements received or fees paid for by an employer or other agency must be deducted from the original cost. You can only claim the portion you are out of pocket for.

Canada Revenue’s website has a detailed list of eligible and ineligible expenses. If in doubt, always keep your receipts for tax time and discuss them with your tax preparer. Rules and eligible claims are constantly changing.

Can I use a debit receipt as proof? No – it is must be an official receipt with the purchase date, the name of the patient, the item being purchased and breakdown of cost. Most people are not aware that their pharmacy

July 2021

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Business Excellence Awards - 2021 Congratulations to our 2021 Business Excellence Awards winners!

WATEROUS HOLDEN AMEY HITCHON COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD

PRESENTING PARTNER

West Brant Window World

WHAT’S KEEPING YOU COOL THIS SUMMER? Call today and talk to a BML professional about our preventative maintenance program

ENTERPRISE BRANT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Beauty Barn Spa BELL COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD

Lansdowne Children’s Centre

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS, THIS EVENT IS MADE POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF YOU! Our Services:

· HVAC/R · Plumbing

SONOCO CANADA CORPORATION DAVID BAXTER MEMORIAL AWARD

Outstanding Individual Achievement: Anwar Dost

· Millwrighting · Fire Protection

Call: 519-756-4150 www.bmlmultitrades.ca

2022 NOMINATIONS BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER. STAY TUNED.

54th Annual

· Electrical · Sheet Metal

A portion of the proceeds will be in support of: Crime Stoppers

Chamber Golf Tournament Wed. July 28th, 2021 Copetown Woods Golf Course

$185 inclusive per golfer

Includes your round of golf, GPS power golf cart, lunch, take home gourmet dinner, putting contest, golfer goodie bag and golfer prize.

Register at www.brantfordbrantchamber.com 18

July 2021

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

July 2021

19

Member Profile

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PRICING

Bell City Carpet One Bell City Carpet One Home & Floor is a proud family-owned business that has been operating in Brantford for over 53 years.

In 1968, Mel Gallant opened the store and now it is under second generation ownership with his son Robert Gallant. In 1994, Bell City joined Carpet One, the largest retail flooring co-operative with the buying power of over 1500 locations across North America.

Bell City Carpet One operates out of a 10,000 s. ft. showroom and warehouse with a huge selection of samples and exclusive in-stock

flooring products for residential, commercial and new home construction projects. Recently, they have expanded into custom kitchen cabinets and counter tops.

At Brantford Toyota, Chamber of Commerce members receive:

HOME OF NO ADMIN FEE

Bell City has grown into one of the busiest flooring and kitchen stores in Brantford with an experienced sales staff and installation crews. They provide customers with superior customer service, extensive knowledge, and large product selection. Connect with Bell City Carpet One Home and Floor today and start your next project with Brantford’s local flooring store.

Exclusive VIP Pricing on new and pre-owned vehicles No admin fee Great sales and service experiences!

Brantford Toyota donates a portion of all vehicle sales to Brantford community and mumerous charities included: The Shoebox Foundation, Brantford Food Bank, Boys & Girls Club of Brantford, Skip Burst and more (see our website for details).

Member of the 2020 Toyota President’s Club

5 Woodyatt Dr, Brantford ON N3R 7K1 519-752-1039 | brantfordtoyota.ca

Customized Insurance Coverage That Works for You

Cowan Insurance Group takes the time to understand your needs and build an integrated solution tailored to you.

Toll-Free: 1-800-563-0000

Business Insurance • Personal Insurance Group Benefits • Wealth Management

225 King George Road, Brantford, ON N3R 7N7

We care about what you care about cowangroup.ca

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July 2021

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

July 2021

21

17th Annual Mayors’ Luncheon Mayor Kevin Davis MayorKevin Kevin Davis Mayor Davis City of Brantford City of Brantford City of Brantford

PARIS Here we grow again!

Exclusive sponsor Enbridge Gas Inc. Date: Thursday October 7th, 2021 City of Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis and County of Brant Mayor David Bailey share their vision for the coming year and discuss current issues on the minds of Brantford-Brant businesses.

Registration and networking – 11:15 -11:45 am.

MayorDavid David Bailey Mayor Bailey Lunch - 11:45 am. sharp followed by Mayors’ discussion.

County of Brant Mayor David Bailey County of Brant Ticket Price: Members: $40.00 + HST. Non-Members: $50.00 + HST. County of Brant

Register online at www.brantfordbrantchamber.com

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Paris is set to receive the 4th DQ Brant location in the Spring of 2022.

Nominations are now open for the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant Board of Directors

This newest DQ Brant location will be serving Brant’s favourite soft-serve along with Orange Julius Smoothies, DQ Bakes Desserts and DQ Bakes Fan Food. Open 12 months per year, The Paris location will have indoor seating for 29 people along with a drive-thru.

This expansion will create another 30 to 40 jobs including both full-time and part-time positions. With this expansion, DQ Brant will proudly employ over 120 people in our community.

Positions are available for the 2022-2024 term Contact David Prang at david@brcc.ca for more information 22

Ken and Tammy Breau at the ground breaking of the 4th Brant Dairy Queen location at 989 Rest Acres Road, Paris.

Our commitment to building a stronger community will also benefit from this new location by way of the additional fundraising opportunities it will create. DQ Brant has donated more than $250,000 in the last 5 years to local charities and is looking to expand our efforts into Paris and surrounding areas.

#Brant proud, Brant strong Site Services and Buildings, Designed and Built by:

Leasing opportunities available.

Looking to grow your business? Lease space adjacent to our high-traffic Dairy Queen and maximize your exposure. Contact: ken@dqbrant.ca for details.

July 2021

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

July 2021

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Small Business Pandemic Support Programs Public Safety Community Improvement Plan (CIP) •

The Public Safety CIP or Community Improvement Plan is a new stream of funding to support businesses in implementing public safety measures.

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Promotes and supports safer interactions while allowing for business to be conducted.

brant.ca/PSCIP

Temporary Patio Allowance Program

brant.ca/TPAP

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The Temporary Patio Allowance Program allows for patios to be established all year on private property, and for a specified period of time on public property.

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Promotes and supports safer interactions while allowing for business to be conducted.

Responsible, Safe Visitation is the Priority (RSVP) in Brant •

RSVP in Brant or Responsible, Safe Visitation is the Priority in Brant initiative focuses on consistent messaging, education and visit planning to ensure those visiting the County of Brant place a priority on responsible, safe visitation.

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Promotes and supports safer interactions while allowing for business to be conducted.

brant.ca/RSVP

For more information on these programs and to apply, contact the Brant Economic Development team today at invest@brant.ca

Brant Economic Development & Tourism QDEC @InvestinBrant | #BrantWorks | invest.brant.ca