November 2021 InTouch Magazine

NOVEMBER 2021

WITH BRANTFORD • BRANT

Chamber of Commerce Brantford • Brant

MARKUS SCHNEIDER OWNER OF

MODO YOGA BRANTFORD NOVEMBER COVER CONTEST WINNER WINE, WOMEN & SHOPPING VENDOR

SEE PAGE 19 Photo credit: Malorie Evans, Oak & River Photography

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The One Stop Print Shop For all of your print needs...

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

November 2021

519.759.0087 www.mtprint.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

PRESIDENT

Ken McNaughton

WITH BRANTFORD • BRANT

McNaughton Agency Inc. The Cooperators 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Paul Bisanti

Lanca Contracting Ltd. 2ND VICE PRESIDENT

Chris Rayfield

Methapharm Inc./ ACIC Pharmaceuticals Inc. TREASURER

Jacinda Reitsma Conestoga College PAST PRESIDENT

NOVEMBER 2021

Wine, Women & Shopping Please join us for our 15th Anniversary.

Wed. November 24th, 2021.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. at the Best Western Hotel and Conference Centre.

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Tickets: $65.00

Paul McCaig

Paulsan Construction DIRECTORS

Garnet Lasby

Massilly North America Inc.

Joy O’Donnell

Grand Financial Planning

Trevor Rumble

Social Media Marketing Overrated or Misused?

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The Marco Corporation

Eddy Vance

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

SECRETARY TO THE BOARD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Probate/Probate Fees...

Millards Chartered Professional Accountants

LIAISONS

Dan McCreary Marc LaFerriere JCI Brantford

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

City of Brantford

Michelle Giffin

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Financial Feature

David Prang

County of Brant

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

2022 Schedule

Brant County Federation of Agriculture

Mike Yarek

Marrying the Idea of Marriage Contracts

Business After Hours

Sandra Vos

Mike Yarek Dodge Chrysler Ltd.

Ask a Lawyer

David Prang

Managing Editor

Leslie Barker

Events Coordinator

Greg Evans Advertising

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

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Message from the President using a hybrid combination of in-person and remote communication. Wine, Women and Shopping returns November 17th; tickets for this event always go quickly, so make sure to get yours soon.

Fall 2021 is proving to be an exciting time with new hope and renewed optimism. Things are slowly returning to normal, and The Chamber continues to lead the way. We are excited by a several initiatives that are available to our members. The Chamber of Commerce BrantfordBrant has distributed thousands of rapid testing tests to local businesses to keep workplaces safe. We continue to have these kits available.

Ken McNaughton - President Wow! What a difference a few months makes.

The Province has moved forward with the Vaccine Passport and no matter your views on this measure, it is allowing our members to further open their business to clients and expand their services. The Chamber included.

On September 28th, your Chamber hosted the annual Tradeshow and yes, it was in person for the first time in a long time. Our Mayors’ Luncheon was held

As we look forward, we are proud to launch a new program with support from the federal government through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce; Shop Local Brantford-Brant. This program will allow us to partner with

local media and local businesses to tell your stories to customers in a multimedia format and to support your efforts in other ways as well.

We’ve also made a significant investment in our boardroom, which is now equipped with a full suite of teleconferencing technologies and is available for use by our members and partners. Contact the office to reserve.

The last quarter of the year is always busy and this year will be no exception.

There will be opportunities to renew friendship and build new opportunities for you and your organization. Please mark your calendars for: • Wine, Women & Shopping – Nov. 24th • Chamber Open House and Christmas Party – Dec. 7th at the Rope Factory 5:00-8:00pm Best wishes for a great Autumn and successful conclusion to 2021.

Established in 1920

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

Partners: M.J. Dixon, 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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November 2021

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Clarity Marketing and Design entrepreneurs in Brantford/Brant, such as Samantha Gernhart.

Owen Portelli With this month’s issue being focused on the “Wine, Women, and Shopping” event hosted by the Chamber, it is appropriate to spotlight female entrepreneurship in the small business to mid-market level in Brantford and Brant. According to the Government of Canada Agency The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, only 16% of businesses in this market range are owned and operated by women.

There are numerous successful women

Gernhart has faced challenges as a woman in business in the digital age.

While Gernhart is able to create and code a great website, many didn’t take her seriously for coding jobs when she first started in a male-dominated field. While the market has changed since then, barriers to success are still present.

Samantha Gernhart is the owner of Clarity Marketing and Design. Her business has given her countless opportunities that would not be available to her if she worked a conventional job and not for herself.

Gernhart started her career while in high school, working with the Surrey School Board to increase web traffic.

After graduation, the school board offered her a contract to run the whole website. Gernhart followed through on that offer, founding her own business.

As with many entrepreneurs, additional support is required to level the playing field and get a successful start in business. Gernhart encourages young women looking to start their own businesses to go for it and see what the community has to offer and requires. “Look around for it, and take it.” Gernhart also advises young entrepreneurs to be diligent and “always do it right the first time.”

“Clarity Marketing and Design has allowed me to bring an income to my family regardless of location. This is important as my family moves around often due to my husband’s career. It has also allowed me to be flexible with hours so I may raise my children.”

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Chamber of Comme rce Brantford • Brant

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— SEE PAGE 12

Tournamen t pictures

courtesy of

2021 ANNUAL CHAMBER GOLF TOURN AMENT SEE PAGE 18 FOR

DETAILS

ATTENTION

ADVERTISERS! The deadline for the January 2022 edition of InTouch is

December 1, 2021

BOOK YOUR AD TODAY! Contact Greg at 519-753-2617 or email: greg@brcc.ca Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

November 2021

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Membership Corner Greg Evans

of options available to you.

Hey, I’m not here to give you any answers. I shouldn’t even be writing this article. I’ve helped less-internetsavvy friends and family members with some online marketing over the years and I find myself almost as lost as they were when they came to me for help.

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING – OVERRATED OR MISUSED? Whether you’re a new business trying to create a new space for yourself in the market, an old business trying to expand your reach, or any business trying to introduce a new product/ service to the market, you probably have questions surrounding social media marketing and the thousands

So when you sit down and look at all your digital marketing options; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat, Tiktok, Spotify, YouTube, Reddit… (should I keep going?) be sure you know what demographic you’re looking to target.

Gen Z? Investing your money in to TikTok is the right approach. 48% of Canadians between 18 and 29 have used TikTok this year.

Women? Take a look at Pinterest, where 71% of users are women

compared to their 29% user base of men.

Looking for a balanced approach targeting several demographics?

Tried-and-true options like Facebook and Instagram are okay, but explore some other options like Spotify, Snapchat, and Reddit – your impressions per dollar and efficacy of your message might actually improve using a new platform and reaching a new potential customer base.

The Chamber is lucky to have so many incredible marketing and advertising professionals in our membership – don’t be afraid to take a look through the membership directory once in a while to reach out to one of them for a little guidance.

Use your your Chamber network to your advantage!

CHECK OUT ALL THE BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO OUR MEMBERS! www.brantfordbrantchamber.com Membership Renewals ■ Abcott Construction Ltd. ■ ABE’S Wash ■ Alliance Security Systems ■ Best Little Tire House in Town ■ The Bodega Inn ■ Boyle Plumbing & Heating Co. Ltd. ■ Braemar House School ■ Brant Auto Painting ■ Brant Community Foundation ■ Brantwood Community Services ■ Brooks Signs ■ CG Print & Design / Brantford Apparel ■ CKX Training On-The-Go ■ Terry Collins ■ Country Cats Only Hotel ■ Cozzmic Communications*Technolo gy*Security ■ Creative Circuits Inc. ■ Dalhousie Place ■ Doug Campbell Construction ■ Eby Boys Transport Inc. ■ Execulink Telecom Inc. ■ Financial Navigators

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November 2021

■ GCI Construction Group ■ Gizeh Packaging NA Inc. ■ GolfNorth Properties Inc. ■ Grand & Toy ■ GreenMantra Technologies Ltd. ■ Greenspace Waste Solutions ■ Holstein Association Of Canada ■ HT Industrial ■ Impact Home Staging ■ International Trade Consulting Inc. ■ J.C.A. Food Services Ltd. ■ Ken’s Cabinets o/b 603085 Ontario Ltd. ■ Kneaded Care - Massage | Physiotherapy | Acupuncture ■ Lancaster Bins ■ Lococo’s-Brantford ■ Lynden Hills Dentistry ■ MAK Consulting Group ■ McNaughton Agency Inc. ■ Mitsui High-tec (Canada) Inc. ■ Modo Yoga Brantford ■ Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services

■ OLG ■ One Choice Logistics Inc. ■ Ontario Wildlife Removal Inc. ■ Paris Crane Inspection Services ■ Paulsan Construction Inc. ■ R & R Pools & Spa Supplies Inc. ■ R.B.T. Electrical & Automation Services ■ RBC Wealth ManagementDominion Securities ■ Robert Hall Originals ■ Romex Security Inc. ■ Royal Lepage Action Realty ■ Sexual Assault Centre ■ Solo Cable Solutions Inc. ■ STS Schira Trades Services Ltd. ■ Synergy MouldWorks Inc. ■ Total Rentals ■ Translations Paris Traductions ■ Valley Green Grounds Care ■ Wurth Industry of Canada Ltd. ■ Young Living Essential Oils ■ Zahlco Development

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Welcome to Our New Members ■ Fifth Avenue Collection Jewellers - Retail Narinda Coward (519) 771-2606 narindabasra@gmail.com 48 Muirhead Cres., Brantford, ON

■ Wixtree Massage Therapy Registered Massage Therapists Andrea Wicks-Cherry (289) 442-0600 andrea@wixtree.ca 3 Mill St.. Brantford, ON

■ Modern PURAIR Oxford County / Brantford Duct Cleaning Pina Dellunto (226) 807-6227 pina.dellunto@modernpurair.com 75 Applewood St., Plattsville, ON

■ Clarity Marketing & Design Marketing Consultants Samantha Gernhart (519) 770-7358 info@claritydesigns.ca Brantford, ON

■ Whatcha Wanna Wear – Custom Logo Products Promotional Products Jill Snyder (519) 758-8205 jill@customlogoproducts.ca 16A Charing Cross St. Brantford, ON, ON

■ MEA Health Corporation Recycling Services Andy Straisfeld (519) 771-3748 andy@meahealth.ca 15 Niagara St., Brantford, ON

■ Wilfrid Laurier International College Colleges & Universities Ben Collins (226) 920-8544 benjamin.collins@laurieric.ca 1 Market St., Brantford, ON ■ Infinum Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts & Self-Defense Instruction Eric Nease (905) 921-8844 infinumbjj@gmail.com 57 Mount Pleasant St. Brantford, ON

Welcome!

Family owned and operated for 50 years

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS SAVE THE DATES! The below events will take place if COVID restrictions allow.

TUES DEC. 7TH – Chamber Open House @ The Rope Factory from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Book you spot for 2022 now. Contact Leslie, at leslie@brcc.ca For dates see page 22.

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

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 November 2021

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Advocacy The past nineteen months have provided an unprecedented level of access to government at all levels, as attempts to understand, manage, provide leadership, and most importantly, communicate during the pandemic have opened constructive conversations around how to work together effectively.

In September, the Chamber hosted the Federal Election Candidates Debate and five individual Fireside Chats with the candidates able to participate. The personalized conversations and level of access we enjoy in our riding are extremely important to advancing the voice of business to the federal level, and we found through our conversations the interests of business are found in every party platform, and shared by our candidates. Congratulations to Larry Brock for his successful campaign, and to each of the other candidates for their contribution to the process.

The Chamber is continuing to work with the federal government in the

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distribution of Rapid Screening Kits, with over 25,000 distributed to over 200 businesses so far this year. By the time of this reading, our Shop Local Brantford-Brant program will also be off and running, with support from the federal government through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, to encourage consumers and support our small and medium sized businesses through the fall and holiday season, and to mitigate some of the challenges of the vaccine certificate program.

standard for the safety of staff, volunteers, and members.

Early in the summer, the Chamber Network identified a national vaccine certificate program as the most efficient, effective, and businessfriendly option for such a program, and as businesses first, then most provinces, and now federal employees and travel guidelines demand a vaccine standard, our Chamber has listened, considered, amplified your voices, and implemented our own

Provincially, similar opportunities exist as a spring election looms, and as Brantford-Brant is positioned for growth, but demands attention to our transportation networks in all directions of the compass.

For the remainder of 2021 and throughout 2022, multiple areas of interest will demand the Chamber’s attention regarding the interests of business in our region and province.

We will be working closely with our municipalities on planning for an improved transportation network in our region, addressing the opioid and housing issues, and in planning for safe and effective economic reopening and fall municipal elections.

The Advocacy Committee is always open to your input and ideas, and looks forward to developing strong positions to advance economic opportunity in Brantford-Brant.

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

November 2021

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Member Profile SongBird Marketing Communications At SongBird Marketing Communications, we’re experts in media relations, influencer marketing, social media, content development, brand & business strategy, and adapting strategies for small business.

But when it comes down to it, the reason why SongBird was started in 2013 was because we wanted to work with amazing people doing things that they love. We consider every client and team member to be a part of the SongBird family.

SongBird Founder Candace Huntly saw that so many marketing and PR agencies operate on a transactional basis, and it was so profit-driven that sometimes the people behind the businesses and the creative side of marketing suffered. Every business needs to make money, but we’re an award-winning agency that focuses on relationships and working with

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November 2021

our clients so that they can grow and flourish. It’s exciting to achieve things with business owners that they never thought possible and it’s what keeps us going. It could be media coverage in top tier outlets like Breakfast Television, CP24 Breakfast, Toronto Star, or Buzzfeed. Or maybe it’s landing the first customer, making the first big sale, building an engaged online community, or generating influencer reviews on social media.

We have a small, but mighty, team working on a diverse range of marketing and strategy initiatives. From small startups to large corporations, our clients range from non-profit, to pharma, professional

SongBird services, Consumer Packaged Goods, food, fashion, and everything in between. To give you a little taste, here are some of our past and present clients: Hilton, LEGO, emla, Foodshare, Hum Law Firm, The Grand Order of Divine Sweets, The Baby Show, and the Princess Ball.

When we’re not helping our clients succeed or overcome challenges, we’re often working within the business community as mentors, advisors, and educators.

SongBird – Making your brand sing!

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Ask A Lawyer

Marrying the Idea of Marriage Contracts

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP by Aliya Aneja Prenuptial Agreements (“Prenups”) are not just for the rich and famous, and they will not condemn your marriage to failure. In fact, Prenups, which are more commonly referred to as Marriage Contracts in Ontario, can limit uncertainty and acrimony.

This is because Marriage Contracts ensure that couples have a clear understanding and clear expectations of how their affairs will be settled should their marriage end.

What is a Marriage Contract?

In Ontario, a Marriage Contract is an agreement between two persons who are married or intend to marry, wherein they agree on their rights and obligations as they relate to: ownership and/or division of property; support; and the education and moral training of their children.

What are the Benefits of a Marriage Contract?

In Canada, marriage is considered an economic partnership wherein assets acquired during the marriage are shared between spouses should the marriage end. Marriage Contracts provide autonomy and the ability to opt out of provincial laws.

Marriage Contracts can be drafted to provide the following benefits: to protect certain assets (for example, real estate, pensions, business interests); to arrange spousal support (for example, fix the amount/duration, release rights and obligations); to arrange the division of property (for example, based on ownership); and to prevent or streamline future court proceedings (for example, expediting divorce proceedings).

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP Brantford, 20 Wellington St., Brantford.

the agreement did not understand the nature or consequences of the agreement; or if any contract law principle is violated.

A Marriage Contract can be enforceable if, and only if, it is in writing, and it is signed by both parties and witnessed. The parties to the agreement must also have provided full disclosure during negotiations, and entered into the agreement voluntarily, without any coercion, undue influence, and/or duress.

Although it is not required, it is highly recommended that both parties receive independent legal advice.

Ready to Say “I Do” to Marriage Contracts?

Marriage Contracts are becoming increasingly popular given their ability to provide couples with peace of mind. Any person, whether married or intending to marry, should take the time to consider, discuss, and draft a Marriage Contact – it’s worth it!

How to Ensure a Marriage Contract is Legally Binding?

In Ontario, Marriage Contracts can be set aside if: a party to the agreement fails to disclose significant assets/debts/liabilities; a party to

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

November 2021

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Wine, Women & Shopping Please join us for our 15th Anniversary.

Wed. November 24th, 2021.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. at the Best Western Hotel and Conference Centre.

Tickets: $65.00 (taxes included), and dinner.

FEATURING VENDORS:

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c c o f fe

We are thrilled to present Graham Chittenden as our Special Guest

c o f f e

e o .

Graham Chittenden is a four-time Canadian Screen Award winner and a Writers Guild of Canada Award winner who currently writes for the CBC show Still Standing — a show about Canada’s small towns from Vancouver Island to Nunavut to the French islands off the Newfoundland coast.

He’s the former host of Showtown on MTV Canada, a writer and guest star on Mr. D, frequent performer on CBC Radio’s The Debaters and a regular face at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal.

c

Fifth Avenue Collection – Narinda Coward,

Seventh Coffee Co.,

Beautiful High end fashion jewellery featuring Swarovski Crystal, Natural hand cut gems, warranty, no shipping and no nickel lead or cadmium, Virtual parties and online shopping

Seventh Coffee Company is all about giving back to the community, creativity, transparency, and most of all; roasting amazing specialty coffee.

Modo Yoga Brantford,

Brant County SPCA

“Modo Yoga Brantford is a yoga community offering classes designed to help you feel your best, mentally & physically. Our classes are accessible, and sure to leave you feeling calm, fit and inspired!”

The Brant County SPCA is a notfor-profit organization providing animal welfare services in the City of Brantford and County of Brant for over 50 years.

His standup comedy special, Graham Chittenden: Reluctant Adult is now available on CraveTV.

LEAD SPONSOR – BMO.

GOLD SPONSORS/ ENTERTAINMENT SPONSORS

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November 2021

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Raffle ticket proceeds will be in support of the Children’s Safety Village.

Musical Entertainment

by Shaun Mulrain Handmade Guitars & Repairs

LIVE Music for An

MULRAIN GUITARS

52 Oakhille Drive Brantford Ontario

519 802 5110

®

www.mulrainguitars.com

Wylde Rose Soaps, Wylde Rose Soaps - Your local professional soapmaker with bath essentials and skincare from sustainably sourced natural ingredients. Retail, Refillery, Wholesale, Private Label and Corporate Gifting

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

November 2021

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mulrainguita

Member Profile Mark Littell – Littell Promo At Littell Promo, Mark Littell is the local expert at supplying unique promotional, branded products to companies of all sizes, including supporting many non-profit agencies.

Littell Promo can support your organization’s safety programs, golf tournaments, uniforms, customer appreciation programs, and employee recognition awards with endless ideas, quick service, and extremely competitive pricing. Littell Promo also supplies balloons and party supplies and decorations for any special occasion.

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Mark is a lifelong resident of our community, born and raised in Burford before moving to Brantford to start his first business, one of several businesses he has owned or partnered in during his career.

Mark’s love, and hard work, for our community is unparalleled as a father of three, and grandfather of three. Currently serving as Chair of the Brantford Police Services Board and Chair of the Brantford Airport Commission, Mark has a long history of community leadership, as a past president of Habitat for Humanity, the Christmas Baskets, the Brantford Food Bank, and the Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise. As a city councillor in 2006-2010, Mark led several community initiatives that were either completed during that term of council, or have left a lasting legacy to be completed, such as the Waterfront Master Plan, Southwest Community Centre and Park off of Shellard’s Lane, and the Laurier-YMCA Athletic and Recreation Centre.

For an efficient and effective way to recognize your employees, appreciate your customers, celebrate special occasions, or to promote your business, contact Mark with your ideas: mark@littell.ca

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Member Profile Brant Auto Painting Brant Auto Painting opened the doors for business in 1980. Offering complete auto collision repairs as well as auto and commercial painting. Independently owned by Jeff Cornwell, conveniently located at 483 Brant County Rd 18, Brantford, serving the rural and urban community.

children’s programs and services.

Brant Auto Painting is open 8am-4:30pm, Mon through Fri 519 756-0624.

For Cornwell, the many referrals his business receives by satisfied customers speaks volumes. “Not only do we have second generation customers, but now third generation after 42 years” he noted. “We are a small business working to survive and thrive. Many people do not know that they have the right to have their vehicle repaired at the shop of their choosing, that’s the law.”

Brant Auto Painting services the Zamboni fleet and has been proud to since 1983. “There probably isn’t a time when people driving by won’t see a Zamboni parked on our lot” Cornwell says with a laugh. “Always exciting for my young grandson.”

Jeff was born and raised in the area and takes pride in the fact that his family was one of the first to settle here.

He and his wife have also raised their own family here.

“Community is so important” another reason why Brant Auto Painting continues to support local youth sports and

Your propane company since 1951

Clean Propane Energy Our Kids Will Thank Us Convenient payment & automatic delivery options Appliance sales, installation, service & repair A er-hours emergency service Canadian owned and locally operated

St. George 183 Industrial Blvd.

St. George, ON N0E 1N0

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Toll-Free

1-866-517-1714

Visit

Sparlings.com

November 2021

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• Security, Governance, Risk & Compliance Services

YOU FOCUS ON YOUR BUSINESS WE’LL HANDLE THE TECHNICAL STUFF

SecurIBC offers Managed IT services that provide you with the cost-effective technology solutions you need to grow your business.

196 King George Road, Brantford

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•

519.753.2861

• Enterprise Backup & Recovery • Secure Cloud Services • Managed IT Services • Enterprise Asset Source and Repair • Managed Groupware/Email

•

info@ibcbrantford.com

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Financial Feature

What is the difference between Probate and Probate Fees? Millards Chartered Professional Accountants

Pam Merrylees Probate is a court supervised proceeding that authenticates your will (if you have one) as well as confirms the authority of the named executor(s) in your will. Although not every estate will require probate, in practice almost all Canadian wills are probated as many financial institutions require this.

Probate fees are an administration tax on the estate. The cost of probate will vary depending on the province or territory you live in. In Ontario, as of January 1, 2020, no probate fees are paid on the first $50,000 of the estates value. For estates valued over $50,000, probate fees are calculated as $15 for every $1,000 of the estate value in excess of $50,000.

consider, however this could expose the joint asset to unknown creditors of the child, could be used as collateral for new loans of the child, or possible theft of funds. Also, transfers of property to a child, be it partial ownership or full, is considered

by CRA to have been sold at its fair market value, and is taxable in the year of transfer.

How can Individuals Minimize Probate Fees

• Could this change be taxable now, or negatively impact your income taxes upon death

The best way to reduce your estate’s exposure to probate fees is to minimize the assets that are subject to probate. Consider naming a successor annuitant or one or more beneficiaries on your life insurance policy, RRSP, RRIF and or TFSA accounts. Joint ownership of bank accounts, non-registered investment accounts or your home with your spouse or common-law partner is another great way to avoid probate fees. Joint ownership with children is another option many individuals

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Before you make any changes, consider the following:

• Does your estate have enough undesignated assets to pay your income and estate taxes • Is the value of your assets being distributed as intended in your will. Named beneficiaries override beneficiary designations in your will.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact us at Millard’s at (519)759-3511 or visit us at www.millards.com

November 2021

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

Our Services:

· HVAC/R · Plumbing

· Electrical · Sheet Metal

· Millwrighting · Fire Protection

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

Please join us for ANNUAL CHAMBER OPEN HOUSE Tuesday December 7th, 2021 from 5:00 -8:00 p.m.

The Rope Factory (111 Sherwood Drive).

Monetary donations or non-perishable food items will be accepted in support of Brantford Food Bank.

Covid 19 protocol will apply to all guests. Please register online.

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November 2021

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Cover Feature Modo Yoga Modo Yoga Brantford opened its doors downtown Brantford in 2015 and for the last 5 years has grown to serve the community at their downtown studio location, on-site at schools, at local businesses, and at social service locations throughout Brantford and the surrounding area.

Modo Yoga guides a movement-based practice grounded in mindfulness techniques that are easy to understand and accessible to all.

You can find their in-studio and virtual class offerings on the Modo Yoga app or online at modoyogabrantford.com.

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

November 2021

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Member Profile CG Print & Design CG Print & Design is a communityminded wholesale printer located at 433 Colborne Street in Brantford, Ontario. They offer in-house screen printing, graphic design and embroidery and more! With an emphasis on great customer service, CG Print & Design specializes in custom printed apparel for businesses, events, bands and fundraisers.

During production, each garment and print is put through various tests to ensure the product is of the highest quality. CG Print & Design takes great pride in their dedication to getting high quality prints to their customers every time.

Chris George and Amanda Mersereau opened their first brick-and-mortar shop in the beginning of 2020, with plans to host a Grand Opening in late March.

Though the pandemic put a delay on that Grand Opening (which is yet to

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happen!), Chris and Amanda were able to keep the presses turning by offering curbside pick up and contactless delivery, with most of their orders coming through online or by phone.

During the first lockdown, they shifted their focus to their community, by holding various t-shirt fundraisers for vital organizations such as the Brantford Food Bank, the Sexual Assault Centre of Brant, the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion and Nova Vita Brant. From these fundraisers alone, they raised over $7000 combined!

Since then, they’ve held other campaigns to help other businesses recoup losses from lockdowns (Spend20), featured businesses and community members doing amazing things in the East Ward and Echo Place neighbourhoods (Keep it Local!), and run other campaigns with

Brantford Pride, The Bridge Brant, BLK Owned Hamont, Period Popup Brantford and BL’s Little Free Pantry.

Currently, zBTFD (their community arts & apparel organization) is in the midst of a year-long campaign called T-shirt Tuesdaze. Each Tuesday they feature a t-shirt design by a different independent/local creator, with $10 from each sale going to the artist.

Keep up with us on our social media: @cgprintdesignbtfd @zbtfd @uniteagainsthatebtfd Or visit our websites for more information: www.brantfordapparel.ca www.zbtfd.ca www.uniteagainsthate.ca

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PRICING At Brantford Toyota, Chamber of Commerce members receive:

HOME OF NO ADMIN FEE

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

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

November 2021

21

2022 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS - WHO WANTS IN? We are booking now for our 2022 Business after Hours Program.

If you are interested in hosting, feel free to contact Leslie at leslie@brcc.ca for more information.

Pick a month that suits you. Did you just move to a new location, do you have an anniversary that you’d like to celebrate, a big renovation or expansion, or a new showroom?

Hosting a Business after Hours is an excellent way to showcase your business/organization and let our membership know what it is that you do.

Networking at its best.

22

November 2021

DATES AVAILABLE: Tues. Jan. 11th Tues. Feb. 8th Tues. March 8th Tues. April 12th Tues. May 10th Tues. June 14th Tues. Sept. 13th Tues. Oct 11th Tues. Nov. 8th

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Make your workday epic.

Get the incredible new Samsung Galaxy S21 5G on Canada’s best network.1

Share stunning photos, take video calls and upload presentations in a flash.

Collaborate at lightning speed on Canada’s fastest network.2

During COVID-19, health and safety measures are in place to protect our customers and employees.

For expert advice and an incredible selection visit:

BRANTFORD Lynden Park Mall 519 756-6742

BRANTFORD Sobeys Plaza West Brant 519 756-9100

Current as of June 2, 2021. Available with compatible devices within Bell Mobility’s network coverage areas. Speed and signal strength may vary due to traffic, topography, environmental conditions and other factors, including Bell’s Internet traffic management practices (e.g., priority access to emergency personnel and critical infrastructure personnel). See bell.ca/ITMP. (1) Based on a third party score (Global Wireless Solutions OneScore™) calculated using wireless network testing in Canada against other national wireless networks of combined data, voice, reliability and network coverage. See bell.ca/network. (2) Based on a third-party speed score (Global Wireless Solutions™) calculated using wireless network testing in Canada against other national wireless networks. All Rights Reserved. Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is a trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., used in Canada under license.

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

November 2021

23

Continue to eat, shop and discover local.

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Check out the guides online!

Visit www.brant.ca/Guides

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