VICE
Joy O’Donnell
TREASURER
Eardly
PAST
Chris Rayfield
Mike Gatopoulos Seventh Coffee Company Inc.
Bill Emmott Brant County Federation of Agriculture
Julie Henwood TMG The Mortgage Group
John Imola Bank of Montreal
Elizabeth Lorenzin Lorenzin Strategy
Maxwell Roach JonAyves Learning Club
Rob Simmons Cozzmic Communications
Jennifer Stebbing Stebbing Butcher PC
Caitlin Turner
Don
SECRETARY
David Prang
LIAISONS
John MacAlpine County of Brant
Rose Sicoli City of Brantford
Welcome to what promises to be a very dynamic 2025!
Winter has just arrived as I write this, and staff are putting the final touches on our 2025 events calendar. In 2024, we were delighted to bring improvements to our signature events with the support of our sponsors, partners, and attendees, and look forward to continuing to adapt to the changing business environment.
I would like to extend a warm January welcome to our 2025 Board of Directors, and to President John Oddi. John brings extensive industry experience from across BrantfordBrant and the provincial and national government relations portfolios. Look for more information about John in our cover feature this month!
We are delighted to welcome five new Board members this year! We thank Garnet Lasby of Massilly North America and Eddy Vance of Waterous for completing two terms on the Board, and Past President Paul Bisanti, for completing a six year stint including two as President. Paul will continue his commitment to the Chamber Network as he was successfully elected to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2024, and he remains active as co-chair of the Ontario Policy Advisory Committee.
Optimism arrives with each new year, and within the Chamber membership and network, that spirit is enhanced by the purpose of business and its champions – to deliver on the promise of economic prosperity and improved quality of life. In 2025, each of the elected governments served
by the Chamber has an updated, community – driven economic development strategy to meet the many opportunities our region offers. A growing population, access to 44% of the GDP of North America within a day’s drive, clean water and clean energy, a robust and diverse labour market, and post-secondary education are some of the many features of our area.
US trade policies will be a focus of federal and provincial efforts to
encourage business – friendly policies on both side of the border, at all levels of government. We will see a federal election in the Fall of 2025, and the Chamber’s Advocacy Committee is planning to produce the televised debate(s) once again, in addition to our annual MP/MPP Breakfast, noted in this month’s issue.
Your investment in the Chamber is essential to the continued improvement of the business environment in Canada. Look for our 3rd Annual Advocacy Update in this edition, with an overview of priorities at all three levels of government and highlighting the work of the Advocacy Committee in 2024, and its plans for 2025.
While our municipal, provincial, and federal governments have many challenges to address, it is incumbent on the business community to offer solutions and resources, while demanding responsible and transparent use of taxes and decision making in program delivery.
Look forward to seeing you at an event or connecting with you directly this year!
Dave
Being a member of the Chamber has its privileges. These programs and services directly impact your bottom line, saving both time and money.
From savings on fuel ($0.035) per litre, to savings on office supplies that are delivered to your door, from our connection with BarterPay to the best shipping services worldwide, the variety of programs can easily pay your membership in the first year.
We also have an exclusive Member2Member Discount Program which promotes members buying products and services from members, enhancing our local economy and the adage, ‘when price and service are comparable, shop a Chamber Member!’
For more information on these programs, or to join the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant contact Greg Evans, Director, Member Relations at: greg@chamberbrantfordbrant.com or call 519-753-2617
Nestled in the heart of Brantford, Habitat28 Ltd. has earned its reputation as a trusted and award-winning builder of modular structures, tailored to meet diverse property needs. Proudly CSA-A277 certified and Ontario Building Code (OBC) compliant, Habitat28 is at the forefront of delivering high-quality, sustainable, and innovative spaces that transform how we live, work, and build communities.
As a local company deeply rooted in Brant County, Habitat28 understands the unique needs of the region and is
committed to enhancing its growth. With a state-of-the-art factory located right here in Brantford, the company combines precision engineering with expert craftsmanship to create modular units that redefine flexibility and functionality. From modern office pods to fully customizable homes that cater to growing families, Habitat28 offers solutions for every property requirement.
Habitat28’s portfolio includes everything from cozy backyard studios to stylish standalone houses and larger multiplexes. Whether it’s a modular kiosk for a bustling local market or a fully equipped custom home,
each structure is built to the highest standards, ensuring durability, comfort, and sustainability. The company’s yearround production capability ensures that projects move forward efficiently, even in challenging seasons.
Beyond their technical expertise, Habitat28 is known for meaningful collaborations with both private and public sectors, partnering with local leaders to address Ontario’s housing affordability crisis and promote community-centric development. Their innovative approach and commitment to quality have made them a trusted name in the modular building industry.
As Brantford and Brant County continue to grow, Habitat28 remains dedicated to building spaces that not only meet today’s needs but also inspire the future. Discover how Habitat28 is shaping sustainable, affordable, and attainable living in our community. I
n Aspira Brants Landing Retirement Living RETIREMENT HOMES & COMMUNITIES
Jamie Frye (226) 558-3803
Jamie.frye@aspiralife.ca Brantford, ON
n Brantwood Farms FARMERS MARKET
Kara Pate (519) 759-4383
Info@brantwoodfarms.com Brantford, ON
n CMHA Brant Haldimand Norfolk MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES & COUNSELING CENTRES
Lynn Hinds (519) 752-2998
Reception@cmhabhn.ca Brantford, ON
n Genesis Metalworks
MANUFACTURING OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Jordan Lodder (905) 689-5144
Jordan@genesisgroup.ca Brantford, ON
n Habitat28 Ltd.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Aura Poddar (905) 693-0028 Info@habitat28.com Brantford, ON
n Melorin Clothing Inc.
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORES
Fatemah Abolhassanidariyani (647) 849-2900
Info@melorinclothing.ca Brantford, ON
n Ryder’s Bin Rentals WASTE CONTAINERS
Sarah C (519) 498-4246
Services@rydersbins.ca
Cambridge, ON
n Simple Logics Solutions
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICE
Rajesh Prasad (905) 569-0399
Rprasad@simplelogics.com Paris, ON
n Sociable Kitchen & Tavern
RESTAURANTS
Mike Cass (519) 571-4042
Mcass@charcoalgroup.ca
Brantford, ON
n Speak Technique
BUSINESS CONSULTANTS
Barb Day (519) 717-6922 Barbday@speaktechnique.com Paris, ON
n Tenaxx Logistics
DISTRIBUTION WAREHOUSES
Ravi Singh (519) 260-2738 Support@tenaxxgroup.com Brantford, ON
n Zoeller North Holding Inc.
MANUFACTURING OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Leanne Laurie (519) 748-5055 Llaurie@tulsar.com
Brantford, ON
Process engineering involves applying fundamental principles and laws of nature to convert raw materials and energy into products that benefit society on an industrial scale and address environmental issues. Consider how this process could be applied to your small business.
Joanne Palma is a distinguished professional with an illustrious career over thirty years in the pulp and paper industry. With Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of British Columbia, Joanne has continually demonstrated
exceptional expertise and leadership in various capacities within pulp and paper factories. She has helped large companies improve quality, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. Now, she offers her expertise to small businesses in the Brantford area through her consulting company, Pulp Solutions.
Joanne applies process engineering principles to help you better understand your business and identifying areas for improvement. With a passion for resolving environmental issues through
innovation and technical excellence, she has worked for improvements across the pulp and paper industry and now applies her expertise to help small businesses. Her continuous learning includes her completion of industryrelated courses and certifications, including a Mastering Data Analysis using Microsoft Excel certification and a Programmable Logic Controllers Certificate from Mohawk College.
Spreadsheets can assist small businesses in various ways, from simple bookkeeping to detailed analysis. Pulp Solutions develops customized spreadsheets to help your business effectively monitor and optimize its operations. Her publication in Paper & Paper Canada, Summer 2024 edition, on Return on Investment Approach to Papermaking Chemistry, provides an example. For more information or to contact Joanne, please visit her website at www.pulp-solutions.ca I
Provide members with essential and focused business services.
Transform access to, engagement with, and delivery of services to the region’s business community.
Innovation
Find courage to innovate so that our region’s economy thrives.
Attract leaders and connect people that deliver value beyond expectations.
Build collaborations that attract talent and investment to enhance our region’s enviable quality of life.
As we bid farewell to the current year, Payroll and HR Professionals are gearing up for year-end tasks and anticipating changes on the horizon for 2025. For Payroll Practitioners the distribution of T4s to employees and their submission to the Canada Revenue Agency by February 28, 2025, takes center stage. Here is a brief guide to navigate this process efficiently:
1. Identify Required Slips: Generally, a T4 suffices, but self-employed individuals may require a T4A.
2. Identify any Changes to T4 reporting: New for 2024 is box 16A. This box reports the amounts of CPP2 contributions you deducted from your employee during the year.
3. Reconcile Payroll Deductions: Ensure that payroll source deduction remittances align accurately with the payroll register.
4. Test T4 Summary: Run a preliminary check to confirm that earnings and deductions are correctly reported in the designated boxes.
5. Self-Audit CPP/CPP2 Contributions and EI Premiums: Conduct a thorough review to ensure compliance and accuracy.
6. Remit Outstanding CPP/CPP2 Contributions and EI Premiums:
Settle any pending CPP/CPP2 contributions and EI premiums before the deadline for the final remittance of 2024 calendar year.
7. Confirm Annual Taxable Benefits: Verify taxable benefits received for each employee and accurately report on T4.
8. Choose Distribution Method: Opt for either paper or electronic distribution to employees.
9. Choose a Filing Method: Opt for either paper or electronic.
10. File the Slips: Once you have reviewed both the T4 Summary and individual T4s for accuracy and completeness, you are able to file the T4s!
Shifting gears to the Human Resources arena, the onset of the new year presents an invaluable opportunity to review the organization’s policy manual and consider legislative changes. There have been significant changes to employment laws in the last few years, and several proposals which may take effect in the coming year would require some adjustments to usual practices. In October 2024, Ontario passed several amendments to the Employment Standards Act 2000 (ESA). For publicly advertised job postings, employers
are now required to disclose if the advertised position is vacant, respond to interviewed applicants within 45 days after the date of the last interview whether a hiring decision has been made, and retain copies of all prescribed information provided to interviewed applicants for three years. This will be in effect January 1, 2026. In addition to this, the ESA now prohibits employers from requiring “sick notes” from employees as entitlement to ESA sick leave.
In December 2024, Ontario has proposed new amendments to the ESA which include the creation of unpaid job protected long-term illness leave of up to 27 weeks and the creation of unpaid job protection leave of up to 16 weeks for the arrival of a child through adoption or surrogacy.
As always, Employers and HR Professionals need to stay informed and update workplace policies to comply with the latest legislation. For further information please do not hesitate to contact us at (519)759-3511 or visit us at www.millards.com I
In 2024, the Advocacy Committee developed a renewed enthusiasm and focus under Chair and Chamber 1st Vice-President John Oddi. Under John’s leadership, the Committee established a Vice-Chair position and developed three priority areas of focus through a facilitated discussion in the spring. Small and Medium Sized Business (SMEs), Housing and Homelessness, and Transportation were identified by the Committee as priorities through 2025.
John’s engagement and vision for a renewed and active committee returned a local focus to the Committee’s work, with active engagement within the BrantfordBrant riding. This culminated in committee meetings with City of Brantford senior staff and Mayor Kevin Davis, on the local response to housing and homelessness. The Chamber met with chief Sherri-Lyn Hill of Six Nations of the Grand River in August, Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie in June, and Leader of the Official Opposition, Ontario New Democratic Party Leader Marit Stiles in May.
Elizabeth Lorenzin, Board Member, Chair Lorenzin Strategy
John Oddi, President
Royal LePage® Action Realty
Chris Rayfield, Past President ACIC Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Courtney Lucas
VitaHeal HomeCare
Jeff Memmott
Cowan Insurance Group Ltd.
Join John and members of the Advocacy Committee in welcoming the 2025 Chair of the Advocacy Committee, Elizabeth Lorenzin. With Elizabeth’s extensive background in communications strategy, public policy, member engagement, electoral politics and data analytics, she will provide guidance and direction in a very busy advocacy year with the federal election in October, and a potential provincial election in the interim. Join us in welcoming your local 2025 Chamber Advocates.
Michelle Miller
GK York Management Services
Brett Scace
TD Commercial Bank
Jacob Tiffin
Protection Security Investigations
Andy Woodburn
Woodburn Insurance and Consulting
David Prang, CEO
Chamber of Commerce
Brantford-Brant
2025 promises to be an engaging year with federal business issues in tariffs, trade, and taxation challenges leading into a re-imagined MP/MPP Breakfast format in February. The Advocacy Committee is primed to be an integral part of advocacy activities at all levels of government and looks forward to hearing about and advancing your ideas to improve the business environment in Brantford-Brant.
MP/MPP Breakfast: Friday, February 28th, 2025
Brantford 2050 Mayor’s Lunch & Panel Discussion: Thursday, April 17, 2025
County of Brant
Mayor’s Luncheon: Friday, September 12th, 2025
Televised Election Debates
The Chamber of Commerce BrantfordBrant is strictly non-partisan. It regularly hosts roundtables with MPs, MPPs, and Minister throughout the year as visits occur to Brantford-Brant. Generally open to all Chamber members and often at short notice, the Board, Advocacy Committee, and sectorrelated businesses receive invitations first when opportunities arise to meet with politicians. For more information on the Advocacy Committee, please visit chamberbrantfordbrant.com/ about-us/advocacy/ or get in touch. Together, we can continue building upon our past advocacy successes and pivot as the situation demands.
The Board, through the Advocacy Committee and CEO David Prang, will continue to work diligently and
John Oddi
President
johnoddi@royallepage.ca
David Prang
CEO
david@chamberbrantfordbrant.com
Elizabeth Lorenzin
Advocacy Committee Chair
elizabeth@lorenzinstrategy.com
collaboratively with stakeholders in our region to strengthen the work of the Chamber throughout 2025. The Chamber will continued to be engaged across the Provincial and National Chamber networks. Here is a snapshot of our 2024 milestones and what is ahead in 2025.
We will enter 2025 with new municipal economic development strategies, positive Chamber relationships with councils and staff, and significant infrastructure and program opportunities shared by both the City of Brantford and the County of Brant, including physician recruitment and the hospital re-development.
In March at the OCC’s Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park, and in April at the AGM and Policy Convention, your Board and Advocacy Committee will advocate for a renewal of the Chamber’s 2022 policy, Create and Implement a Provincial Strategy to Address Homelessness, Mental Health, and Addictions, and engage in constructive debate around policy issues across the province, including transit, education, skills development, and health care.
In October, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Policy Convention adopted two policies co-sponsored by the Chamber: Tax Fairness for Healthcare Professionals, and a Comprehensive Review to Simplify Canada’s Tax Code. Following local member participation in the Women in Business Summit presented by the CCC this past September, we will continue to bring forth meaningful Chamber programming as the needs of our business community evolve.
By Sathya Suresh
John Oddi takes over as President of the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant this month, bringing resilience, hard work and a passion for supporting local businesses.
“I grew up in Brantford. My family were immigrants. We came here with nothing, but we worked hard. I’m not worthy to carry my parents’ lunch pail for all they did,” Oddi said. “This community has been so good to me, and it’s my way of giving back.”
Oddi leads with values of community, hard work, and family.
“We have a strong community here in Brantford-Brant, and together we
can make it an even better place for businesses to thrive,” he said. “Life is good here, and that’s what we want to show the world.”
Oddi’s involvement with the Chamber began in 2022 as second vicepresident. By 2024, he advanced to first vice-president. Now, in 2025, he serves as president.
“I’m excited. We’ve got an excellent board with a great mix of business people, and they’re all there for the members,” he said.
As president, Oddi engages businesses, addresses their concerns, and ensures every member is heard. “We represent our members and answer to them,” he said. “I want to understand what they’re thinking, what we can do better, and what value they get from their membership.”
Under Oddi’s leadership, the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant is focused on improving engagement with its members. Listening to the community and aligning the Chamber’s work with the needs and expectations of its members are key to its success, he said.
“We are the voice of business for our members,” he said. “We have a dedicated team willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.”
The Chamber of Commerce BrantfordBrant will be busy in the year ahead, with potential provincial and federal elections on the horizon. Chamber president John Oddi will lead the advocacy committee on issues like homelessness, transportation, and small business support.
Continued on Page 21 >
K. Blair Safety Consulting Inc. is a locally owned and operated health and safety training and consulting business serving Brantford and the surrounding area for the past 25 years.
Our Mission
We partner with our clients to foster a safe and compliant workplac, while helping our clients in the develop unique solutions to enable their workplace to comply with the regulatory requirements under applicable health and safety legislation and industry standards.
Our Clients
We have been very fortunate over the
years to work with a broad spectrum of workplaces including industrial, construction, municipal, federal, healthcare, retail, and warehousing, etc. References are available on request.
Our Services
We offer a regular schedule of training workshops in Brantford.
If you wish to be added to our email list – just send us an email – we would be happy to forward our training schedules as they are updated (5-6 times per year).
Please visit our website for a complete list of the training and other services we offer. Need assistance with something not listed? Please let us know.
The Push-Up Challenge is a free mental health and fitness event focused on pushing for better mental health for all Canadians
We are Ministry of Labour – Prevention Office approved provider for: Certification Training (JHSC) – Part 1 & 2
Working at Heights
Check out our online training at kblairsafety.com. We’re still growing and adding more programs.
All of our programs are available for in-house or on-site training to meet the ongoing needs of the workplace. We are always pleased to provide a quote for any of our services.
If you would like to meet with us to discuss your health and safety needs, or a quote for any of our services, contact:
Katherine Blair kblair@execulink.com
519-761-0043
Jonathan Putschli worksafeconsulting@outlook.com 519-865-7882 I
Each day of the Challenge, we’ll set a different daily push-up target that relates to an important mental health fact. These daily targets add up to 2,000 push-ups overall. You can track your progress and see the facts on our free app.
You don’t have to be a push-up pro to participate. You can substitute push-ups with sit-ups, squats or other alternative exercises, or aim for 50% of the push-up target and smash out 1,000 push-ups instead of 2,000.
Each push-up represents a life lost to suicide
Take 2,000 push-ups for for the ~2,000 lives lost to suicide each day, worldwide
REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW!
Participate solo, or set up a team and invite your friends, work, school, gym or sports club to join. Support Canadians who need it most by choosing to fundraise for your local CMHA Brant Haldimand Norfolk Branch.
Register at www.thepushupchallenge.ca and make sure to select the Brant Haldimand Norfolk CMHA Branch Call 519-752-2998, ext 112 for more information
As the new year begins, many business owners may be reflecting on the growth of their businesses over the past twelve months, and as we move towards tax season, they may begin asking a very common question, “Is it time to incorporate my business?”
The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors. A business owner may choose to incorporate their business on the advice of their legal or tax advisors. Commonly, the choice to incorporate is impacted by the relative growth, profit or taxation of the business. However, there are various benefits to incorporation outside of potentially beneficial tax implications. Some examples of these benefits include:
One benefit of incorporation is that a corporation is a distinct legal entity, which carries its own separate liability. When operating an unincorporated business, the sole proprietor holds full liability over the actions of the business, including claims against the business or debts accrued by the business. This means that an individual’s personal assets, including real estate, can be seized should the business default on its obligations or fail to satisfy a judgment against the business. Incorporations have their own liability, and generally speaking, their liability can only be realized through assets held within the corporation. The assets which may be seized to satisfy a debt
or judgment are restricted to those which are in the corporation. This allows a business owner to separate their business and personal assets to avoid unwanted consequences.
Incorporation can also be a helpful tool in terms of succession planning. Should a sole proprietor pass away, their business passes away with them. This means that sole proprietor’s next of kin, or executor, as the case may be, may be responsible for handling the business-related taxes, debts, and other obligations. However, an incorporation cannot die and instead can continue on despite the passing of the owner of that corporation. Through thoughtful estate and corporate planning, an individual can ensure that their chosen beneficiaries can continue to benefit from their business for generations to come.
While incorporation can be beneficial from a liability and succession planning perspective, there are certain disadvantages to incorporation that a business owner may wish to weigh against the benefits. For example, the initial cost of incorporation can be daunting to some business owners.
Moreover, there are ongoing annual costs, and administrative burdens associated with ensuring that once incorporate, the corporation remains complaint with the Ontario Business Corporations Act. It is important that a business owner weights the costs of incorporation against the potential benefits when determining whether to incorporate their business.
If you are considering incorporating your business, it is important to consult with a tax and legal professional to ensure that incorporation is the right fit for your goals. Moreover, tax and legal experts can assist you in ensuring that your incorporation is structured in the most beneficial way possible.
At Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP our corporate lawyers have the legal knowledge and experience to assist you in ensuring your business is structured in the most productive manner.
< Continued from Page 12
“Our advocacy chair is working hard on key initiatives,” Oddi said. “Our advocacy co-chair is already engaging with the parliamentary assistant to the minister of finance on budget consultations. We’re making sure our concerns and recommendations are heard.”
Oddi emphasized his focus on ensuring the Chamber remains a strong advocate for its members.
“No business, big or small, will be neglected. We’re here to help,” he said.
The Chamber’s advocacy efforts span local, provincial and national issues, and it holds regular meetings with city officials and elected representatives.
Building community within the Chamber is a priority for Oddi, who highlights events like the Business Excellence Awards and the MP/MPP Breakfast as opportunities for local businesses to connect. “The real value comes when we put the right people in the right places and work together for our members,” he said.
Oddi’s leadership draws on his experience in real estate advocacy. He served as a director of the Ontario Real Estate Association in 2014 and 2020 and as chair of its government relations portfolio in 2017. His lobbying efforts helped eliminate a land transfer tax increase, block mandatory home energy audits and allow Realtors to incorporate. He also helped create the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, which introduced electronic signatures on Dec. 1, 2023. Looking ahead, Oddi is committed to ensuring every member feels heard, valued and supported. “We’re here for the members and will always put them first. That’s what being a good leader is all about.”
‘‘No business, big or small, will be neglected. We’re here to help.”
With a strong foundation in advocacy, leadership and community, Oddi is ready to guide the Chamber into the future. “I want to make sure that every member, no matter their size or industry, feels like they have a voice and that we’re always working to make their businesses stronger.”
I
For information about members-only advertising opportunities, please contact Greg Evans at: 519-753-2617
As we turn the page on a new year, now is the time to evaluate whether you are doing everything you can to help reduce your business’s energy consumption and your monthly bill.
While we acknowledge each business has its own unique needs, here are GrandBridge Energy’s top 10 energysaving tips to help kick-start your business’s energy savings in 2025:
Lighting is the most significant energy drain for most small businesses and one of the easiest energy-saving upgrades. Swapping out lightbulbs for high-efficient LEDs will use up to 80% less electricity. Since the return on your investment is usually rapid, this upgrade earns first place on our list.
Use less light by installing dimmers to reduce light levels where appropriate. You could remove light bulbs from fixtures where less light can be tolerated. Discuss this with your team. Each lumen saved contributes to electricity savings.
Opting for one LED task lamp uses less electricity than a room with overhead lights. Where possible, aim to use natural light as an energyefficient alternative.
Save energy by installing sensors in break rooms, washrooms, and storerooms. The sensors automatically shut off the lights when the space isn’t in use. Occupancy sensor switches are a cost-effective way to get significant energy savings.
Since exit signs are always on, switching regular bulbs for LEDs will significantly
reduce energy use.
Electronics, printers, and other equipment draw standby electricity even when switched off. Make a point of unplugging these items overnight or when not in use, as this can help reduce your electricity bill. Energysmart power strips can sense when equipment is not in operation.
Save on Hot Water
Insulate your hot water tank and wrap exposed hot water pipes with foam insulation to retain the heat. This will allow you to turn your tank’s thermostat down and reduce electricity/gas use.
Electricity bills increase as you warm up or cool down your workspaces. Insulation, weather-stripping around doors, shades, awnings, or tinting over windows can improve the efficiency of a heating and cooling system by preventing heat gain or loss. Seal cracks and gaps around exterior doors and windows to keep heat loss at bay. Close doors or turn off the heating/ cooling in unoccupied rooms. Avoid over-ventilating your workspace, as this removes the heat you paid to generate.
Upgrade older equipment to more energy-efficient technologies to save on your electricity bill. For example, switching desktop computers/monitors
for laptops. Energy Star© printers are a great start!
Track Your Energy Use on My Account
Register for the GrandBridge Energy My Account portal to access your account quickly and conveniently, 24/7. With My Account, you can view and pay your bills, analyze, and compare your electricity rate plan options, track, and monitor your electricity usage, take complete control of your energy management, by recording and tracking the energy-saving measures you’ve put in place. Watch how your efforts can add up to energy savings.
Start today!
Grab your GrandBridge Energy bill and register for My Account. Visit myaccount.grandbridgeenergy.com
Being in tune with the ups and downs in your business’s energy consumption, being aware of how much energy your business uses, and making a few simple tweaks to your day-today operations, will bring significant savings in 2025.
For more information about energy saving opportunities, programs, and incentives available for your small business, visit grandbridgeenergy.com/ energysavingbusiness
As a politics nerd, I’m always excited for January’s issue of In Touch because we get to focus on advocacy and government relations – topics I’m sure my family looks forward to having me bring up at the Thanksgiving table every year.
For businesses across Ontario, navigating evolving regulations, economic challenges, and shifting consumer trends can be daunting. This is where the Chamber steps in—not only as a support network, but as a powerful advocate for Brantford-Brant businesses.
At the heart of the Chamber’s mission is a commitment to ensuring that businesses thrive. Advocacy efforts focus on key issues such as reducing red tape, fostering a competitive tax environment, supporting workforce development, and enhancing regional infrastructure. By engaging with all levels of government, the Chamber amplifies the collective voice of businesses in Brantford and in the County of Brant, shaping policies that foster economic growth and innovation.
Our Advocacy Committee works tirelessly (and thanklessly) to identify key issues impacting local businesses and has a direct hand in shaping the Chamber’s advocacy agenda.
Events like roundtables and town halls offer members the chance to engage with policymakers and business leaders. These forums provide insight into emerging challenges and opportunities and allow members to raise their concerns directly. If you haven’t attended our Mayors’ Luncheon or MP-MPP Breakfast, consider doing so – the Chamber also hosts pop-up roundtables with
provincial and federal politicians throughout the year, so keep an eye on the events calendar throughout 2025!
The Chamber also runs targeted campaigns on issues like tax reforms, infrastructure investment, and workforce readiness. As a Chamber
member, you can make your voice heard as easily as completing provincial and federal surveys as we distrubute them in the weekly e-newsletter!
We want to hear from you! Personal experiences are powerful advocacy tools, and by sharing how specific regulations or policies impact your business, you help humanize the issues and underscore the need for change.
The Chamber’s advocacy success depends on the active participation of its members. When businesses unite, they have the power to influence decisions that shape the economic future of their communities. As a member, your involvement not only strengthens your business but contributes to a thriving business environment across Ontario.
Together in 2025, let’s continue to champion a brighter future for Brantford-Brant.
n Access Self Storage Inc.
n Alliance Security Systems
n Alzheimer Society of Brant,Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton
n Ardency Corporation
n Arlington Hotel and River’s Edge
n Aspire Bakeries B.C. ULC
n Atomic Spark
n Better Events Management Group Inc.
n Body Balance Centre
n Brandam Holdings Limited
n Brant Overhead Door
n Brant Skills Centre
n Brant Waterways Foundation
n Brant Aero
n Brantford Industrial Warehousing Ltd.
n Brantford Regional Real Estate Association
n Brantford Toyota
n Britain West Automotive Specialties Ltd.
n Brooks Signs
n Bulldogs’ Foundation
n Career Colleges Ontario
n Carrier Truck Centers Inc. (Head Office)
n Contact North | Contact Nord
n D J Recreational Products
n Doug Campbell Construction
n Farringdon Burial Ground
n Grand River Council on Aging
n Grand River Employment & Training Inc.
n NetOptiks (a div. of the GrandBridge Group)
n R. A. Grinton & Associates
n Impact Home Staging
n Iron Gate Group
n Isaac Rosebrugh, Mortgage Broker
n JonAyves Learning Club
n Kemira Water Solutions Canada Inc.
n Magnetsigns Brantford
n McKeough Supply Div. of Emco
n Valhalla Mortgages
n Minotaur Stormwater Services Limited
n Straza Solutions Inc.
n Nu-u Float
n OE Canada Inc.
n The Olive Oil Co.
n Ontario Wildlife Removal Inc.
n Optic House Inc.
n Paris Crane Inspection Services
n The Q-META Group/ Bellwether Investment Management
n R.B.T. Electrical & Automation Services
n Royal Lepage Action Realty
n Ryder’s Bin Rentals
n Sacha Pinto - Marketing Strategist and Educator
n Scott C. Chapin CPA Professional Corporation
n Simple Logics Solutions Ltd
n Sociable Kitchen + Tavern
n South Coast Physio Plus
n Specsavers Lynden Park Mall
n Spence Print Solutions
n Stebbing Butcher PC
n StreetSeen Media
n STS Schira Trades Services Ltd.
n Tasty Road Trips & Marlin Travel Brantford
n Translations Paris Traductions
n Vive Brant Mechanical Services Inc.
n Winmar
January 14th, 2025
February 11th, 2025
February 28th, 2025
March 4th, 2025
March 25th, 2025
April 8th, 2025
April 17th, 2025
May 8th, 2025
May 21st, 2025
June 3rd, 2025
Business After Hours at The Brantford Club
Business After Hours at GrandBridge Energy Inc.
17th Annual MP & MPP Breakfast
Business After Hours at The Water Bar
157th Annual General Meeting & Presidents Event
Business After Hours at Steve’s Tea Company
Brantford 2050: Keynote & Panel
Business Excellence Awards Gala
Business After Hours by Spence Printing
58th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament
M.J. Dixon, CPA, CA
• D.A. Cleary, CPA, CFI
PARTNERS:
• H.C. Johnston CPA, CA • S.E. Goodwin, CPA, CA
• 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
• Q.E. Bateson-Hotte, CPA, CA, LPA
• R.A. Parker, CPA, CGA, CFI
• G.M. Malecki, CPA, CA
• W.A. Deane, CPA, CA • D.E. Paxton, CPA, CA • Wes. E.B. Caldwell, CPA, CA
ASSOCIATES:
B.Y. Brenneman, CPA, CA • C.J. Storoschuk, CPA, CA • K.B. Weames, CPA, CA
• M.M. Malecki, CPA, CA • N.T. Nguyen, CPA, CA • S.C. Dykstra, CPA, CA
• T.W. Schein, CPA, CA
• K.J. Carr, CPA
• S.M.T. DaBreo, CPA
• J.A. Wareham, CPA
