July 2023 InTouch Magazine

Details on Page 4.

Adaptation Amidst Changing Times are keys to Success

At the 2023 Ontario Chamber of Commerce AGM and Policy Convention, President Paul Bisanti played an important role in managing the progress of the policy debates on the floor. Forty three resolutions were considered on the floor, with considerable discussion on a WSIB policy advocating for a clear COVID-19 test, co-sponsored by your Chamber. Additionally, we consulted on and co-sponsored a policy on simplifying information sharing to improve specialized healthcare for people experiencing homelessness, a complimentary policy to our 2022 policy to address Homelessness, Addictions, and Mental Health.

Through the Ontario Economic Report, we know that 80 percent of businesses consider employee mental health as essential to their success, but only 37 percent have a formal strategy or supports in place.

Additional policies passed of note to our membership include stable funding for Workforce Planning Boards, Ontario OneCall

PROFESSIONAL

COMMISSIONING SERVICES

Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant 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.

improvements (co-sponsored), Ontario Craft Beverage reforms, and Detox Centre development. Congratulations to our friends at the Paris and District Chamber of Commerce for their resolution supporting accurate mapping layers for improved broadband service, a key plank for

their advocacy efforts, and important for many businesses in BrantfordBrant and many parts of rural Ontario. In municipal affairs, the Chamber continues to meet regularly with the County of Brant and City of Brantford to connect the business community’s priorities to our elected leaders. This is a very challenging time for municipal leadership, with increased pressures to address housing and social services crisis, while continuing to invest in our community for the future. In support of these efforts, the Advocacy Committee is reviewing all Chamber Policy Papers on file, eliminating outdated policies, and updating others to reflect the business environment of 2023. Our signature Transportation Policy will be reflective of the changing needs of our community, and we hope will provide a prompt for increased collaboration between governments at all levels.

The 2023 Business Excellence Awards Winners are:

Back Row: Randy Beatty (Rawlings, Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon Company of the Year), Ron Birkett (David Baxter Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement presented by Sonoco), Darryl Alonzo (BDO Presenting Partner), Chamber President Paul Bisanti, Chris George (Brantford Apparel, Bell Community Builder).

Front Row: Sherron Birkett (David Baxter Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement presented by Sonoco), Leslie Josling and Emily Kew (Willowbridge Services, OLG Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), Ana Olson (Glenhyrst Art Gallery, Brant United Way Not-for-Profit Resiliency and Business Acumen), Amanda Mersereau (Brantford Apparel, Bell Community Builder), Lana Burchell and Steve Burchell (Enterprise Brant, Entrepreneur of the Year).

David Prang

An Inside Look at the 2023 David Baxter Memorial Award Winners

The David Baxter Memorial Award winners, Ron and Sherron Birkett have been recognized for their outstanding work within the Brantford community. Between the pair, they have over 40 years of volunteer work that has not gone unnoticed.

The award came unexpectedly at the Chamber’s 2023 Business Excellence Awards, presented by BDO Canada; the couple knew nothing about it.

“We’ve been involved in many things in

By Georgia York

the community, many different levels, but we were shocked,” said Ron Birkett.

Sherron Birkett, who is a retired schoolteacher, spends her days bettering her community by getting involved with programs such as Food for Thought which provides food for

children in school. She expanded the project by starting the breakfast program at Grand Bell-Victoria Public School. Believing that every kid needs a good breakfast to start their day. Unfortunately, the project had to be closed down just prior to COVID-19. Her other half Ron Birkett who retired back in 2013 has committed 40-plus years to the Brantford Rotary Club, joining as a member in 1983. Birkett was heavily involved in the years 2001 and 2002 when he became president of the club. Additionally, he has lent a helping hand at the Lansdowne Children’s Centre where he chaired the board for a few years.

“As President of the Rotary Club of Brantford this year I knew I could rely on Ron to offer advice and insight into the traditions of the Club,” said current President Joy O’Donnell.

Continued on Page 26 >

Welcome New Members

n Annette Minutillo – Century 21 Heritage House Ltd.

REAL ESTATE BROKERS & SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Annette Minutillo (519)758-2121

annette.minutillo@century21.ca

505 Park Rd. N – Unit 216, Brantford, ON

n Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton

SOCIAL AND HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Jeff Mamer (905)525-3869

infohh@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

639 Main St. E, Hamilton, ON

n Burning Kiln Winery WINERIES

Russell Press (519)586-9858

russell@burningkilnwinery.ca

1709 Front Rd., St. Williams, ON

n Byzantine Homes Inc.

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS

Paul Bisanti (519)771-1740

paul.bisanti@byzantine.ca

Brantford, ON

n CertaPro Painters of the Grand PAINTERS

Dave Skinner (519)752-9179

dskinner@certapro.com

340 Henry St. Unit 14, Brantford, ON

n Evanov Communications Inc.

RADIO STATIONS AND BROADCASTING COMPANIES

Kimberlee Taplay (519)759-1000 ext 412 kimberlee@ckpcradio.com

571 West St., Brantford, ON

n GD & Sullivan Inc.

BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

Geoff Day (289) 795-7843

geoff@gdsullivan.com

Ayr, ON

n Lotus & Linh

BEAUTY SALONS – EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

Thi Ngoc Linh Le (416)895-3026

info@emlash.net

333 Bering Ave. Unit 700, Toronto, ON

n Orlando Corporation

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS

David McKeown (905)677-5480

mckeownd@orlandocorp.com

6205 Airport Rd., Mississauga, ON

n Ponder Recruiting Inc.

ADVERTISING AGENCIES & CONSULTANTS

Andres Rojas (519)865-3348

andresr@ponderrecruiting.com

Ancaster, ON

n Red Shed Co.

MANUFACTURING OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Angie Witten (519) 770-2543

angie@redshedco.com

83 Shaver St. Unit 103, Brantford, ON

n Sandha Woodworks Service Ltd.

KITCHEN CABINETS

Chamkaur Sandha (226)381-0023

Chamkaur.sandha@ sandhawoodworks.ca

121 Roy Blvd. Units 1-2, Brantford, ON

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Chamber of Commerce Advocates for Policy Reforms and Business Support

At the 2023 Ontario Chamber of Commerce AGM, President Paul Bisanti led policy debates, focusing on key resolutions. Discussions included a co-sponsored policy for clear COVID-19 tests. The Chamber advocated for specialized healthcare, stable funding for Workforce Planning Boards, and more. Valuable resources from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

were introduced, benefiting small businesses. The Chamber actively collaborated with local government to address community priorities.

Employee mental health and broadband service improvements were highlighted, while municipal leaders faced challenges in housing and social services.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce introduced valuable resources for small businesses: the SME Institute and Library of Resources, offering discounted training, and the Business Data Lab (BDL), providing essential business climate data. The Chamber maintained close communication with the County of Brant and City of Brantford to advocate for business community priorities amid challenges in housing and social services. Internally, the Advocacy Committee

Membership Renewals

n Accessibility Solutions

n Alliance Research Tech Inc.

n Autism Ontario-South Region

n Beatties

n Brant Food For Thought

n Brant Historical Society

n Brantford Hydraulics Inc.

n Brantford Public Library

n C. J. Cooper Automotive

n Cainsville Tire Discounter

n Caliber Target Systems

n CARSTAR Brantford West

n Century 21 Grand Realty Inc.Steve Assel

n Container Pros

n Copetown Woods Golf Club

n Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre

n Dan the Window Man

n David W. Wilson Manufacturing Ltd.

n Empire Communities - Brantford Communities Ltd.

n Enbridge Inc.

n Freedom House

n Front-Line Cable & Gas Services Inc.

n GK York Management Services Inc.

n GolfNorth Properties Inc.

n Grand Valley Construction Association

n Grand Valley Educational Society

n GreenMantra Technologies Ltd.

n Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton

n Hearth & Home

n Woodbridge Brantford Inc.

n Holistic Healing Arts

n Horseshoe Tax & Bookkeeping Services

n Hudson Public

n Infinum Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

n Ken Burns

n Kiwanis Club of Brantford

n Krivi Holdings Ltd.

n Ladies Who Lead

n Littell Promo

n Lynden Park Mall

n Massilly North America Inc.

n Mike Yarek Dodge Chrysler

n Mitsui High-tec (Canada) Inc.

n Mitten Inc.

n Mulrain Guitars

n Myra’s Bar & Grill

n Nautalex Business Services Inc.

n Nine North (Viet-Thai Cuisine)

reviewed Chamber Policy Papers, eliminating outdated policies and updating others to reflect the current business landscape. The Transportation Policy aims to foster collaboration with the government.

Through the Ontario Economic Report, it was revealed that employee mental health is vital to business success, yet only 37% of businesses have formal strategies in place. The Paris and District Chamber of Commerce supported accurate mapping layers for improved broadband service, benefiting businesses in BrantfordBrant and rural Ontario. Municipal leaders face the challenge of addressing housing and social services while investing in the community’s future. The Chamber continues to bridge business community priorities with elected officials.

n Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services

n Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre

n Picture Perfect Window Coverings

n PQI Canada Limited

n Printmate Graphics Limited

n RBC Dominion Securities - Wealth Management

n Rick Sopko Chartered Accountant

n Rosewood House

n Seventh Coffee Company

n Sherwin Williams-Brantford (8772)

n St. Leonard’s Community Services

n StoneRidge Insurance Brokers

n Melanie Mackay, REALTOR - Sutton Team Realty Inc.

n TanGo Business Coaching

n Thorpe Bros. Funeral Home & Chapel

n Total Rentals

n Valley Green Grounds Care

n VitaHeal HomeCare

n Walking Floor International Canada

n Wilfrid Laurier International College

PROUD PARTNERS OF THE COMMUNITY

Toxic Traits, TV Show Nostalgia, and Chamber Connections Collide

One of my (many) toxic traits is that 90s and 2000s TV show references occupy a larger piece of real estate in my brain than I’d like to admit. I can’t immediately recall what year my kid was born, but I can remember (without hesitation) that Lyle Lanley brought the Monorail to Brockway, Ogdenville, and North Haverbrook before Homer and Bart had to save the day in Springfield.

Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey, and Phoebe used to be our friends, but now we can let other Chamber

members become our new Central Perk crew. As a Chamber member, you’ve unlocked access to exclusive

deals and special offers from other members that can help your business pivot (get it?) when you need to. From discounts on office supplies to sweet savings on advertising or professional development programs, member-tomember discounts are a great way to get a deal and make new connections –as long as you don’t disagree on whether Ross and Rachel were on a break (they definitely were and you’re wrong if you think otherwise.)

Remember the heartwarming camaraderie of the Tanner family in San Francisco? The Chamber’s also everywhere you look and everywhere you go; networking events, business mixers, and industry-specific gatherings create a lively atmosphere where you can mingle with fellow entrepreneurs, potential clients, partners, and suppliers, just like the Tanners, Uncle Joey, Uncle Jesse, and Aunt Becky did around their iconic kitchen table. Expect laughter and the tools to strengthen your organization so you can be tough and confident like Stephanie was when she stood her ground and wouldn’t let her new friends peer pressure her in to smoking.

In the spirit of keeping it fresh, I love being introduced to new perspectives and opinions; just like the Banks family was when Will showed up in Bel-Air. The Chamber should always be evolving to meet the needs of its members and it’s important that you’re a part of that; get involved in Chamber committees, help shape policy and drive membership, and make sure you’re tied in properly if you ever decide to go bungee jumping.

Just like Jerry’s apartment, the Chamber’s door is always open; bonus points if you bring an few eggplant calzones or a big salad. The office is always buzzing with staff and members, and our private board room is available to members at an extremely discounted rate. Just don’t treat this office like George treated his at Pendant Publishing (“Should I not have done that?”)

Greg Evans

Each year, the County of Brant Salute to Brant Business event honours local businesses who are leading the way in their industries. The evening will be filled with networking, food and guest speakers as we celebrate local business.

September 21 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Cainsville Community Center (15 Ewart Avenue)

THANK

What an amazing day!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our generous sponsors and to everyone who joined us for the day. This year’s tournament was completely sold out and a huge success thanks to everyone’s support. We hope you enjoyed your time with us. Our tournament wouldn’t happen without your support…

Hole in One Sponsor

•Enbridge Inc.

Putting Contest Sponsor

•RBC

Golf Cart Sponsors

•Empire Communities

Brantford Communities Ltd.

•McNaughton Agency Inc.

The Co-operators

• Millards Chartered Professional Accountants

•Rudnick Wealth Partners of RBC Dominion Securities

Combo Sponsors

•Brantford Apparel

•Chartwell - Tranquility Place

•City of Brantford

• Co-operative Education, U of Waterloo

•Fen Industrial Inc.

•GrandBridge Energy

•HUB International

•InSitu Remediation Services Ltd.

• IDS Inc - Integrated Digital Solutions

•Lionhead Electric Ltd.

•M & T Printing

• Oak House Benefits Inc.

•Waterous, Holden, Amey, Hitchon LLP

• Xplore Inc.

Tee Sponsors

•AIM Recycling Brantford

•Legends Taphouse and Grill

•R.L. Lancaster Construction Ltd.

•TD Commercial Banking

Green Sponsors

•Brant Mutual Insurance Co.

•Gilbert-McEachern Electric Ltd.

•Orlando Corporation

•StoneRidge Insurance Brokers

Competition Hole Prize Sponsors

•Adidas Group

•Arlington Hotel and River’s Edge

•Branford Flight Centre

•Elements Casino Brantford

•Euro-Line Appliances Inc.

•Farm Boy Company Inc.

•Fen Industrial Inc.

•GrandBridge Energy Inc.

•Jiffy Lube

•The Keg Steakhouse & Bar

•Millards Chartered Professional Accountants

•Patricia’s Ladies Wear

•Queensview Retirement Community

•Whatcha Wanna Wear - Custom Logo

•Products

Thank you also to Barry Forth, Matt Steckly and the amazing staff at Copetown Woods for helping us coordinate a great day for our members.

THANK YOU!

Annual Chamber Golf Tournament

Restaurant Raffle Donors

•Devlin’s Country Bistro

•Legends Taphouse & Grill

•Myra’s Bar & Grill

•Oriental Restaurant & Tavern

•The Olde School Restaurant

•The Sherwood

•St. Louis Bar & Grill

•Sweet Bakery

•Tim Horton’s

•Wendy’s

This year, all proceeds from our Restaurant Raffle were donated to St. Leonard’s Community Services. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the raffle which will help them provide our community members with support in the areas of Employment, Housing, Justice, and Addictions and Mental Health.

Golfer Goodie Bag Donations

•Chartwell - Tranquility Place

•County of Brant

•Grand & Toy

•Hampton Inn

•Marriott Towneplace Suites

•S. C. Johnson and Son, Limited

•Spence Printing

•St. Leonard’s Community Services

•Steve’s Tea Company

•Translations Paris Traductions

•Queensview Retirement Community

Winners of the day!

Top Female Foursome: Millard’s (64)

•Julie Baetz

•Christine Smith

•Allison Poort

•Jane Poetz

Top Male Foursome: Itech Precision Group Inc. (56)

•Len Garinger

•Chris Ottmann

• Braun Avarell

•Eric Consorti

Top Mixed Foursome (59)

•Cindy Hiscock

•Donna Clements

•Amanda Barnett

•Jean Hawke

Putting Contest Winner

•Andy Forcey

Closest to the Pin: Ladies

•Mary Taylor Keefe

Closest to the Pin: Men

•Lance Chartrand

Closest to the Mayor

•Mary Taylor Keefe

Top Mixed Foursome (66)

•Dan Hotte

•Steve Lott

•Laszlo Polyak

•Kelly Quist

Closest to the Pin: Ladies

•Jane Poetz

Closest to the Pin: Men

•Frank Berardi

Closest to the Pin: Men

•Wes Caldwell

Longest Drive: Ladies

•Amanda Barnett

Longest Drive: Men

•Mitch Toth

Congratulations

Pictures courtesy of Tanner Sheppard from Photohouse Studios.

Member Profile Grand River Bean

Grand River Bean: 30 Years of Family-Owned Agribusiness Success

Grand River Bean is a family owned and operated bean processing company celebrating 30 years of agribusiness in the Northwest corner of Brant County. Six family members spanning two generations are providing guidance for future growth and opportunities.

Dry edible bean, IP and seed soybean are the company’s mainstay commodities processed, graded and packaged. These beans are grown in rotation on their own farm’s acres in

North Brant and east Oxford counties, but volumes are also purchased from select growers in southern central Ontario. Beans of various types and qualities are stored and maintained in up to 35 different grain storage silos.

Throughout the year as food packaging or canning clients purchase and request deliveries, products are sorted and graded to rigid specifications.

Some of the specialized machines utilized in the cleaning process are density gravity sorters, optical sorters and polishers. Daily van trailers and or export sea containers leave the site for customers not only in North America, but also to global destinations.

Throughout the world, pulse crops consumption is increasing. Beans are a natural go to for an inexpensive, healthy protein source in today’s health-conscious diets.

The Cruickshank family is proud to be a Brant based company and are excited to be a link for local crops to export markets.

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MILLARD ROUSE & ROSEBRUGH LLP, 96 NELSON STREET, BRANTFORD, 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

•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, LPA • W.A. Deane, CPA, CA

ASSOCIATES:

B.Y. Brenneman, CPA, CA • C.J. Storoschuk, CPA, CA • K.B. Weames, 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

• T.W. Schein, CPA, CA

New Trust Reporting Requirements

Joshua Laporte, CPA, CA Partner

When Bill C-32 received Royal Assent on December 15, 2022, new reporting rules for certain trusts with taxation years ending on or after December 30, 2023 came into effect.

Formerly, if a Trust did not owe any taxes and did not distribute any income or capital to its beneficiaries, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) did not require an annual T3 trust return to be filed. Under the new reporting rules certain trusts, including Bare trusts, will now be required to file a T3 return and all trusts obligated to file a T3 return will have to report the identity of various stakeholders, and to include more detail about beneficiaries of the trust.

The new rules require a trust to file an annual T3 return if the trust is resident in Canada and is an express trust, even if there is no activity or income in a year. An express trust is a trust created with the settlor’s express intent, such as in a will or a trust deed. Generally, all trusts are express trusts, except those that are settled by law or by judgement.

Bare trusts are included in the new reporting requirements even though a Bare trust would never have any

income to report. A Bare trust holds title to trust property and retains no beneficial ownership.

Non-resident trusts that currently file an annual T3 return and all express trusts resident in Canada must report the identity of all trustees, beneficiaries, and settlors and any person who can exert control or override trustee decisions regarding the appointment of income or capital of the trust.

If you have an inactive or unnecessary trust, it may be advisable to wind-up the trust before December 30, 2023 to avoid the new reporting requirements. Some trusts may be exempt from the new reporting requirements; please

contact your tax advisor to determine your filing requirement.

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

Understanding Appeals from Court Orders in Ontario

The judicial system plays a vital role in maintaining justice and resolving legal disputes. However, even the most thorough legal proceedings may sometimes result in outcomes that one or both parties find unsatisfactory. In such cases, the appeals process provides an avenue for individuals to challenge and potentially overturn court orders.

The primary purpose of the appeals process is to ensure that justice is served and that errors or miscarriages of justice made at the trial level can be corrected. An appeal is not a retrial but an opportunity to review the legal aspects of a case to determine if any errors occurred that affected the fairness or accuracy of the decision rendered by the lower court.

Generally, parties seeking to appeal from a court order must demonstrate that a legal error such as misinterpretation or misapplication of the law, errors in admitting or excluding evidence, procedural irregularities, or breaches of natural justice. With limited exceptions, appeals do not typically entertain new evidence but rather focus on the existing record from the trial.

Process of Appeals:

1. Filing a Notice of Appeal: The first step in initiating an appeal is to file a Notice of Appeal with the appropriate appellate court. The Notice of Appeal should specify the

court order being appealed, the grounds for appeal, and the relief sought. If considering an appeal, it is crucial to promptly consult with a knowledgeable appellate lawyer to ensure that this notice complies with all relevant rules and timelines.

2. Perfecting the Appeal: After filing the Notice of Appeal, the appellant (the party initiating the appeal) must perfect the appeal by completing several procedural requirements. These steps often include ordering transcripts of the trial proceedings, preparing an appeal book containing relevant documents, and serving copies of these materials on the other parties involved in the appeal.

3. Preparing Written Submissions: Both the appellant and the respondent (the opposing party) will have an opportunity to prepare written submissions outlining their legal arguments. These submissions must adhere to specific formatting and citation rules, and they provide an opportunity for each party to present their case to the appellate court.

4. Oral Argument: Once the written submissions are filed, the appellate

court may schedule an oral hearing. During the oral argument, lawyers for both sides present their case before a panel of judges who may ask questions to clarify the legal issues or seek further information.

5. Judgment: Following the appeal hearing, the appellate court will deliver its judgment. The court may choose to uphold the lower court’s decision, modify it, or, in certain cases, order a new trial. The judgment will be based on a careful review of the legal arguments presented, the trial record, and applicable legal principles.

The appeals process in Ontario serves as a crucial mechanism for ensuring that justice is upheld and legal errors are rectified. By allowing parties to challenge court orders based on recognized grounds, the appeals process promotes fairness, accuracy, and the rule of law.

I

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

Nolan Wilson, Lawyer

Six Nations Dev Corp tackles community priorities

The Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC) was launched in May 2015 with the mission to achieve economic self-sufficiency without compromising the values of the Six Nations Community.

The purpose of SNGRDC is to generate income, outside of the federal funding, to tackle community priorities that affect the Six Nations Community as a whole. This includes improving social conditions, aiding in infrastructure development, and creating a healthy & sustainable environment for

Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation

individuals, families and businesses to thrive.

SNGRDC manages Six Nations’ economic interest for a number of renewable energy projects and economic development opportunities on and around the Six Nations territory.

Chiefswood Park

Where Six Nations Welcomes the World Chiefswood Park hosts over 300,000 visitors annually. With 16 luxury cabins, 12 glamping units, 10 camping sites and an array of amenities, the park is a space for all to enjoy. Guests relax under the Carolinian Forest, paddle along the Grand River and can partake in activities such as axe throwing, archery, mini-putt, and more. The Chiefswood Park food truck serves world famous Nathan’s hotdogs and delicious poutine to satisfy any cravings.

Six Nations Bingo

Guaranteed Prizes. Guaranteed Fun. Six Nations Bingo invites guests to come out for fun and excitement, and the chance to win HUGE cash prizes! Monthly events make the Bingo Hall a great place to enjoy time with friends. Half of the hall is an enclosed smoking area – offering a place for all guests to sit and enjoy their time as they wait for that BINGO!

Gathering Place by the Grand Events. Experiences. Memories.

A stunning and elegant wedding, conference and event venue located moments from the Grand River, the Gathering Place by the Grand offers something for everyone. Filled with luxurious meeting areas, and design inspired by nature, the Gathering Place is the perfect backdrop to create your next event memory. I

Empowering Children Through Personalized Learning

Founder Maxwell Roach’s diverse background as a world-traveling musician, food business owner, and tech industry professional led him to establish JonAyves Learning Club. This innovative organization is revolutionizing education through personalized learning and tutoring. The organization’s mission is to contribute to the education of well-rounded students.

Founded on the principles of “Love It, Learn It, and Live It,” JonAyves Learning Club believes that students can learn anything once they develop a love for a subject. By forming strong connections

with each student and integrating course material with their passions, the organization unlocks their full potential. The club has formed partnerships in Brantford to bring the community closer through education, going beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Maxwell’s passion for education and entertainment is demonstrated through “Livi & Friends,” a live entertainment group that blends education and entertainment to spark a love for learning in young minds. Recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion as the city expands, JonAyves Learning Club

emphasizes the need for black leaders in teaching and entrepreneurship to inspire children from their culture. The organization works with the city’s businesses to host events and provide education to children and young adults, fostering an environment where they can thrive.

For more information about JonAyves Learning Club’s services, including tutoring, personalized instruction, access to engaging children’s books, and the private school initiative, visit www.jonayves.com or contact info@jonayveslearningclub.com I

Welcome New Members

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n Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

REAL ESTATE BROKERS & SALES

REPRESENTATIVES

Kevin Haight

(519)865-3000

khaight@sothebysrealty.ca

11 Mechanic St. Unit 1, Paris, ON

n Tandia Financial Credit Union –Brantford Branch

CREDIT UNIONS

Carla Ricci

(800)598-2891

Carla.ricci@tandia.com

25-27 King George Rd., Brantford, ON

< Continued from Page 6

The club opened many more volunteer opportunities in which Ron became involved. He spent four years on the foundations for the Brantford General Hospital and as an advisory for City Council.

Together the Birketts are active at their local church, Saint James Anglican Church, and have been for the majority of their lives. You may find Ron completing services when the Priest isn’t available.

The couple’s hope for the future is to continue giving back in ways they can but gradually scale back a bit.

“We’ll still be involved but we are going to have to cut back a little bit in certain places,” said Ron Birkett. “But I’ve found that is not an easy thing to do.”

The love they share for the community of Brantford is something to recognize and share.

“If I can speak for both of us; you live in a community, you grow on a community as a family, and you try to give back as best you can”.

Georgia York is a second-year student journalist at Conestoga College. She has a passion for writing and giving a voice to those in need.