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

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COMMISSIONING SERVICES 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 In support of these efforts, the Advocacy Committee is reviewing all Chamber Policy Papers on file, eliminating outdated policies, and updating others to reflect the business environment of 2023.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.

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.

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).

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.

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