Issuu

MARCH 2022

WITH BRANTFORD • BRANT

Chamber of Commerce Brantford • Brant

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR

2022 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

AWARDS FINALISTS!

DETAILS ON PAGES 12 & 13. PRESENTING SPONSOR BDO CANADA LLP

The One Stop Print Shop For all of your print needs... • Business Cards, • Presentation Folders, • Labels & Stickers, • And much more...

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WITH BRANTFORD • BRANT

MARCH 2022

WITH BRANTFORD n BRANT

PRESIDENT

Chamber of Commerce Brantford • Brant

Paul Bisanti Lanca Contracting Ltd. 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Chris Rayfield Methapharm Inc./ ACIC Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2ND VICE PRESIDENT / TREASURER

Jacinda Reitsma Conestoga College PAST PRESIDENT

Ken McNaughton McNaughton Agency Inc. DIRECTORS

Congratulations to all of our Business Excellence Finalists!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR Message from the New President: Chamber The Inevitability Members of Change

2022 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

Garnet Lasby

Massilly North America Inc.

Melissa Jarman RBC Commercial Banking Centre

Trevor Rumble

AWARDS FINALISTS! 4

The Marco Corporation

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

Mike Yarek Mike Yarek Dodge Chrysler Ltd.

Financial Feature PRESENTING SPONSOR BDO CANADA LLP

Ask a Lawyer

The Right to Disconnect SECRETARY TO THE BOARD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

David Prang LIAISONS

Dan McCreary City of Brantford

Marc LaFerriere County of Brant

Michelle Giffin

DETAILS ON PAGES X & X.

Eddy Vance

JCI Brantford

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

David Prang

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Greg Evans

MANAGING EDITOR

Leslie Barker

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Olivia Hull

ADMINISTRATION & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Kathy Prymak

ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR

n March 2022

Reflecting on 2021, Preparing for 2022 and Onward

BoldAssurance Mortgage Group | Tax | Advisory | Accounting

Assurance | Accounting | Tax | Advisory

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

77 Charlotte Street, Brantford, ON N3T 2W8 Phone: 519-753-2617 n 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

Message from thethe President Message from President The Inevitability of Change

here is an old saying; “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” While that sentiment may ring true in a lot of senses, that adage may do more harm than good when it comes to a business model. Ken McNaughton - President The past two years have thrown massive Welcome to to thebusiness second half of 2021! And curveballs owners and what a start to the year it has been. operators facing changing paradigms of of By doing the timebusiness. you have The read old this way we have conducting day-to-day operations already presented the winners of the 2021 is being Excellence strained with new Business Awards an remote working requirements and changing spending patterns of customers. Businesses that can successfully adapt to changing paradigms have historically been winners, while businesses that refuse to accept new ways of operating often face a slow decline to irrelevancy.

Paul Bisanti Employers and managers face tough questions in the face of COVID; How can I generate new sales leads to fill my pipeline? Where am I going to find new employees in this market? How do I resolve the logistics of a systemically strained supply chain? None of these questions come with easy answers, but a refusal to consider changing business practices in the face of new challenges will only amplify the strains on a business.

Resist getting bogged down with challenges, instead focus on the fundamentals. Not everything needs to change because of COVID; establish non-negotiables about your business model that reflect your core strengths. Look for value drivers for your clients. What do you do that solves a problem your customer is facing? Can you accomplish this in a new way? If it is new and creative, perhaps there are more revenue streams associated with it. Perhaps your customers are facing new challenges and there is an opportunity for you assist? Identify and celebrate positive adaptations within your organization. Individuals who you rely on who manage to rise above the fear of change to find creative solutions are the ones you want to elevate. Change is stressful and often painful, but it is also inevitable and can bring great periods of growth if resiliency and I adaptability are embraced.

Established in 1920

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

September 2021

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Student Voice Brantford Tourism Centre Moves to New Strategic Location

any Brantford-Brant residents, like myself, might be quick to dismiss the idea of a tourism centre for our own city, yet we should not be so quick to dismiss all that the Brantford Visitor and Tourism Centre has to offer. I recently had the privilege of speaking to Aisha Godbout, the Administrative Coordinator for Economic Development and Tourism at city of Brantford, about the recent move of the Tourism Centre from the Lynden Park Mall property to the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. We also discussed all that Brantford Tourism Services has to offer local businesses.

Owen Portelli On the topic of the move, many might ask: “why?” The simple answer is that the move was strategic. Godbout explains that it is more cost effective to set up in the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre and there is significantly more natural consumer traffic through the Gretzky Centre (approximately 800,000 visitors per year). As a result of the move, many visitors who would never have thought to stop by the Tourism Centre will be exposed to it.

Many Brantford residents, including myself, would assume the services offered by the Tourism Centre are strictly for those from out of town. The Tourism Centre certainly does offer services to those from out of town or those who have recently moved to Brantford, yet they have a wide array services to offer to well-established Brantford residents and businesses as well. The Tourism Centre routinely offers guides and packages of fun, exciting things to do in the Brantford area. Trail guides, seasonal gift guides, seasonal activity guides, and much more, can help Brantford residents who wish to have a great time in their own backyard. Brantford-Brant residents looking for things to do or places to visit with their families and friends should certainly visit the Tourism Centre. Continued on Page 15

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WHY CLARITY? Because the impressions you make need to be clear and purposeful. That’s the key to becoming that top-of-mind business you envision being.

Samantha Gernhart

claritydesigns.ca info@claritydesigns.ca 519-770-7358

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com n March 2022

Membership Corner Need to Rant?

we could barely keep up with all the positive reviews and feel-good stories; it feels good to give positive feedback and recognize those who work so hard and I’m sure it feels wonderful to read reviews from people who recognize the work you’ve been putting in.

arlier this year, the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant wrapped up our first ever #HappyRants social media campaign - and it might have been the most fun thing we’ve done in the past two years.

Thanks to our friends at RBC for sponsoring the Chamber’s first ever #HappyRants campaign – keep an eye out for the next one, as I’m sure we won’t last long before needing another shot of positivity in our inboxes.

For those of you unfamiliar, the Chamber’s Happy Rants campaign encouraged people throughout Brantford-Brant to submit their stories and positive experiences with local businesses; people and teams of staff who have gone above and beyond throughout the last couple of years to make for an exceptional customer experience.

We received over 100 submissions from over 100 unique individuals.

We expected 20 or 30 submissions over the few weeks before and after the new year.

Brantford-Brant is lucky to have so many incredible people behind so many outstanding businesses that

Greg Evans

Check out the Chamber’s social media channels for just the handful of reviews we were able to post and please feel free to continue to let us know if you have an above-and-beyond experience with a local business. Brantford-Brant has so many first-class businesses and I we want to hear about them!

Membership Renewals ■ 1488553 Ontario Limited ■ Access Self Storage Inc. ■ Ad Plus Promotions Inc. ■ Advanced Cellular/Bell Mobility ■ Aecon Mining Construction Services ■ Al’s Driveway Sealing & Repairs ■ Angela Leach - Happy Workplace Architect ■ ARYZTA Canada Co. ■ The Beauty Barn Spa ■ Beck’s Printing Services ■ Best Western Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre ■ Betco Products Inc. ■ BIA, Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Area ■ Bialas Printing Limited ■ Blueprint IT Works Inc. ■ Boddy Ryerson LLP ■ Bowman Precision Tooling ■ Braneida Mechanical Service Ltd. ■ Brant Auto Painting ■ Brant County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ■ Brant Custom Machining Ltd. ■ Brant Family and Children’s Services Foundation ■ Brant Family Eye Care

■ Brant Food Centre ■ Brant Mutual Insurance Company ■ Brantford Flight Centre ■ Brantford Golf and Country Club Ltd. ■ Brantford Honda ■ Brantford Musicians Association ■ Brantford Symphony Orchestra ■ Brantworth Mechanical Inc. ■ Brokerlink ■ Bunnell Hitchon Insurance Brokers Inc. ■ Business Development Bank of Canada ■ Cainsville Tire Discounter ■ D. A. Campbell Amusements Ltd. ■ CARSTAR Brantford ■ Casasanta Complete Baking Solutions ■ Charlotte Villa Retirement Residence ■ College Source for Sports ■ Comfort Inn ■ Community Living Brant ■ Cornell Construction Limited ■ Coudenys Management Systems Inc. ■ Cowan Insurance Group Ltd. ■ Dan the Window Man ■ Derek Bond Entertainment ■ Desjardins Insurance- Andrew Schwalm, Agent

■ Domclean Limited / Dominion Equipment & Chemical ■ Dr. Betty-Anne Story ■ Dudley Lambert LLP ■ Dulux Paints ■ E & M Copper Products Inc. ■ Elite Carpet Care ■ Enterprise Brant ■ ESSE Canada ■ The Expositor ■ Curtiss Wright Flow Control Corporation, Farris Engineering ■ Gates Canada Inc. ■ General Industrial Services ■ Gentlemen’s Hairstyling ■ Genuine Tire & Auto ■ George and Edmison Partners ■ Gordon’s Logowear ■ Grand Valley Educational Society ■ R. A. Grinton & Associates ■ Habitat for Humanity ■ J. P. Harris Burford Ltd. ■ J. D. Hill Jewellers Brantford Ltd. ■ Home Hardware Stores Limited BeautiTone Paint and Home Products Division ■ Home2 Suites by Hilton Brantford ■ Ingham Monuments

March 2022 n Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Welcome New Members ■ ANC Group BUILDING CONTRACTORS

Andrew Neill (226) 218-4757 andrew@anci.ca 142 West St., Brantford, ON

■ Anna’s Soul Food Kitchen RESTAURANTS

Pius Mukose / Felicitas-Anna Mukose (548) 882-7811 info@annassoulfood.com 72 Colborne St., Brantford, ON

■ CaptCan Comics

■ Food4Kids Brant-Haldimand NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Andrea Dalimonte (519) 865-7806 food4kidsbh@gmail.com Brantford, ON

■ Fortress Group

AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT, SYSTEMS & PARTS

Christina Brown (226) 755-0590 christina@fortresshvacr.ca 275 Thompson Dr. Unit 2 , Cambridge, ON

NOVELTIES - RETAIL

■ Grand River Insurance Brokers Inc.

■ DHL Supply Chain

Michael Johnston (519) 445-2795 ext 204 mjohnston@grandriverinsurance.ca 2176-B Chiefswood Rd. PO Box 390, Ohsweken, ON

Warren Mitchell / Jayden Mitchell (519) 770-9875 warren@captcancomics.ca 466 Elgin St., Brantford, ON WAREHOUSES - MERCHANDISE

Karen Ashley (519) 720-1204 karen.ashley@dhl.com 59 Fen Ridge Ct., Brantford, ON

■ J & K Home Building Centre ■ Jeff’s at Work Office Furniture The Design Center ■ Kemira Water Solutions Canada Inc. ■ Ken’s Towing Services ■ Kuriyama Canada Inc. ■ Lanca Contracting Limited ■ R. L. Lancaster Construction Limited ■ Levac’s Trophies Unlimited Inc. ■ Littell Promo ■ LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. ■ The Looking Glass Optical Boutique ■ Lynden Park Mall ■ M&T Printing Group ■ Mark’s Work Wearhouse ■ Marriott Towneplace Suites Brantford & Conference Centre ■ Maxwell Management Group Ltd. ■ McCleister Funeral Home & Chapel ■ McClelland Glass Centre (002310921 Ontario Ltd) ■ McGowan Office Interiors Incorporated ■ Meridian ■ Millennium Security Services ■ Minotaur Stormwater Services Limited ■ MMMC Architects ■ Mohawk Motel ■ My Tailor

INSURANCE BROKERS

■ Ronson Painting PAINTERS

Robert Ronson / Peggy Ronson (519) 761-1515 info@ronsonpainting.ca Brantford, ON

■ New Life Pentecostal Assembly ■ The Olde School Restaurant Est. 1982 ■ Ontario Wildlife Removal Inc. ■ Paulmac’s Pets Brantford ■ Pauwels Travel Bureau ■ Pencar Sales Rental Leasing ■ Prima Klean ■ Printmate Graphics Limited ■ Queensview Retirement Community ■ RBC Commercial Banking Centre ■ RBL Services ■ Remax Twin City Realty-Park Road North ■ Richard G. Sroka, BA, CPA, CMA ■ Rick Sterne ■ Robertson Restoration ■ Rotary Club of Brantford ■ Savory Electric Ltd. ■ Scotiabank - Lynden Road ■ Scott C. Chapin CPA Professional Corporation ■ ServiceMaster of Brantford ■ Sherwood Restaurant & Catering ■ ShopBrantford.com ■ Simpsons Great Floors ■ Six Nations Tourism ■ H. C. Sleeth & Sons ■ Sonoco Canada Corporation

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com n March 2022

■ TheSafetyStore.ca PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Tyler Schneider (519) 916-0878 info@trainwithguru.com 122 Charing Cross, Unit 4, Brantford, ON

■ Steve’s Tea Company FOOD PRODUCTS

Lana Burchell / Stephen Burchell (226) 802-3797 lana.burchelkissi@gmail.com 783 Colborne St. E, Unit 2, Brantford, ON

■ Top Shelf Installations CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

Ike Connolly (519) 865-5355 ike@rackinghelp.com Brantford, ON

■ Town & Country Sales & Service Inc. RECREATIONAL VEHICLES PARTS & SUPPLIES AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

Jim Schmidt (519) 484-2901 info@townandcountrysales.ca 251 Cockshutt Rd., Brantford, ON

■ St. Joseph’s Lifecare Foundation ■ STM Construction Ltd. ■ StreetSeen Media ■ Steven J. Szasz Fine Quality Homes ■ Tim Horton’s - Colborne St. ■ Tirecraft Brantford Inc. ■ Underwood, Ion & Johnson Law ■ University of Waterloo - Co-operative Education & Career Action ■ W.A. Maguire Sales Ltd. ■ Whole Body Health ■ Willowbridge Community Services Inc. ■ Wireworks Electrical Ltd (ISO 9001: 2008 Registered) ■ Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services ■ Your Neighbourhood Credit Union Charlotte St.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Are You Interested in Hosting a Business After Hours Event? Email Leslie at leslie@brcc.ca for details.

Advocacy

n January, we highlighted the opportunities at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels for advocacy activities in 2022, with the latter two levels of government having elections this year. The Chamber will present events to highlight the needs and concerns of the business community to the candidates. Your investment in the Chamber assists in supporting these events and activities, and we look forward to presenting new and creative opportunities for engagement this year. Our MP/MPP Breakfast in February delivered an opportunity for MP Larry Brock and MPP Will Bouma to discuss the solutions and supports to business to respond to the pandemic. Programs like the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program and Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program were introduced later in 2021, but many businesses will fall through the cracks. Expect the provincial election to

David Prang examine competing perspectives on how to boost Ontario’s economy while supporting key infrastructure and social demands. February saw the release of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s sixth annual Ontario Economic Report. Conducted this fall, 29% of businesses surveyed expressed confidence in the Ontario economy, while 57% expressed confidence in their own

business. There is significantly more pessimism expressed in organizations led by women, people with disabilities, and the arts, entertainment, and agriculture sectors. 62% of businesses are experiencing labour shortages. Taxes and electricity costs remain key concerns – something our Chamber will continue to lead with our elected representatives. Most businesses value employee well-being and diversity and inclusion, but lack strategies to implement. Look for increased supports for these areas from the Chamber in 2022. The Chamber will follow up the OER with our own survey in 2022 as part of our strategic response to recovery. This promises to be an active year on the advocacy front. Please continue to share your challenges with the Chamber so we can truly be the voice of business in Brantford-Brant.

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Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com n March 2022

Member Profile The Sky’s the Limit at Whatcha Wanna Wear

or over 30 years, Whatcha Wanna Wear has further boosted the brand identifies and increased awareness of hundreds of businesses and organizations by providing them with creative promotional advertising products and branded apparel. Whether it’s a product launch, client or employee recognition, a corporate event or a trade show giveaway; we know which products will make a lasting impression. “Our goal is to provide you with quality products that are memorable, useful and relevant and best reflect your brand image,” says Jill Snyder, owner and operator. “Some clients have been

Whatcha Wanna Wear Custom Logo Products

with us for 32 years and we are extremely grateful.” Established in 1990, Whatcha Wanna Wear’s experienced team of product specialists are highly skilled at sourcing the right product for your target audience. Our long-established supplier relationships have secured us preferred pricing ensuring you get the best price every time. Whether you’re a sports team, corporation, non-profit, school or trade, custom promotional products are an easy and cost-effective way to get your message and brand recognized. We invite you to visit our well stocked showroom with hundreds of popular and highly specialized product

Family owned and operated for 50 years

samples. From jackets to BBQ sauce, to golf balls, charcuterie boards and uniforms - product options to customize are vast. The sky’s the limit! Give us a few details on your objective, budget and timeline and we’ll do the rest! www.customlogoproducts.ca 519-758-8205 info@customlogoproducts.ca

143 Lynden Rd, Brantford (East of Wayne Gretzky Pkwy) 519.770.4422 pioneerfamilypools.ca

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 10

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Ask a Lawyer

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

The Right to Disconnect: Do I Need a Policy for That?

Caitlin Turner

ll employers with 25 or more employees as at January 1 of this year are required to have a written disconnecting from work policy in place by June 1. The requirement arises from the Working for Workers Act (the “Act”), passed on December 2, 2021, which changes the Employment Standards Act (“ESA”). From 2023 onwards, employers with 25 or more employees January 1 of any year will need to have a written disconnecting form work policy in place by March 1 of that year. What does “disconnecting from work” mean? It means “not engaging in work-related communications, including emails, telephone calls, video calls or the sending or reviewing of other messages, so as to be free from the performance of work”. If you are an employer with 25 or more employees, you might be wondering what exactly you need to include in a disconnecting from work policy. You are not alone. The provincial government has not provided any guidance to date. The Act suggests that regulations might be passed but this is far from a commitment. Even with regulations, it is unlikely that a one-size-fits all policy will work across all places of employment and across all types of positions. At first instance, the need to draft yet

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP Brantford 20 Wellington St., Brantford. another policy during a time where human resources issues may be dominating your time already, might seem frustrating. There may, however, be a bright side that ultimately helps you and your organization succeed. Most of us agree that the line between work and home has become even more blurred in the last couple of years. While we may hope to go back to the glory days of 2019, it is possible that workplaces and employee expectations will never be the same. A good disconnecting from work policy is an excellent opportunity for employers to outline their expectations of when work is to be performed, when the employee is expected to be accessible for business needs, and when an employee is expected to take much needed time off. Clear expectations are even more important for the employees who work remotely and may continue to do so in the future.

with your employees’ right (and need) to disconnect. The balancing process may differ between classes of employee, depending on the nature of your business. For example, your expectations of a senior manager are likely to differ from those of a junior employee, as will expectations of a remote worker versus someone working on the floor. In addition, you will need to ensure that your policy does not create unexpected liability to overtime pay or complaints under the ESA, particularly with respect to hours of work, sick leave and vacation. If you would like assistance in drafting a disconnecting from work policy, the lawyers at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP are here to help.

Now is a good time to think about how your business needs can be balanced

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Member Profile

The Looking Glass Optical Boutique

Looking Glass Optical Boutique Celebrating 20 Years of Service

uying glasses should not be a dreadful experience, however, for many people it is. People should want new glasses rather than have to buy glasses. It should be a pleasant experience that you look forward to. The Looking Glass Optical Boutique had been a familiar Brant Avenue landmark for decades where it serviced the basic eyewear needs for people in Brantford and surrounding area. In July of 2002, local Optician, Paul Imola decided that the people of Brantford needed better options when it came to eyewear, they should want

smaller local businesses, The Looking Glass Optical staff worked hard to provide a more personalized and pleasant experience that our clients came to love, and it showed.

The Looking Glass Business cards proofs

03, 2014 7:13:04 PM toMonday, getMarch new glasses instead of having to buy new glasses, so he took a leap and purchased the Looking Glass Optical Boutique.

Clients new and old were quick to embrace the changes, and as time went on we discovered that Brantford was ready for more exciting eyewear selections and that ‘basic’ wasn’t going to be good enough moving forward. At a time when big box stores and internet shopping proved harmful to

The next 18 years would bring exponential growth and we soon realized that if our dream of becoming a complete eyecare practice were to come true, we would have to incorporate full eye exams and that would require a new larger more accessible space and a well-respected Doctor of Optometry. In March of 2021, The Looking Glass relocated to 505 Park Road North, and we are pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Georgeff has moved his practice to join our outstanding team. Now our clients can have the most comprehensive eye exams and have a great experience choosing that perfect pair of glasses all in one stop.

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF

378 KING GEORGE ROAD, BRANTFORD 519-753-3168 www.brantfordhonda.com 14

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Student Voice ❰❰❰

Continued from Page 5

The Tourism Centre also offers a form of promotion to local businesses through their packages and guides. Further, a great benefit offered by the Tourism Centre is that they seek to share information about Brantford’s local businesses via word of mouth and in response to inquiries they receive. Businesses in the area are encouraged to reach out to the Tourism Centre and ensure that the tourism services team aware of their business, their products and their services. Once they do this, the Tourism Centre is committed to promoting that business in any way they can. This free of charge publicity is provided by a team of great people committed to promoting your business would probably seem too good to be true. However, Godbout and her team want you to rest assured, they

are here to help. Finally, Godbout also gave a shout out to the BrantfordBrant Business Resource Centre (BRC), which is operated by city staff and offers support for local businesses in all stages of growth. Businesses are also encouraged by the city to seek guidance from the BRC. The move of the Tourism Centre saves our taxpayer dollars and increases natural consumer traffic, but more importantly, it gives us a chance to highlight some of the amazing resources that the City of Brantford has to offer to its local businesses.

DID YOU KNOW? The Chamber provides Commissioning Services for Certificates of Origin and other documents.

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

Advertise with the Chamber! For information about membersonly advertising opportunities, please contact Greg Evans at greg@brcc.ca

FirstOntario supports your big dream of a small business. #buylocal Cara & Co. Silicone Craft Supply Inc. 2021 1Awards Winner

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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.

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January 2022

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Financial Feature

Bold Mortgage Group

Reflecting on 2021, Preparing for 2022 and Onward

Michel St. Pierre

How to best position ourselves for success in 2022 and onward As we reflect on 2021, we should have a better understanding of the value of the word “Flexibility”. We all have changed many of our behaviours to combat Covid-19: wearing masks, virtual learning, etc. During this time, the housing market did not slow down. Flexibility allowed for virtual open houses, virtual home closings, streamlined mortgage approvals with the reduced need for in person meetings, etc. Technology and innovations have help us through this difficult time, and in many cases, improved processes along the way. The best way to position yourself for success in 2022 and onward is to continue to embrace your flexibility.

How do we meet our need for Flexibility in our choice of mortgage? As we get closer to the Bank of Canada’s meeting on interest rates, we always hear the doom and gloom scenarios of rate increase. Many individuals go running for a fixed rate based on headlines and fear while ignoring the flexibility and savings provided by a variable rate mortgage.

Fixed rate mortgages do offer the security of a static payment for budgeting; however, they traditionally have higher penalties when paid out early. Many individuals break their mortgages early to consolidate debts, renovate, move to another home, lower monthly bills, etc. These adjustments to your financial plan can be costly if your mortgage lacks the flexibility to meet these needs. High mortgage penalties do eat away at your equity if you plan to refinance as you will have less in proceeds to meet your goals (renovations, consolidate debts, etc.).

as your financial goals evolve over time. As we have seen throughout the pandemic, having the flexibility to pivot I is paramount to success.

A Variable rate mortgage has the flexibility to accommodate life’s unexpected events. By having a low mortgage penalty, you can make adjustments to your financial plan

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Member Profile

Heron Head Bikes

Light the Night with Heron Head Bikes

tan Gorecki opened Heron Head Bikes in May 2021. Located at 120 Morrell Street, we sell new bicycles from KONA, Marin, Reid bikes, and Seven Peaks Gear. We carry Race Face, Easton, Fox and D’Amour parts. We also buy, trade and sell used bikes. In addition to sales and service, Heron Head Bikes also offers bicycle rentals. The shop is located a short ride to Brantford’s awesome trail system. We lead free weekly “Slow Roll” bicycle tours of Brantford and area neighbourhoods. These are for beginner riders interested in learning more about our community. One of the most popular “Slow Rolls” are our

on the task at hand, it help energize us which helps motivate us to accomplish more. “Light The Night” rides when we dress our bikes up with as many lights as we can and we be rolling through town! Most of us think of bicycling as a recreational activity and forget they are great for commuting. Studies show that just over 50% of all vehicle trips are less than 8km in length. That’s an easy bike ride. Why encourage team members to ride their bikes to work? The top two reasons are that cycling employees: 1) Are more productive. We know that exercise will help our brains focus

2) Take less sick time. This is an easy way to reduce your health care costs as employees get a daily dose of exercise. Our corporate programs range from simple employee discounts on bicycles, equipment and service to more involved programs with on-site services and workshops. Contact stan@heronheads.com for more information about making your team members happier and healthier while increasing productivity and reducing health care costs… or if you want a bike for yourself or family!

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Clean Propane Energy Our Kids Will Thank Us

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Member Profile

Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario Brant-Norfolk Chapter

abitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario and Brant Norfolk Chapter operate as one of 1,400 Habitat for Humanity affiliates worldwide sharing a common vision and social purpose. A world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. We mobilize volunteers and communities to help working, lower income families and individuals to build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. The Brant Norfolk Chapter builds homes in Brantford, Brant County and Norfolk County. In Brantford, the largest and most innovative project in Habitat Heartland’s history will result in 56 new homes. This build features energy efficient 1, 2, and 3 bedroom townhouses, with accessibility, and a mix of Habitat homeowners and private homeowners. In the County of Brant, The Upstart Project is a Habitat first in Canada, with a new build

efficient home, homeowners benefit from reduced costs in utilities, providing relief to use more of their income on necessities like food and medicine, or to help save for the future.

approach to Passive House standards. These builds are new community investments in local affordable housing and generate economic outcomes such as producing taxes; creating jobs; and supporting trades during construction. They also transform lives. 73% of Canadians have reported having trouble paying housing costs. Habitat homeowners purchase their home and at closing, they assume an affordable mortgage and they pay property taxes over their lifetime. Coupled with an affordable mortgage and an energy

Beyond the financial benefits, our history as the world’s largest home builder, has shown us a home is at the epi-centre of every important issue in our lives. Stable housing is intricately connected to better health, education and economic outcomes. Habitat homeowners build equity and experience the pride of owning their own home that they can pass down to future generations. What investment would you make to build a better life and a stronger, more sustainable and vibrant community? To get involved, call us today at 519-759-8600 or visit: www.habitat4home.ca

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MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PRICING At Brantford Toyota, Chamber of Commerce members receive: 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 the Brantford community and numerous charities including: The Shoebox Foundation, Brantford Food Bank, Boys & Girls Club of Brantford, Skip Burst and more (see our website for details).

One of Ontario’s Oldest Admin Fee-Free Dealerships

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

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

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

During COVID-19, health and safety measures are in place to protect our customers and employees. For expert advice, an incredible selection and to verify availability, visit:

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Current as of August 11, 2021. Available to new customers in Ontario, where access and technology permit. The BELL and FIBE trademarks are owned by Bell Canada.

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