November 2024 InTouch by Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant

Woman of Impact 2024

Patricia Espinoza de Faria

Details on Page 17

Eardly

Message from the President

Chamber Celebrates Year of Growth and Community Engagement in 2024

Wow, how time flies! As we approach the end of 2024, we reflect on an incredibly productive year for the Chamber.

Key achievements include:

n Revamped Business Excellence Awards with compelling finalists and engaging videos from Atomic Spark.

n A highly successful Golf Tournament at Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course and Learning Centre.Pioneered and hosted the inaugural community visits from provincial party leaders Marit Stiles (NDP) and Bonnie Crombie (Liberal Party).

n Successfully launched the first Brantford 2050 event with Mayor Kevin Davis.

n Initiated and hosted the premiere Harvest Lunch event with Mayor David Bailey.

n Organized nine business after-hours events, including a well-received joint event with the Paris and District Chamber of Commerce, hosted by the Brantford Flying Club.

n Transformed our popular Wine, Women, and Shopping event into Women of Impact, while strengthening our collaboration with members Ladies Who Lead, as part of our Women in Business Summit presented with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in September.

n Directed our efforts towards Transportation, Small Business, and Housing/Mental Health and Addictions Advocacy.

We have also championed community priorities such as the revitalization of the Brant Community Healthcare System, with new facilities to accommodate our growing region, and fostered stronger partnerships with the City of Brantford and

the County of Brant. Continued unwavering support for our non-profit members in sports, service clubs, and organizations such as the Grand River Council on Aging. I have been fortunate to meet with our colleagues across Ontario and Canada, and I have been proud to champion our community and our Chamber’s work at the provincial and national levels. We compete with the best!

Looking ahead to an exceptional 2025 with John Oddi assuming the role of President, bringing his energy and advocacy experience. The future looks promising for Brantford- Brant. Thank you to all our members, volunteers, and staff. It has been a privilege to collaborate with all of you, and I look forward to celebrating the growth and success of our region for many years to come.

Chris Rayfield, President

2025 is the Year of Smart IT, with Help from IBC

Are you still looking at your IT as a cost centre, and not a strategic player in your organization’s growth? Are you caught in an endless cycle of trying to cut costs, while simultaneously maximizing productivity, output, and enhancing customer experience? You’re not alone! Since first offering our expert technical services beginning in 1996 to present day - we’ve heard from and helped countless business clients who have hit a crisis point with outdated or compromised IT and desperately needed help.

This is how IBC can help you.

As a local Canadian-owned business, we understand first-hand how essential

it is to ensure that your operations and information are uninterrupted and secure - while also managing current inflation and increased costs.

Eliminate the need to hire and retain an in-house technical team by partnering with SecurIBC, as your back-pocket experts in charge of:

n Cyber security

n Data backup

n Disaster planning and recovery

n 24/7 monitoring

What’s impacting your operations - is it cyber security? Employee training? Network outages? It’s imperative that your IT supports your business growthand doesn’t leave you exposed. Get started by finding out if your business data has been compromised and exposed on the Dark Web - scan for a FREE online security review compliments of SecurIBC! I

New Members

n Business Acceleration Solutions BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

Stacey Cooper (226) 401-5550

Drstacey@ businessaccelerationsolutions.com Brantford, ON

n Costco Wholesale Brantford WAREHOUSES - MERCHANDISE

Tanya Fita (226) 401-0026

W01669mbr@costco.com Brantford, ON

n Outsource IT Computing Inc. IT CONSULTANTS

Femi Fasoyinu (289) 962-1199 x 274 Ffasoyinu@oitc.ca Burlington, ON

n Ron Fox (Royal Lepage Action Realty) REAL ESTATE BROKERS & SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Ron Fox (519) 732-5871

Ronfox@royallepage.ca Brantford, ON

n Why Not City Missions NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Karen Stewart (519) 759-2221 x 205

Karen@whynotcitymissions.com Brantford, ON

n Brantford Retirement Manor RETIREMENT HOMES & COMMUNITIES

Nicole Duwuwille (226) 966-6151

Media@retirementmanor.ca Brantford, ON

n Brave Waves Swim School

SPORTS CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Julia Surette (519) 861-9300 Info@bravewavesswim.com

Brantford, ON

n K. Blair Safety Consulting

HEALTH & SAFETY - OCCUPATIONAL

Jonathan Putschli (519) 865-7882

Worksafeconsulting@outlook.com Paris, ON

n Lucero Legal Services Professional Corporation

PARALEGALS

Gisel Lucero (647) 885-2954

Gisel@lucerolegalservices.com Brantford, ON

Advocacy Chamber’s Women in Business Summit

Tackles Equality Challenges

In September, aligned with Gender Equality Week, the Chamber hosted the Women in Business Summit, presented by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Over three days in the Chamber Boardroom, members engaged with women leaders from a variety of industries and sectors, as well as allies from the Chamber’s Advocacy Committee. These engaging discussions built upon the CCC’s Business Data Lab 2024 report: Barely Breaking Ground: The Slow Stride of Progress for Women in Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship.

On Day One, Creating an Inclusive Culture highlighted some of the recent challenges to the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion frameworks that promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people. Commonly shortened to EDI, or DEI, and also IDEA, to add Accessibility, these frameworks have encountered resistance and derailment out of frustration, cost, competing priorities, fear, insecurity, and mistrust, due to zero sum thinking, versus environments of abundance. The keynote and panelists encouraged participants to revisit the goals, to focus on the opportunities, clearly communicate the path forward, and develop a resistance management plan to move EDI initiatives forward.

Day Two explored the Gender Pay Gap, with excellence presentations from the Ontario Pay Equity Commission and in particular, local participants were impressed with Sévrine Labelle, the Managing Director, Thrive Lab, of BDC. They challenged attendees to consider equal pay for work of equal value in terms of impact to an organization, to further close the gap.

Day Three, Setting Women Up

for Success: The Role of Effective Mentorship, highlighted the impact of the Tallest Poppy Syndrome (TPS) and Ageism in the Workplace. Over 86% of surveyed employees in Canada have experienced a form of TPS. Panelists suggested a framework for

women of Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Coaching to help close persistent gender gaps in business leadership. Mentorship was defined as access to an experience person or group of people for professional guidance. Sponsorship was described as a unique hand up, barrier-removing, door-opening voice in the workplace and community.

Coaching looked at the technical how-to of professional roles, including the direct supervision. This triangle is a powerful model to help address the imposter syndrome and impacts of TPS that many emerging leaders – of any gender – experience in the workplace.

This month, as we celebrate Women of Impact in Brantford-Brant, the Chamber is continuing dialogue with our membership and our friends on how to program with and support women in business in our region. We look forward to your ideas!

David Prang

M.J. Dixon, CPA, CA

• D.A. Cleary, CPA, CFI

• J.B. Baetz, CPA, CA

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

• R.W. Storoschuk, CPA, CA

• P.E. Merrylees, CPA, CA

• J.A. Laporte, CPA, CA

• S.W. McGaghran, CPA, CA • J.E. Chowhan, 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

• 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

• T.W. Schein, CPA, CA

• K.J. Carr, CPA

• S.C. Dykstra, CPA, CA

• S.M.T. DaBreo, CPA

• J.A. Wareham, CPA

Instalment Requirements – A Refresher

With all the tax changes over the last few years, Canada Revenue Agency has thankfully not changed their instalment requirements related to personal income taxes, corporate income taxes and GST/HST filings. Let’s review the current rules.

Personal Income Tax Instalments

CRA requires individuals to make income tax instalments for next year’s taxes if the net tax owing (after taking into account deductions from source) exceeds $3,000 in the current year or either of the previous two calendar years. Personal tax instalments are made quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. Individuals required to pay instalments will receive two instalment remittance reminder letters from CRA each year, the first in February and second in August.

Corporate Income Tax Instalments

CRA requires corporations to make income tax instalments for next year’s fiscal taxes if the net tax owing exceeds $3,000 in the current or previous fiscal year. For corporations subject to instalment requirements, payments need to be paid monthly. Some corporations may qualify to

remit their instalments quarterly, however they must meet ALL of the criteria set by CRA. Due dates for instalment payments are one month less a day from the starting day of your taxation year, or one quarter less a day for quarterly remitters. CRA does not provide businesses with an instalment payment schedule for corporate income tax.

GST/HST Tax Instalments

CRA requires GST/HST registrants reporting under the annual filing option to make quarterly GST/HST instalments for next year’s fiscal taxes if the net tax owing exceeds $3,000 in the current or previous fiscal year. Instalments are calculated as one quarter of your net GST/HST filing from the previous fiscal year and are due one month after the end of each fiscal quarter. Similar to corporate taxes, CRA does not provide an instalment payment schedule for GST/ HST registrants.

Instalment Calculation Options

For the most part, instalment payments are based on the taxes

owing in the previous taxation year. If the estimated taxes for the upcoming taxation year is expected to be less than the prior year, CRA provides the option to calculate their instalment payments based on an estimate of current year income/taxes. Please be cautious if you choose to use this option. If your estimated instalment payments are less than your final taxes owing for that year AND the instalment payments made are less than required based on the prior year’s actual taxes, CRA WILL assess instalment interest. CRA charges individuals and corporations instalment interest on late or insufficient instalment payments. CRA charges the prescribed interest rate (revised quarterly) plus 4%, which is 9% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

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

Pam Merrylees, CPA, CA, LPA Partner

Ask a Lawyer Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

Mortgage Enforcement: Power of Sale

The power of sale process is a common mortgage remedy afforded to mortgage lenders following default under a mortgage. A power of sale provides lenders with the right to sell the mortgaged property to seek the amounts owing under the mortgage which can include the principal loaned, interest, fees and associated costs.

Foreclosure vs. Power of Sale

A foreclosure differs from power of sale in that the mortgage lender will seek to become the legal owner of the mortgaged property in satisfaction of the mortgage. Whereas a power of sale allows the lender to sell the property and claim its amounts owed from the proceeds of sale. While both processes are available in Ontario, power of sale remains more common as it will allow the lender to pursue the borrower by other means should there be a shortfall in the amounts owing.

Power of Sale Process

The most important part of the power of sale process is the Notice of Sale provided to the borrower. The Notice of Sale must adhere to specific requirements related to its contents, method of delivery, recipients and redemption period. The redemption period contained in the Notice of Sale will provide the borrower with the opportunity to pay the lender all amounts owing and avoid next steps in the power of sale process.

Where the borrower does not make this payment, the lender can proceed with the sale of the property. The lender will commence a claim through the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to seek judgment against the borrower and possession of the property.

Upon receiving an order for possession from the court, a lender can then proceed with the sale of the property. The lender will be required to sell the property at fair market value. The proceeds of the sale are used to the pay off the existing mortgage and any other costs associated with the sale, such as realtor commissions, legal fees, and property management fees.

Where there are surplus funds from the sale, these funds are paid to the borrower. In comparison, where there is a shortfall on the sale for the mortgage and associated costs, the lender may seek to recover these costs by other means of enforcement.

Right to Redeem

The borrower has the right to redeem

the mortgage by paying all outstanding amounts and associated costs before the sale. By redeeming, the borrower avoids the property being sold. This right to redeem exists up to the property is transferred to a third party. As such, is important for lenders to include language in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale that reflects the borrower’s right to redeem should the transaction need to be cancelled.

If you are involved in a power of sale in Ontario, seeking legal advice is important to protect your interest. If have questions or require assistance with power of sale, the lawyers at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP have the knowledge and expertise to assist you.

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

Courtney Boyd, Associate

Featured Article

From Surgeon to Store Director: Immigrant’s Resilient Journey in Eye Care

By Sathya Suresh

Patricia Espinoza de Faria:

“When you decide to be an immigrant, you make tough decisions,” said Patricia Espinoza de Faria. “You do it for your family, and sometimes that means putting your own interests on hold.”

These words reflect the journey of Espinoza de Faria, a former ophthalmologist from Venezuela who made a bold leap to emigrate to Canada for a brighter future for her children. After performing eye surgeries for over a decade, she embraced the challenge of starting fresh in where her passion for eye care never waned. Patricia started from the ground up

as an optometric assistant, learning the industry from a new perspective before advancing to a managerial role. Through hard work and determination, she earned the position of retail partner and store director at Specsavers.

Her journey reflects the influence of her family, particularly her mother, who has always been her guiding star. “My mother’s resilience inspired me the most,” she said, “and I strive to be that source of inspiration for my kids now.”

Despite facing cultural differences and gender biases as a Latin American immigrant and woman in business, she never lost her determination. People often say ‘no,’ but you learn to keep going. Be visible, be approachable, and never stop knocking on doors. Someone will say yes.”

The transition from ophthalmologist to business owner allowed her to blend

her medical expertise with a passion for leadership. Now, she leads a dedicated team that ensures every customer feels genuinely valued.

One customer interaction stands out for her. “A woman came in on her birthday near Valentine’s Day, and we had some flowers. I gave them to her, and her joy made my day. Even on tough days, a simple smile from a customer reminds me why I do this,” she recalled.

“I’m not just overseeing a clinic; I’m guiding a team and ensuring I’m truly serving the community,” she explained.

Beyond her role at Specsavers, Espinoza de Faria prioritizes giving back to the Brantford community. Shortly after Specsavers opened in July 2023, she participated in local events like the farmers’ market at Trail Mix.

Continued on Page 19 >

Above: Patricia Espinoza de Faria.

Member Profile The Olive Oil Co.

The Olive Oil Co. Offers the Freshest and Finest Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the World Today

Welcome to The Olive Oil Co., a local family business owned by Mark and Noreen Borne, residents of the County of Brant. Along with our son Derek, our goal is to provide customers with the freshest Ultra Premium (UP) Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) from around the world. With more than 70 flavours of Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar in stock, our customers are encouraged to “try before you buy”.

Ultra Premium (UP) is a category of EVOO that distinguishes some the highest quality of EVOOs in the world.

In order to qualify for the UP grade, the EVOO must meet or exceed a comprehensive set of production, storage, transport, testing, chemistry, and organoleptic requirements. At The Olive Oil Co. all of our EVOOs are third party laboratory tested to be sure they meet and/or exceed the UP criteria for polyphenol, oleic acid, FFA (free fatty acid), and more, to ensure that our customers are receiving the healthiest and freshest EVOO’s available. Further,

the UP program is intended to reward the farmers for producing high quality oil and promote fair trade practices.

Outstanding Balsamic imported from Modena, Italy

White and Dark Balsamic Condimento (vinegar) can perk up everyday dressings, meals, beverages, and desserts. Passion drives the producers of this all-natural product, boasting no added sugars, caramel colouring or thickeners. Make sure to try our Traditional Style Condimento. With less than four percent acidity it’s a customer favourite!

Looking for the perfect gift? We offer ready-made and custom gift baskets, hostess gifts, corporate gifting, wedding and event favours, and more. Visit us soon to discover your favourites! The Olive Oil Co. - 358 King George Road, Brantford

MEMBER PRIVILEGES

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

< Continued from Page 17

“I wasn’t there to sell anything,” she smiled. “I just wanted to share some freebies, show off the clinic, and chat with everyone. It was all about connecting with the community and building bridges.”

Looking ahead, Espinoza de Faria aims to deepen her ties with Brantford by partnering with non-profit organizations and retirement homes.

“Our staff have a paid volunteer day, and I’m excited to encourage them to use that day to give back,” she said. “We’re also planning to offer our services at retirement homes.”

This aligns with Specsavers’ mission to care for one million Canadians by 2025. Espinoza de Faria is dedicated to leading by example and knowing how to perform every task she asks of her team. “I lead, but I also learn from them daily,” she said. “Communication and

accountability are vital.”

Espinoza de Faria also believes taking time to reset is essential for overcoming daily challenges.

“Allow yourself to have a bad day,” she advised. “Sometimes, all you need is a short reset. Every morning, I wake up before sunrise, sit with my coffee, watch the sun rise, and take a few moments to relax before the day begins.”

Patricia’s journey from Venezuelan

ophthalmologist to retail partner in Canada shows her resilience and commitment to affordable eye care. “Leadership is about caring for your team, community, and yourself. That’s how I approach my role at Specsavers,” she claimed.

Sathya Suresh is a fourth-year Digital Media & Journalism student at Wilfrid Laurier University. I

Local News for Brantford and Brant

Above: The Specsavers team

Membership Corner Supporting Local Businesses and Non-Profits this Holiday Season

As the holiday season rolls in, it’s a great time to think about how we can all come together to support the community around us. For Brantford-Brant businesses and nonprofits alike, this time of year is more than just festive lights and holiday cheer—it’s a big opportunity to make a real difference.

Keeping It Local Makes a Big Impact

When we spend our dollars locally, we’re not just making a purchase— we’re investing in our own community. That sale at a local shop helps pay wages, keep storefronts open, and support other small businesses. It’s a win-win.

For many Chamber members, the holiday season is critical—sometimes making up for slower months earlier in the year. Every bit of local support counts, especially during this make-orbreak time.

Don’t forget about gift cards! They’re an easy way to support local businesses, especially for those hard-to-buy-for folks on your list. A gift card today ensures more customers tomorrow.

Non-Profits Need Us Too

Let’s not forget the nonprofits that are the heart and soul of our community. We all know that many of them see a spike in demand as the weather gets colder, and they rely on yearend donations to keep programs running. Brantford-Brant’s incredible organizations like food banks, youth centers, and shelters are counting on local support to get through the season.

The good news? Partnering with these groups is not just about giving back— it can also bring new energy to your

business. A holiday campaign tied to a local cause isn’t just meaningful; it’s good business too.

It’s Good for Business—and It Feels Good Too

From my experience in interacting with hundreds of business owners

and leaders every year in BrantfordBrant, I know that we love supporting businesses that care about the community. Whether you host a toy drive, offer discounts for donations, or join forces with other local shops, these kinds of efforts go a long way toward building loyalty and goodwill. Plus, there’s something special about working together—when businesses and nonprofits collaborate, the whole community benefits.

This holiday season, let’s make sure we’re lifting each other up. Whether it’s through shopping local, giving to charity, or finding ways to partner with others, every small action makes a big difference.

Together, we can make this season brighter for everyone in BrantfordBrant — our businesses, our nonprofits, and most importantly, our community.