2ND
Mike
Eardly
Julie
Elizabeth
Maxwell
Rob
Jennifer
Caitlin
Don
SECRETARY
David
John
Rose
Message from the President
Chamber to Navigate Economic Uncertainty While Planning Events Calendar
Business can thrive when it can plan under predictable economic and policy regimes. The conditions over the past several years, starting with a disruptive labour market, through the pandemic, inflation and cost of living challenges, and now very real and unpredictable tariff threats from the United States, have been anything but predictable. Many businesses have been able to adapt and grow under these conditions, but unfortunately, many have not, and have had to close.
Your investment in the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant has enabled the Chamber to receive and share the latest data, best practices, and advocacy efforts of the Chamber Network throughout Ontario and Canada, and to engage with our local leadership on developing solutions and improving the economic conditions in Brantford-Brant. We look forward to a pro-active role working with the City of Brantford and County of Brant and surrounding regions to meet the tariff challenges in the short term, and to buttress our economy against future shocks in the long term.
Thank you to our Advocacy Committee and Board members for their efforts in delivering our provincial election activities, a debate and fireside chats with the candidates, leading into the February 27th election, and for their efforts to produce the MP’s Breakfast on February 28th. With the election, we had to pivot to a different event, and we thank our sponsors Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, and Six Nations Polytechnic for their continued support of this essential opportunity. We look forward to federal election
John Oddi, President
activities, perhaps as early as the end of the month!
As in most years, the Chamber has a lot going on this year! Members are
excited for our Business After Hours events each month, and a special thank you to the Brantford Club and GrandBridge Energy for two exciting events so far this year. Our Finalists and staff are working hard building towards the Business Excellence Awards on May 8th, and we look forward to seeing many members at our AGM and President’s Event to celebrate Past President Chris Rayfield on March 25th at the Rope Factory. These occasions are great opportunities for members to connect with each other and stay informed on the latest happenings in the business world. I hope everyone has a great time and gains valuable insights from these events!
I wish everyone a wonderful year ahead. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to the chamber if we can be of any assistance.
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
Member Profile Alzheimer Society Brant
Haldimand Norfolk Hamilton Halton
Why Businesses Should Become Dementia-Friendly Communities
The number of Canadians living with dementia is on the rise. Being a dementia-friendly business is not just a compassionate choice—it’s a smart business decision. By creating a supportive environment for individuals with dementia, companies can enhance their reputation, attract more customers, and contribute positively to their communities.
Expanding Customer Reach
Many individuals with dementia and their care partners still want to shop, dine out, and access services. Businesses that provide dementiafriendly environments through
staff training, clear signage, and a welcoming approach, create a space where these individuals feel safe and valued.
Enhancing Employee Awareness and Engagement
Training on dementia helps staff recognize signs of cognitive decline, communicate effectively with affected individuals, and respond with patience and respect. This knowledge also benefits employees who may have loved ones living with dementia, fostering a culture of empathy and awareness within the workplace.
Strengthening Community Impact and Social Responsibility
Supporting people with dementia aligns with broader inclusion efforts
and enhances a company’s reputation as a caring and community-focused organization. Partnerships with the local Alzheimer Society and participation in awareness campaigns and fundraisers further solidify a business’s commitment to social good.
Practical Steps to Becoming Dementia-Friendly
n Staff Training – Educate employees on how to interact with and assist individuals with dementia.
n Clear and Simple Signage – Use easy-to-read fonts, contrasting colors, and directional signs.
n Customer Support – Implement quiet spaces, offer assistance when needed, and be patient.
Call the Alzheimer Society Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton to learn how to become a Dementia Friendly Supporter today at: 1-800-565-4614. I
Membership Renewals
n adidas Canada Limited
n Advanced Cellular/Bell Mobility
n Advantage Group
n Allstate Insurance
n Al’s Driveway Sealing & Repairs
n ANC Group
n Arnold Anderson Sport Fund
n Assante Capital Management Ltd./ Brant Financial Group
n BDO Canada LLP
n Bell City Carpet One
n Best Western Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre
n Betco Products Inc.
n BIA Brantford
n Bialas Printing Limited
n BML Multi Trades Group Ltd.
n Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation
n Brant Custom Machining Ltd.
n Brant Mutual Insurance Company
n Brant United Way
n The Brantford Club
n Brantford Flight Centre
n Brantford Golf and Country Club Ltd.
n Brantford Hydraulics Inc.
n Brantford Musicians Association
n Brantford Symphony Orchestra
n Harold E. Brown Auto Service Centre
n Cainsville Tire Discounter
n Casasanta Complete Baking Solutions
n Child and Family Services of Grand Erie
n Child and Family Services of Grand Erie Foundation
n The Children’s Safety Village of Brant
n College Source for Sports
n Comfort Inn
n Community Living Brant
n Conestoga College
n County of Brant
n Cowan Insurance Group Ltd.
n CPR Cell Phone Repair (2509405 Ontario Ltd.)
n Creative Circuits Inc.
n DQ Brant
n Dr. Betty-Anne Story
n Dragonfly Landscape Supply Inc.
n Dudley Lambert LLP
n DW Cooper Contracting Ltd.
n E & M Copper Products Inc.
n Enterprise Brant
n ESSE Canada
n Extend Communications Inc.
n Curtiss Wright Flow Control Corporation, Farris Engineering
n Fen Industrial Inc.
n Gates Canada Inc.
n General Industrial Services
n Gilbert-McEachern Electric Ltd.
n Grand Erie District School Board
n Grand River Insurance Brokers Inc.
n J. P. Harris Burford Ltd.
n Heartland Mutual Insurance
n Hewson Brothers Building Supply Inc.
n J. D. Hill Jewellers Brantford Ltd.
n Home Hardware Stores LimitedBeautiTone Paint and Home Products Division
n Home2 Suites by Hilton Brantford
n HUB International Ontario Limited
n IDS Inc - Integrated Digital Solutions
n Ingham Monuments
n Iqaluk Family Resources and Consulting Ltd
n Jade’s Of Paris Restaurant
n Jeff’s at Work Office Furniture – The Design Center
n S. C. Johnson and Son, Limited
n Kneaded Care - Massage | Physiotherapy | Acupuncture
n Kuriyama Canada Inc.
n Lanca Contracting Limited
n Lancaster Construction Limited
n Levac’s Trophies Unlimited Inc.
n Liftway Limited
n The Lions McInnes House
n Lorenzin Strategy
n M&T Printing Group
n Matrix General Contracting & Construction Inc.
n Maxwell Management Group Ltd.
n McCleister Funeral Home & Chapel
n McGowan Office Interiors Incorporated
n Meridian
n MicroAge
n Millennium Security Services
n Misty’s Kitchens and Design
n MMMC Architects
n Mulrain Guitars
n My Tailor
n New Life Pentecostal Assembly
n Nu-u Float
n The Olde School Restaurant Est. 1982
n Oriental Restaurant & Tavern
n Perry’s Elite Services
n Prima Klean
n Queen Street Collision Centre
n RBC Commercial Banking Centre
n Renway Energy Inc.
n Robertson Restoration
n Rotary Club of Brantford
n Savory Electric Ltd.
n Scotlynn
n Sherwood Restaurant & Catering
n St. Joseph’s Lifecare Foundation
n Stepright Capital Planning Inc.
n STM Construction Ltd.
n Steven J. Szasz Fine Quality Homes
n Tandia Financial Credit UnionBrantford Branch
n TDG Marketing Inc.
n Tirecraft Brantford Inc.
n Tonik Cannabis
n Tranquility Place Retirement Home
n UFT Can. Inc.
n Underwood, Ion & Johnson Law
n Waste Connections of Canada
n The Water Bar
n Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP
n West Brant Window World
n Westland Insurance Group (formerly Bunnell Hitchton)
n Whole Body Health
n William Street Eyecare
n Willowbridge Community Services Inc.
n Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services
n Wurth Industry of Canada Ltd.
n Xplore Business
n YNCU - Charlotte St.
n J. H. Young & Sons Ltd.
Advocacy
Homelessness, Addictions, and Mental Health
HBy Jacob Tiffin Protection Security Investigations
Chamber Advocacy Committee Member
omelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges impact businesses across Brantford-Brant. These are not just social issues, they directly affect the safety of employees and customers, the ability of businesses to operate, and the overall economic health of our community. While there is no simple solution, collaboration between businesses, government, and local advocacy groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce, is essential in creating a safer and more sustainable business environment.
Through our work with property managers and small business owners, we’ve learned that security includes prevention, de-escalation, and connection to the right resources, in addition to enforcement. Many of the individuals experiencing crises need support and businesses need to protect their livelihood while contributing to real, long-term solutions.
Solutions for business owners
n Engage with Local Advocacy Efforts
The Chamber provides a strong voice for businesses in municipal decisionmaking. By participating in advocacy initiatives, businesses can push for policies that address homelessness
and mental health while also ensuring that economic and security concerns are part of the conversation and learning about the causes of these challenges in our community.
n Enhance Safety Measures Without Alienation
Simple steps like employee deescalation training and improved lighting can deter incidents while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for customers. Some business owners have developed effective relationships with frequent visitors, demonstrating a creative and compassionate approach, and creating safer spaces for everyone.
n Strengthen Community Partnerships
No business should feel like they’re facing these challenges alone. Connecting with neighbouring businesses, outreach programs, and municipal services ensures that business owners have options beyond calling the police when an incident arises. By working together, we can create a network of support that benefits both businesses and
the community at large.
n Stay Informed and Involved Issues like homelessness and mental health require long-term investment and policy change. The Chamber’s advocacy efforts, alongside businessled initiatives, ensure that these concerns remain a priority for municipal and provincial decisionmakers. The Chamber is updating its provincial advocacy policy, Create and Implement a Provincial Strategy to Address Homelessness, Mental Health, and Addictions this spring. Brantford-Brant is a rapidly growing region, and with growth comes challenges and opportunities. By supporting each other, engaging with advocacy efforts, and implementing smart security solutions, we can build a safer and more prosperous business community.
If you’re looking for ways to better protect your business while contributing to a stronger, more connected community, I encourage you to get involved—through the Chamber, through local initiatives, and by working together to find solutions that benefit everyone.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BRANTFORD • BRANT
Brant United Way Launches Final Push to Meet Fundraising Goal
As the March 31st deadline approaches, Brant United Way is making a final appeal to the community to help reach its annual fundraising target. The campaign, which supports 25 local charitable programs and services, relies heavily on community contributions to fund initiatives that enhance the well-being of residents in Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations of the Grand River. The goal this year is within reach, and a little push is needed.
The funds raised here stay here. Donations support programs focusing
on building safe, strong, and kind communities, ensuring food security, and strengthening and supporting families. By donating to Brant United Way, community members play a crucial role in addressing urgent needs and improving social conditions locally.
This year’s campaign has seen support from local businesses and individuals through workplace campaigns, corporate donations, and special events. Workplace campaigns have been instrumental, allowing employees
to contribute conveniently through payroll deductions and fostering a culture of giving within organizations. The Giant Warehouse Sale also relies on generous support from local businesses in the form of product donations. Products near expire, overstocked or with slight defects are donated, receipted and then sold at the sale. All proceeds support the United Way campaign
Brant United Way emphasizes that every donation, regardless of size, makes a meaningful impact and stays 100-percent local. As the campaign draws to a close, Brant United Way encourages those who haven’t yet contributed to consider doing so. Donations can be made directly through their website or by participating in upcoming events.
To learn more about how you can support this or future campaigns, please visit www.brantunitedway.org I
Filing Extensions and Other Changes
It has been a crazy couple of months. The prorogation of the Canadian government caused a whirlwind of uncertainty around how CRA was treating the proposed tax changes that had not been enacted. Although we are still sorting through the fallout, below is a summary of what has happened.
Capital Gains Inclusion Rate
As we may remember, the April 16, 2024 budgeted proposed an increase to the capital gain inclusion rate from 50% taxable to two-thirds taxable for any capital gains realized on or after June 25, 2024. At the time the Canadian government became prorogued in early January 2025, this proposal had not received Royal Assent. This left everyone questioning what inclusion rate should be used when reporting taxable capital gains. On January 31, 2025 the Finance Department announced that they would be deferring the change to the capital gains inclusion rate until January 1, 2026. With the reversion happening so late in the return preparation/reporting season, CRA has announced the following filing extensions: n T4, T4A, and T5 information returns will have an extended filing due date of March 7, 2025 (including relief for late-filing penalties and arrears interest ONLY if filed on or before March 7, 2025)
n Impacted T1 filings will have an extended filing due date of June 2, 2025
n Impacted T3 filings will have an extended filing due date of May 1, 2025
Please note that these extensions do not change the payment deadlines. Balances owing on T1 and T3 returns still need to be paid by April 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025 respectively to avoid late interest.
Carbon Tax Credits for Small Businesses
In November 2024, the Department of Finance announced that payments of the Canada Carbon Rebate for small businesses (CCR-B) began on November 25, 2024. In a news release on November 13, 2024, then Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland had announced that the CCR-B received would be “tax-free”. However similar to the change to the capital gains inclusion rate, no legislation excluding this rebate from tax had been drafted or enacted when the government prorogued in January. As such, CRA continues to administer Subsection 127.421(6) of the Income Tax Act, which states that “…government assistance received in the course of earning income from a business or property must be included in income in the tax year in which it was received and is
therefore subject to income tax...” Corporate Mail
In spring of 2025, CRA will be moving forward with their transition to online mail for most businesses. Instead of using traditional mail, businesses will receive an e-mail from CRA that their notices of assessment, statements, letters and other documents are available for download through their My Business Account.
This change will apply to all of the following:
n Businesses currently registered for My Business Account
n Businesses what have a representative that has access to their taxpayer information thought Represent a Client; and
n All entities that register for a new business number or program account.
For businesses that wish to continue to receive traditional mail, CRA will allow you to opt out of the online starting in May 2025. To do so, businesses will need to complete Form RC681 –Request to Activate Paper Mail for Business to the CRA, or if they are registered for My Business Account, by selecting paper mail as the delivery option in your My Business Account profile.
For those businesses that welcome the transition to online mail, if you have not already registered for My Business Account, it is recommended that you register as soon as possible. For those already registered, ensure you verify that the e-mail address listed in your My Business Account is accurate.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us at (519)759-3511 or visit us at www.millards.com I
Pam Merrylees, CPA, CA, LPA Partner
Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
Time: 5:30PM to 9:00PM
Location: Marriott TownePlace Suites Brantford
Laurier Students Turning Earth Day Into Every Day
ABy Sathya Suresh
s Earth Day approaches, Laurier students prove sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. It’s not just a trend; it’s a year-round commitment. Laurier’s focus on sustainability goes beyond one day, with ongoing initiatives, including recycling programs and community clean-ups, aimed at making a lasting environmental impact. These students show that small actions can make a big difference on campus and in the broader community.
Eric Meliton, manager of Laurier’s Sustainability Office, emphasizes that sustainability is about engagement, not enforcement. “Sustainability isn’t
about rules or restrictions. It’s about raising awareness and empowering people to take action,” he says. “Our role is to help students, staff, and alumni find ways to make a real difference.”
Sustainability is central to the Laurier student experience, with hands-on and academic projects addressing environmental issues on campus and in the community. Here are some examples:
The Hawk Fund: Over the past seven years, Laurier students have used the Hawk Fund to support sustainability projects, including water refill stations, urban beekeeping on the roof, and the green living wall at the RAC building. The fund provides financial support for students to implement their environmental ideas, helping reduce waste and promote eco-friendly
living on campus.
Sustainability-Themed
Courses:
Laurier offers a variety of courses across disciplines, including business and Indigenous studies, that integrate sustainability themes. These courses cover waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable agriculture, providing students with the tools to address environmental challenges. “By integrating sustainability across different fields, Laurier is giving students the chance to approach environmental issues from various perspectives,” Meliton says.
First Year Sustainability Leadership Program:
The First Year Sustainability Leadership Program introduces new students to sustainability practices, focusing on recycling, waste reduction, and campus projects.
Continued on Page 21 >
Mental Health Week unites local mental health providers and community agencies across Brantford-Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk for a powerful week of events that spark awareness, reduce stigma, and inspire change!
Ways to Get Involved
Window Campaign – Show support by displaying a Mental Health Week poster in your storefront!
Sponsorship Opportunities – Support engaging & family-friendly events that promote mental well-being!
Volunteer - Join the MHW Planning Committee, we welcome your business expertise, let’s work together!
Lill Petrella, CMHA lill@cmhabhn.ca 519-752-2998 x112
Christina Ferrell, Woodview cferrell@woodview.ca 519-717-1972
The Benefits of Investing in your Chamber
STRATEGIC FUNCTIONS
Essential Services
Provide members with essential and focused business services.
Access, Engagement and Delivery
Transform access to, engagement with, and delivery of services to the region’s business community.
Innovation
Find courage to innovate so that our region’s economy thrives.
Connections
Attract leaders and connect people that deliver value beyond expectations.
Collaboration
Build collaborations that attract talent and investment to enhance our region’s enviable quality of life.
Ask a Lawyer Waterous Holden
Employees and the Sale of a Business
If a change of ownership in a business occurs, one of the considerations is the employees of the business and each party’s obligations and potential liabilities associated with employees.
Applicable Legislation
In Ontario, the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”) governs the minimum standards for most workplaces in the province. Where there is a sale of business, an employee’s employment with the seller is deemed to have been employed with the purchaser for the purpose of any subsequent calculation of the employee’s length of service, vacation and termination and severance pay. In other words, for the purposes of the ESA, the purchaser takes on the liability of the seller for any employee who continues to be employed by the purchaser post-sale.
This only applies where there has been a ‘sale of business’ as prescribed under the ESA. To determine whether there is a ‘sale of business’ there are several factors that are considered based primarily on the continuation of the business.
Asset Purchase Transaction
In an asset deal, the purchaser buys the seller’s assets and ownership of those assets flows between the parties. In this scenario, the seller’s employees do not automatically become employees of the purchaser because,
under common law, an employment agreement cannot be assigned to another employer with consent of the employee.
The purchaser is not required to hire the seller’s employees and, if it chooses not to, employment is considered to have been terminated by the seller. With this, the seller will be liable for any termination entitlements payable to the employee.
An employee may refuse a new offer of employment from the purchaser and pursue termination entitlements from the seller. However, if a purchaser offers employment to the seller’s employees on comparable terms and conditions, and the employees accept, then the seller may no longer have any liability for common law termination entitlements. As such, sellers can request that the purchaser hire its entire workforce on the same terms and conditions.
If a purchaser chooses to hire the seller’s employees, the purchaser will, subject to specific exceptions, become liable for both statutory and common law termination entitlements if the purchaser subsequently dismisses an employee post-sale. These entitlements are calculated based
on length of service with both the predecessor and successor employer. As a result, a purchaser may refuse to hire the seller’s employees on the exact same terms and conditions.
Share Purchase Transaction
With a share purchase deal, any liability associated with the seller’s employees, including employment contracts, statutory entitlements, and common law entitlements automatically flows to the purchaser. The reason is that in a share purchase transaction, the shares of the sellers are sold to a purchaser, but the identity of the employer does not change. As such, there is no change in the employment relationship between the employer and employee.
If you are selling or purchasing a business and have questions about your obligations or rights of employees, the lawyers at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP have the knowledge and experience to assist you.
Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP Brantford 20 Wellington St., Brantford. I
Courtney Boyd, Lawyer
Laurier Students Turning Earth Day Into Every Day
< Continued from Page 16
This program helps students understand the impact they can have on the environment from day one, empowering them to become sustainability ambassadors.
Move-Out and FreeStore Program:
The Move-Out and FreeStore program collects reusable items left behind by students at the end of the year, keeping thousands of pounds of goods out of landfills. “This initiative helps prevent reusable items from going to waste and encourages sustainability within the Laurier community,” Meliton says.
Community Clean-Up Events: Laurier students extend their sustainability efforts beyond campus with clean-up initiatives, including the annual Earth Day event at Charlie Evans Park. These clean-ups reduce litter, raise awareness, and promote a healthier environment, showcasing Laurier’s commitment to environmental stewardship in the local community.
Laurier’s Brantford campus was recently honoured with the Green Business Award by the City of Brantford for its sustainability initiatives, including the Laurier Honey Bee Project and the FreeStore. This recognition reflects the hard work of students, staff, and faculty dedicated to creating a thriving, sustainable community.
“Sustainability doesn’t have to mean giving up convenience,” Meliton adds. “It’s about making eco-friendly choices easy and accessible for everyone.”
Laurier’s dedication to sustainability
Laurier’s Sustainability Development Goals team.
extends beyond campus, with initiatives like its partnership with the City of Brantford on climate change and waste management. “We want to make sure the entire community is engaged in creating a more
ADVERTISE WITHTHE CHAMBER
For information about members-only advertising opportunities, please contact Greg Evans at: 519-753-2617
sustainable future,” Meliton says.
As Earth Day approaches, Laurier’s focus on sustainability remains strong. Students lead year-round efforts to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote eco-friendly practices.
I
Ask the Experts
Grid Maintenance and Planned Outages: What It Means for Your Business
At GrandBridge Energy, delivering safe and reliable power is at the heart of what we do. We maintain our electricity grid to help ensure the long-term reliability of electrical supply to your business and home. And while no one likes a service interruption, planned outages are sometimes necessary to keep the power on.
Planned maintenance matters
By proactively replacing aging equipment, trimming trees near power lines, performing essential upgrades, and rebuilding our distribution system, we’re working hard to ensure a reliable power supply and a safe environment for our customers and crews.
Safety is a top priority
Safety is always our top priority, regardless of the type of grid maintenance work we undertake. Crews follow strict protocols, wear personal protective equipment, and use barriers and clear signage to protect themselves and the public. Every step is designed to ensure a safe and efficient process while meeting the demands of the job.
Minimizing impact on your business
We understand that even planned outages scheduled in advance can be inconvenient when you are running a business. From our end, planned power interruptions are carefully reviewed and scheduled to ensure minimal impact. The work is completed quickly and safely with our customer’s best interests in mind.
[call out] We aim to give customers at least two days advance notice for planned outages that are expected to
Has your contact information changed?
We need to know!
If your phone number, cell number or email address has changed, don’t forget to update your GrandBridge Energy account.
We need this important information to contact you about planned power outages or other urgent service updates.
Choose one of three ways to share your
Please include your account number and service address when
CUSTOMER SERVICE 519-751-3522
last longer than one hour. We contact customers about planned outages by phone or email based on the contact information you have given us.
You can ensure your email and telephone contacts are current by contacting GrandBridge Energy Customer Service at customercare@ grandbridgeenergy.com or 1-877871-2215. That way, we will have the most current contact information to inform you about upcoming service interruptions.
Preparing for a planned outage
n Notify your security company if they are monitoring your business property. Confirm that you can override or manually operate any garage doors or other entry points requiring electricity.
n Unplug electronic equipment before the planned outage begins. Televisions and computer equipment are sensitive to surges that can occur when the power is restored.
WEBSITE grandbridgeenergy.com
n Back up computer files regularly and store them in a safe place.
n Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed to maintain the cold temperature and keep foods safe.
Stay informed about power outages
Visit our Outage Centre on the GrandBridge Energy website grandbridgeenergy.com
Check out the Planned Outage listings so you have the information you need to plan around any upcoming planned service interruptions.
Bookmark the real-time Outage Map to get details about current outages as they happen, including the cause and estimated restoration time. Visit outages.grandbridgeenergy.com
TEXT 1-888-726-1139 or CALL 1-833-7693701 if you have questions about an outage not showing on the Outage Map or if you have information related to the outage. For example, you can see a tree leaning on a powerline, you heard a loud bang before the power went out.
I
Membership Corner Chamber Urges Local Businesses to Partner with Brantford-Brant Nonprofits
Brantford-Brant’s nonprofit sector is a pillar of support for countless individuals and families, tackling challenges from food insecurity to mental health and elder care. These organizations work tirelessly to meet community needs, but their impact is magnified when business leaders step in to lend a hand. Whether through volunteerism, fundraising, or promotion, local businesses play a critical role in ensuring these organizations thrive.
Several key initiatives are currently underway - you’ll notice that we’ve highlighted a few in this issue - each offering an opportunity for businesses to get involved. The United Way’s ongoing campaign continues to fund essential programs across the region, assisting families in crisis, supporting youth development, and strengthening social services; Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services’ annual Mental Health Week in May promoting awareness and reducing stigma, with events designed to educate and engage the community; and the Alzheimer Society’s Dementia Friendly Communities program helping businesses and the community at large become more inclusive for individuals living with dementia, providing training and resources to ensure those with cognitive impairments feel safe and supported in public spaces.
These are only a small handful of organizations doing incredible things in Brantford-Brant, and supporting these initiatives through sponsorships, volunteerism, or promotion makes a direct and lasting impact.
Businesses in Brantford-Brant have a unique opportunity to lead
by example, fostering a culture of giving that extends beyond financial contributions. Hosting charity events, offering donation-matching programs, or simply sharing nonprofit initiatives on social media are all ways businesses can make a difference.
The Chamber of Commerce BrantfordBrant encourages businesses to actively seek out partnerships with nonprofits. Your involvement—whether through hands-on volunteering, corporate donations, or promotional support—strengthens the entire community. If you’re looking for a nonprofit to support, check out the Chamber’s nonprofit directory online, where you’ll find a list of worthy causes eager for collaboration.
You’ve heard me say it a thousand times, but I can’t say it enough –Brantford-Brant is an unbelievable place where we want to see each other succeed and want to lift each other up. Businesses and nonprofits are partners in building a stronger, more connected community, and by working together, we ensure that support, care, and opportunity reach those who need them most.
New Members
n 214 Carson Co. REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS
Brooke Hayward (226)225-1590
Finance1@214carsonco.com Paris, ON
n Brazilian Princess
SPAS – BEAUTY, HEALTH & DESTINATION
Heather Gormley (519)732-4391
Thebzprincess20202@gmail.com Brantford, ON
n Gamerz Galaxy
RECREATION CENTRE
Ashu Manocha (519)751-0063
Manager@gamerzgalaxy.ca Brantford, ON
n LeaderCraft
BUSINESS CONSULTANTS
Samuel Shaibu (226)225-8806
Sam@leadercraft.ca Brantford, ON
n Jaycees Brantford NonProfit Homes Corp. NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Laurie Macintyre (519)759-4799
Laurie@jayceehomes.ca Brantford, ON
n MicroAge COMPUTER SALES & SERVICE
Jeffrey Czuba (289)795-6697
Jeff@microagets.com Hamilton, ON
n Minotaur Roofing and Siding ROOFING CONTRACTORS
Stephen Thompson (519)732-1867
Minotaur.roofing@gmail.com Burford, ON
n Modern Building Supplies Brantford BUILDING MATERIALS
Gurkaran Dhaliwal (905)929-1517
Sales@modernsupplies.ca Brantford, ON
n Patriot Forge Co. METAL SPECIALTIES
Kimberly Alfreds (519)758-8100
Kimberlya@patriotforge.com
Brantford, ON
n Speak Technique
PUBLIC SPEAKING INSTRUCTION
Barb Day (519)717-6922
Barbday@speaktechnique.com
Paris, ON
n Thomlison Mediation
MARRIAGE, FAMILY & INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLORS
Lauren Thomlison (519)755-7537
Lauren@thomlisonmediation.com
Mount Pleasant, ON
n Vaseem the AI Guy MANAGEMENT TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Vaseem Baig (647)527-5144
Vsdrakkan@gmail.com
Brantford, ON
M.J. Dixon, CPA, CA
•D.A. Cleary, CPA, CFI
PARTNERS:
• H.C. Johnston CPA, CA • S.E. Goodwin, CPA, CA
• S.D. Klein, CPA, CA • G.S. Gravett, CPA, CA • S.A. Salole, CPA, CA
•J .B. Baetz, CPA, CA • R.W. Storoschuk, CPA, CA • S.W. McGaghran, CPA, CA • J.E. Chowhan, CPA, CA
•P.E. Merrylees, CPA, CA • J.A. Laporte, CPA, CA • 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. M alecki, CPA, CA • N.T. Nguyen, CPA, CA • S.C. Dykstra, CPA, CA
• T.W. Schein, CPA, CA • K.J. Carr, CPA
• S.M.T. DaBreo, CPA
• J.A. Wareham, CPA
Amazing smartphones on an amazing network.
Choose from an incredible selection of smartphones. You’ll love them on Canada’s best 5G network.* *For coverage, see bell.ca/5G.1
