September 2025 InTouch Magazine by Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant

Photo Credit: County of Brant Economic Development and Tourism

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

August

DIRECTORS

Bill Emmott

Brant County Federation of Agriculture

Mike Gatopoulos Seventh Coffee Company Inc.

Julie Henwood

John Imola Bank of Montreal

Eardly Judah BDO Canada

Elizabeth Lorenzin Lorenzin Strategy

Joy O’Donnell Grand Financial Planning

John Oddi

Royal LePage Action Realty

Chris Rayfield ACIC Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Maxwell Roach

JonAyves Learning Club

Rob Simmons Cozzmic Communications

Jennifer Stebbing Stebbing Butcher PC

Caitlin Turner

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

Don Williamson Oak House Benefits

SECRETARY TO THE BOARD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

David Prang

LIAISONS

John MacAlpine County of Brant

Rose Sicoli City of Brantford

Message from the CEO

Chamber Prepares for Busy Fall with Advocacy, and Small Business Support

Each summer seems to move a little quicker, even with our best efforts to enjoy the weather, friends, and family. While business tends to slow down a bit, today’s dynamic trade news, political announcements, investment, and the pace of change have kept the business community engaged. The Chamber Board and staff have been working hard over the summer to prepare for a busy fall season, kicking off with our 2nd Annual Harvest Lunch with Mayor David Bailey presented by Enbridge Gas on Friday, September 12, featuring Devlin’s Country Bistro, and generously sponsored by the County of Brant.

The Chamber is delighted to welcome international food innovator Hilton Foods to Brantford, through a $192 Million investment for their first North American food processing and distribution facility and creating 150 jobs in our region. At the small business level, the Chamber was part of the announcement of $7.5 Million in support for small and medium-sized businesses by the Honourable Nina Tangri, Associate Minister for Small Business and MPP Will Bouma in July. Also this summer, the formal announcement of $12.5 Million in planning support for a new Brantford General Hospital was warmly welcomed to start the next step in transforming the healthcare system in our region.

The summer began with the Chamber attending a City of Brantford Ward 4 Business Town Hall hosted by Councillor Linda Hunt and supported by Councillors Mandy Samwell and Richard Carpenter. Many Chamber

members were among the small business owners who shared their challenges with nuisance vandalism and the costs and impact to business. The Chamber advocated to City Council in August to support advocacy efforts to strengthen provincial laws

on scrap metal recycling, and federal regulations around bail reform, to create a compelling case for provincewide tools that law enforcement, municipalities, and businesses can use to combat the behaviours that are creating expensive repairs and distractions to small businesses across Ontario.

The Chamber is looking forward to celebrating Small Business Week 2025 in mid-October with our partners Enterprise Brant, the Brant-Brantford Business Resource Centre, and the Paris and District Chamber of Commerce. For the 2nd consecutive year, our partners are working together to deliver a week of learning, celebration, and engagement in support of our region’s small and medium-sized businesses.

David Prang

Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant

David Prang, CEO I

Helping Women Entrepreneurs Grow with High Impact Marketing

Have you ever tried something new or stepped outside of your comfort zone with your marketing and had it fall flat? Or maybe you’re frustrated that business isn’t growing as much as you’d like?

SongBird Marketing Communications is an award-winning, local agency helping woman-owned and womanserving businesses share their story in the right way at the right time to the right people. Successful marketing is all about timing, value, and relationships.

Founded by Candace Huntly, SongBird has a strong reputation for creating custom strategies that combine online and traditional marketing.

The agency’s approach is simple: they don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, they work closely with each client to build a strategy specifically for their needs in social media, public relations, and branding. For smaller companies, they’ve even designed specific packages to address common challenges like budget constraints. Whether you want to get your brand mentioned in the media, have influencers review your products, build a more engaged community on social media, grow your revenues, or simply build brand awareness,

SongBird can help you achieve your goals and more. And they’ll help you figure out what you need and what you don’t so you can focus on the right areas.

Beyond her agency work, Candace is a dedicated mentor and advisor. She works with organizations like The Founders Fund and The Fashion Zone at TMU, offering guidance to entrepreneurs in various industries. She also teaches at the Laurier Brantford campus. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders is as strong as her dedication to her clients.

But above all, Candace’s most significant achievement is raising a daughter who believes anything is possible, embodying the very spirit of the entrepreneurship she champions. To learn more, visit: songbirdmarketing.com or reach out to candace@songbirdmarketing.com. I

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BRANTFORD • BRANT

Chamber Advances Trade Advocacy Amid Tariff Uncertainty

The global uncertainty created by the US tariff threats has made for an interesting summer as the needle has kept moving on provincial and national responses. On broad tariff matters, the Chamber is updating the landing page on our website, chamberbrantfordbrant.com/ about-us/advocacy/2025-tariffs as a curated resource for members. As overwhelming as the pace of change and amount of information are, the goal of the Chamber’s page is to be as much of a one-stop shop as possible on enduring information and resources from government and our Chamber Network. Please let us know about your tariff challenges and questions as well, so that the Chamber Network can best advocate on your behalf.

In early October, the Chamber will attend the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM and Policy Convention in Mississauga. Over 50 proposed policy resolutions will be considered by delegates, addressing nationally significant issues in Agriculture, Transportation, Natural Resources, and 12 other categories and special issues. The Chamber has participated in the crafting of several policies, and the Ontario Chamber Network’s review of the entire portfolio.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has been active with our neighbouring border states, acting in concert with our municipal partners in strengthening relationships at lower levels of government where the impact of the trade uncertainty is being felt directly. A key provincial

ADVOCACY

from the provincial leaders during this summer’s Council of the Federation meeting in Ontario.

Our cover feature this month is the Cainsville Premier Employment Hub. This opportunity for economic growth in our region requires full municipal services that includes water, transportation, and supporting sustainable development. The area could represent over 7,600 jobs by 2051, a 64% increase over today’s numbers. Please see the article by the County of Brant Economic Development team for more details, or link directly to the project through the EngageBrant website. For more opportunities to connect in with the County of Brant, look for our 2nd Annual Harvest Lunch with Mayor David Bailey on September 12, or the County’s Salute to Brant event on September 25th in Cainsville.

advocacy priority – reducing barriers to interprovincial trade – was not on the agenda of the province last summer, but can now be recorded as a policy win due partially to added pressures I

ADVERTISE WITHTHE CHAMBER

For information about members-only advertising opportunities, please contact Greg Evans at: 519-753-2617

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

• R.W. Storoschuk, CPA, CA

•P.E. Merrylees, CPA, CA

• J.A. Laporte, CPA, CA

• G.S. Gravett, CPA, CA • S.A. Salole, 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. 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

Starting a New Business – Should you Incorporate or Operate as a Sole Proprietorship/Partnership?

Many entrepreneurs starting up question how they should structure their business. This article discusses the different structures available, and the differences between them.

Business Structures

Sole Proprietorship – This structure is when a business is owned and operated by a single individual. There is no legal distinction between the owner and the business.

Partnership – This structure is when a business is owned and operated by two or more individuals. Similar to a sole proprietorship, there is no legal distinction between the partners and the business.

Corporation – Under this structure, the business is considered to be its own “person”, completely separate from its owner. Ontario corporations must be set up through a lawyer, whereas Canadian corporations can be set up by the shareholders themselves.

Differences

Liability – without a legal distinction between owners and their business, sole proprietors and partners are personally liable for debts of their

businesses. Corporations on the other hand are their own person, so liability is limited to the assets of the corporation, not to the personal level.

Taxation – Business income for sole proprietors and partnerships are reported on your personal tax return as self employment income, so no additional tax filings are required. Taxes are paid based on the tax bracket of the owner, and CPP/CPP2 on the net self employment income. Corporations are required to file a T2 corporate tax return and benefit from lower corporate tax rates as compared to personal tax rates. Corporations provide businesses the ability to do tax planning when it comes to compensation of the owners.

Payroll – Unless the business employs other employees, no payroll account is required for sole proprietorships/ partnerships. Corporations require payroll accounts if owners are paid a salary or wages. This requires the company to file a T4 return annually in addition to making source deduction remittances to CRA throughout the year.

Cost – Sole proprietorships are the simplest business structure and

typically have the lowest costs to maintain annually. Partnerships are similar, however additional costs may be incurred when starting up if a partnership agreement is prepared, which is highly recommended. Corporations, however, incur the highest annual costs to maintain. These costs relate to more detailed record keeping, corporate tax filings and maintaining legal record books.

HST

If your business’s revenue (before expenses) is expected to exceed $30,000 per year, then you will need to register for and HST number, regardless of what business structure you have chosen. For corporations, your HST account will be linked to your existing business number of the corporation. Sole proprietors and partnerships will first need to register for a business number with CRA in order to register for an HST account.

Final Thoughts

As a rule of thumb, if you require all the income the business earns to live, then a sole proprietorship or partnership may be the best option for you. However if your business is earning more income that you need personally, then incorporating will offer you tax savings on your excess earnings.

Choosing the right structure for your business will depend on your cash needs, risk tolerance and budget. We hope this information provides you what you need to make the decision that’s right for you and your business. For further information please do not hesitate to contact us at Millards at (519)759-3511 or visit us at millards.com I

Pam Merrylees, CPA, CA, LPA Partner

Cainsville: Brant’s Next Premier Employment Hub

The County of Brant is developing a comprehensive land use strategy to transform Cainsville into a premier employment hub. As home to some of the county’s largest employment lands, Cainsville is poised for major growth, driven by strategic investments in infrastructure, transportation, and sustainable development. This forward-looking plan aims to attract new businesses, create thousands of jobs, and preserve the area’s rural charm.

Currently, Cainsville supports approximately 2,700 jobs, with manufacturing representing 41% of the local employment base. Job density averages 15 jobs per hectare—well below neighbouring urban benchmarks like the City of Brantford, which averages 30 jobs per

hectare. However, Cainsville’s large, undeveloped parcels offer significant opportunities to accommodate advanced manufacturing, campusstyle businesses, and innovation sectors. By 2051, the area is projected to grow to 7,600 jobs, a 64% increase.

The County has engaged a team of consultants to guide the strategy through various technical studies, including, transportation planning, and servicing studies for stormwater, water, and wastewater. Community input has been a vital component of the process, gathered through public meetings, online engagement on Engage Brant, and direct correspondence with landowners and residents.

Feedback from the community has emphasized the importance

of municipal servicing to unlock development potential, along with the need for streamlined industrial approval processes. Residents have also raised concerns about traffic safety and speeding, particularly as interest in warehousing and logistics continues to grow.

The strategy outlines a set of clear priorities and strategic directions. These include:

Doubling Employment Density:

Increasing from 15 to 30 jobs per hectare to accommodate projected job growth.

Targeting Key Sectors: Including advanced manufacturing, research and innovation, and multi-tenant facilities.

Continued on Page 17 >

Photo Credit: Paul Smith, Photohouse Studios

Cainsville: Brant’s Next Premier Employment Hub

Supporting Commercial Amenities:

Such as restaurants, hotels, childcare centres, and fitness facilities along designated corridors like Colborne Street, separate from industrial areas. Design and Identity: Encouraging high-quality industrial design, green infrastructure, and recognition of Indigenous heritage in public spaces and buildings.

Several geographic opportunities have also been identified. Central Cainsville is suited for small business and walkable employment options. Large vacant lands are ideal for new industrial campuses, while areas like Old Onondaga Road East to Shaver Street are ripe for redevelopment. The northeast gateway of the community is envisioned as a welcoming entry point, enhanced with services and visual appeal.

< Continued from Page 16 I

On the infrastructure front, the

County is planning full municipal servicing, expanded transit options, and upgrades to Colborne Street, including lighting, landscaping, and pedestrian paths. Natural features like the Cainsville Trail will be preserved and enhanced to maintain community character and provide active transportation options. Looking ahead, the County will finalize land use concepts, continue

Industry Night

Join us for a night of networking, appetizers and drinks (first drink on IG)

Date: September 25, 2025

Time: 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Place: Sociable Kitchen + Tavern 45 King George Road, Brantford, On, N3R 5K2

stakeholder engagement—including Indigenous communities and local businesses—and host a public workshop on September 10, 2025. The final plan will include land use guidelines, design standards, and a phased development approach to shape Cainsville’s future as a thriving employment destination.

Learn more at EngageBrant.ca/ CainsvilleLandUseStrategy

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

Ask a Lawyer Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP

Purchasing and Re-Selling Franchises in Ontario

Purchasing a reputable franchise can seem like a straightforward way to enter the business world. Compared to starting an entirely new venture, a franchise offers several advantages, including, but not limited to: immediate brand recognition, a proven business model, and access to training and support.

While these benefits can be significant, it’s important to understand that buying or selling a franchise also involves unique legal considerations. In addition to the typical steps required when purchasing an existing business—such as conducting due diligence, signing purchase agreements, and completing required documentation on closing— franchise transactions have specific requirements, which some potential purchases or sellers may not be aware of. Below are some key points to keep in mind if you are looking to purchase or sell a franchise:

1.Franchisor Consent

When buying or selling a franchise, obtaining the franchisor’s consent is essential. This requirement is found in virtually all franchise agreements. Without it, the transfer cannot proceed and an attempted transfer will likely be a breach of the franchise agreement. The franchisor may require the prospective buyer to provide specific

information—such as financial statements, business background or training—before granting consent. This process can take time, so it’s wise to plan for potential delays and avoid setting a firm closing date until all approvals are in place.

2.Reviewing the Franchise Agreement

The franchise agreement is the core legal document that defines the relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee. It covers matters such as:

n Renewal terms

n Fees and payment obligations

n Roles and responsibilities of both parties

n Use of trademarks and intellectual property

n Training requirements and operating standards

n Advertising and marketing commitments

n Conditions for default and termination

A prospective buyer must read and understand these terms before proceeding. Signing the franchise agreement is a mandatory step in the transfer process, and its provisions will govern the ongoing relationship with the franchisor. It’s important that a potential buyer is comfortable with the terms and understands how they will

impact the business prior to signing a binding agreement of purchase and sale.

3.Transfer Fees

Most franchise agreements include a transfer fee payable when a franchise changes ownership. Both the seller and buyer should determine the amount in advance and clearly state in the purchase and sale agreement which party is responsible for the transfer fees.

4.Lease Considerations

If the business operates from a leased premises, the transfer of the franchise lease may also present unique issues. In a typical business sale, the landlord’s consent is required to assign the lease to the new owner.

In a franchise transaction, it’s important to know whether:

n The lease is held directly by the franchisee, or

n The franchisor holds the lease and subleases the premises to the franchisee.

n This distinction affects the documents and approvals needed before the sale can close.

Final Thoughts

Buying or selling a franchise in Ontario combines the standard steps of a business sale with additional legal requirements unique to franchising. Understanding these obligations early—and allowing time to meet them—can help ensure a smoother, more successful transaction. If you are interested in learning more about buying or selling your franchised business the lawyers at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP have the knowledge and experience to make the transaction a success.

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP Brantford

20 Wellington St., Brantford.

Madelaine Douglas, Lawyer

Ask the Experts

Our Commitment to Align Business Operations with Sustainable Practices and Community Impact

GrandBridge Energy is proud to share our 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report, Our Roadmap to a Sustainable Future. The report represents a year of dedicated effort to embed sustainability principles into our business, setting the stage for our ongoing commitment to measuring and enhancing our performance, as outlined in our new five-year Strategic Plan.

Our first-ever Corporate Responsibility Report highlights the significant strides we have made in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, outlining our roadmap for future progress.

“As a forward-thinking utility, GrandBridge Energy understands that a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, social impact and governance accountability is integral to long-term success and community trust,” said Sarah Hughes, President and CEO of GrandBridge Energy. “This report represents a pivotal step in our journey to lead with integrity, innovation, and purpose.”

By demonstrating our commitment through strategic initiatives and structured reporting, we aim to ensure that our operations, policies and practices reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and corporate governance.

The report features insights from across the organization, highlighting the people behind the progress — GrandBridge Energy’s employees, who are central to the company’s achievements and ongoing success.

The Corporate Responsibility

Report emphasises GrandBridge Energy’s commitment to integrating sustainable business practices and community impact into its daily operations. With a strategic focus on environmental stewardship, social well-being, and sound corporate governance, the company is poised to continue building a resilient and sustainable future.

We will continue to integrate ESG principles into our day-to-day operations, setting the course for meaningful transformation and longterm success.

Scan the code and read the 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report.

About GrandBridge Energy Inc.

GrandBridge Energy delivers safe and reliable electricity to 115,000 customers in the City of Brantford, the City of Cambridge, the Township of North Dumfries and the County of Brant. Our talented team provides safe and reliable energy solutions that are strengthened by an unwavering commitment to service excellence.

Powering the Future: Introducing Our New Strategic Plan

Member Profile

From Big to Small, We do it All at Top Shelf Industrial

Based in Brantford, Ontario, Top Shelf Industrial is a locally rooted company providing dependable storage and racking solutions to businesses throughout Southern Ontario. With a deep understanding of the region’s industrial and commercial landscape, the company has become a trusted partner for manufacturers, warehouses, and retailers seeking safe, efficient ways to organize and expand their storage capacity.

Top Shelf Industrial specializes in the supply, installation, and service of industrial racking systems. Whether it’s heavy-duty pallet racking for warehouses or durable shelving for smaller operations, our solutions are

Top Shelf Storage System Installations

for the long term. This commitment helps local businesses maximize their space while protecting staff and inventory.

More than just a supplier, Top Shelf Industrial actively contributes to the region’s growth by helping local operations thrive with better-organized facilities. Our presence in Brantford means customers benefit from accessible service, quick response

New Members

n Chander Professional Corporation

ACCOUNTANTS

Harvinder Chander (548)800-0777

Hc@harvcpa.ca

Brantford, ON

n Farm Boy Company Inc.

GROCERY STORES

Sarah Uffelman (416)206-4829

Suffelman@farmboy.ca

Brantford, ON

n Logan Rodney Hill ASSOCIATIONS

Logan Rodney Hill (548)328-5749

Logan.hill55@yahoo.ca

Ohsweken, ON

n Piastrella The Art of Flooring & Design Inc.

FLOORING MATERIALS

Brianne D’Andrea (226)450-3772

Info@piastrellafloor.com Brantford, ON

Membership Corner

The Power of Showing Up

As summer winds down, school is back in and routines are (sadly) return to normal, and September always brings a sense of renewed focus. For many members, this can offer a fresh opportunity to reconnect with the community. One of the best ways to do that? Show up. Attending Chamber events isn’t just about exchanging business cards and taking advantage of a complimentary drink or two (though that’s a bonus.) It’s about building relationships, staying visible, and keeping your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in Brantford-Brant. You’ll gain insight, ideas, and inspiration simply by being in the room with other business and community leaders. There’s real value in being present, and we’re excited to provide a fall calendar full of opportunities to get involved.

Our fall programming begins in September at the Harvest Lunch with Mayor David Bailey, hosted at the TF Warren Group Cainsville Community Centre. It’s a chance to hear updates from the County, connect with fellow members, and enjoy a locally inspired lunch. Conversations that begin at this kind of event often lead to unexpected partnerships and new ideas.

In October, Small Business Week puts a well-deserved spotlight on the entrepreneurs and local leaders who keep Brantford-Brant’s economy moving. Whether you take part in programming, share your story, or simply show up to support others, it’s a great time to get involved and celebrate the strength of our small business community.

The Chamber’s Annual Trade Show is another key event this fall, hosted at the Best Western. Exhibitor slots always sell out quickly, so book your table today if you haven’t already. Whether you’re exhibiting or attending, the

trade show is a great way to meet other local businesses, explore new products and services, and make new contacts in a high-energy environment.

Rounding out November before Christmas programming begins is the Women of Impact Gala at the Towneplace Suites. This special evening recognizes the remarkable women leaders shaping our community and is one of my favourite events of the year. It’s also an opportunity to be inspired— hearing their stories reminds us of the impact leadership, dedication, and vision can have in shaping BrantfordBrant’s future.

As we head into the final stretch of the year, showing up really does make a difference. The more often you attend, the more people get to know you—not just what you do, but who you are. And those personal connections often lead to professional opportunities. When our members come together, momentum builds, and the entire community benefits.

Hope to see you this fall!