InTouch March 19

MARCH 2019

With Brantford • Brant

Business Excellence Finalists Announced See page 5

Annual Committee Reports See Pages 17 - 21 Chamber of Commerce Brantford • Brant

MARCH 2019 PRESIDENT

David Prang

Assante Capital Management Ltd.

With Brantford • Brant

1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Paul McCaig

Paulsan Construction 2ND VICE PRESIDENT

Ken McNaughton

McNaughton Agency Inc. The Cooperators TREASURER

Cindy Swanson Enterprise Brant

PAST PRESIDENT

Tony Araujo

Laurier Brantford DIRECTORS

Angela Adam Meridian Credit Union Paul Bisanti Lanca Contracting Limited

Business Excellence Awards 2019

Chris Rayfield Methapharm/ ACIC Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Ask a Lawyer

Jacinda Reitsma Conestoga College Trevor Rumble The Marco Corporation Dennis Touesnard Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon, LLP Sandra Vos Brant County Federation of Agriculture Mike Yarek Mike Yarek Dodge Chrysler Ltd. EX-OFFICIO TO THE BOARD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Charlene Nicholson LIAISONS

Amanda Baker (Liaison JCI Representative) Dan McCreary City of Brantford (Ex-Officio)

David Miller County of Brant (Ex-Officio)

Read the 2019 BEA Finalists announcement

Understanding changes to the Employment Standards Act

Financial Feature Is TFSA or RRSP the better investment choice?

Annual Committee Reports 2018

Charlene Nicholson

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Managing Editor

Lana Lang-Nagle Advertising Ashley MacBeath Production Leslie Barker Distribution

IN TOUCH With Brantford • Brant is published six times a year by the Chamber of Commerce Brantford • Brant 77 Charlotte Street, Brantford, ON N3T 2W8 Phone: 519-753-2617 • 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

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Message from the CEO We are gearing up for a busy spring at the Chamber loaded with events, professional development and advocacy to help our members build their business.

by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). This event provides Chamber leaders the opportunity to meet privately with Cabinet Ministers, Critics and senior bureaucrats to bring your voice to the Provincial Government. Advocacy Day provides great value to our Chamber and we always come away with a greater insight into the current and future plans of the Province and how it will affect business.

Mother Nature interfered with two events scheduled for February; the monthly Business After Hours event and our Bill 47 workshop. Unfortunately, we were not able to re-schedule the Business After Hours event but happily, we were able to secure a new date for the Bill 47 workshop.

We are also in the midst of planning a Cannabis in the Workplace seminar to take place in April, so stay tuned for those details.

The Women in Business committee is hosting the inaugural “Step into Spring” event on April 17th at the Brantford Golf and Country Club. This new event will feature a variety of vendors suitable to the season and fashions from Ludlow’s Men’s Wear and Patricia’s. Please join us for cocktails and appetizers, learn about some of our local businesses and enjoy the fashions of two locally owned and operated

Our Chamber is also a member of the OCC Cannabis Working Group. In April, the OCC will release a report that will focus on how the Government of Ontario can support the cannabis industry while encouraging responsible consumption. This report, which will focus on recreational cannabis, is a partnership with the OCC and approximately twelve Chambers of Commerce, and we were pleased to be invited to participate.

Again, stay tuned.

Charlene Nicholson, CEO long standing businesses.

We are always open to your thoughts and suggestions and I encourage you to contact us to discuss how we can continue to meet your needs.

Chamber President David Prang and I will be spending the day at Queen’s Park in late March at the annual Advocacy Day hosted

Assurance & Accounting ~ Business Valuation Estate Planning ~ Financial Planning ~ Information Technology Serving Brantford and Hagersville

Succession Planning ~ Taxation Partners: M.J. Dixon, CPA, CA H.C. Johnston CPA, CA S.A. Salole, CPA, CA

T. J Leyzer, CPA, CA

S.E. Goodwin, CPA, CA

J.B. Baetz, CPA, CA

R.W. Storoschuk, CPA, CA

Associates: R.A. Parker, CPA, CGA, CFI

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March 2019

M.E. Terdik, CPA, CA

T.B. Sinclair, CPA, CA

J.O. Carr, CPA, CA

D.A. Cleary, CPA, CGA, CFI S.W. McGaghran, CPA, CA

G.M. Malecki, CPA, CA

R.D. Sciannella CPA, CA, CBV

S.D. Klein, CPA, CA

J.E. Chowhan, CPA, CA

J.A. Laporte, CPA, CA

G.S. Gravett, CPA, CA P.E. Merrylees, CPA, CA

B.Y. Brenneman, CPA, CA

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Business Excellence Award Finalists Announced The Chamber Business Excellence Awards Finalists were announced at The Finalist’s Reception on Jan. 23. The Business Excellence Award Gala will be held May 16 at the Best Western Brantford Hotel and Conference Centre, presented in part by BDO Group.

The Company Award recognizes unusual business achievements, high standards of employee relations, a strong corporate philosophy and making a positive impact in the community.

The Entrepreneur Award recognizes an individual who operates a business at their own financial risk, demonstrates product innovation and growth in sales or employment.

record of supporting non-profit organizations.

average growth of 10% per year.

Since 1950, College Source for Sports has been supporting a variety of community programs including a number of non-profit organizations, charity events and Minor Sports Associations in Brantford and Brant County.

Cory Robertson founded Synergy Mouldworks in 2011. His company is a full service manufacturer of custom injection moulds. His team has grown to 12 people with an average growth rate of 45%.

Millards Chartered Professional Accountants has been helping individuals and businesses with their financial needs for 98 years. The partners and staff of Millards offer their time and expertise to non-profit and charitable organizations throughout the community.

Bowman Precision Tooling is a family owned business that has been operating for 70 years. 90% of the company’s business is export, to end user customers in Europe and North America. Since 2008, the business has grown by more than 125%.

■ COMPANY FINALISTS

■ COMMUNITY BUILDER FINALISTS

Nick and Heidi Gorter purchased Dragonfly Landscaping in 2009 and have rebranded and rebuilt the business to be a major supplier of landscape products in Brantford and Brant County.

GreenMantra Technologies has been utilizing a proprietary catalyst and patented process to transform recycled plastics since 2010. The company is proud that by using 100% post consumer and post industrial recycled plastics as a feedstock they are advancing a more circular economy.

Boddy Ryerson has been contributing to the community since its inception in the 1920’s. In addition to financial sponsorship of local events, the firm prides itself on its

Paul Hill and IBC Computers provide managed IT services for small to medium sized businesses. Restructuring to accommodate technological advances has resulted in an

Hematite Manufacturing was established in 2007 to primarily supply its parent facility.

Over the past year the company has won new business for both Toyota and Honda.

The Community Builder Award recognizes an organization whose initiatives demonstrate sustained and long term commitment to improving the quality of life in our community.

■ ENTREPRENEUR FINALISTS

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March 2019

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Membership Renewals Renewals occur on the anniversary of the date a member joined. The following represents those renewals that have occurred since the previous issue of In Touch.

■ Access Self Storage Inc. ■ Ad Plus Promotions Inc. ■ Advanced Cellular/Bell World/Bell Mobility ■ Air Liquide Canada (formerly Mohawk Welding Supply) ■ Al Dente Fresh Pasta & Grill ■ Allstate Insurance ■ Alpha Micro Tech Inc ■ Al’s Driveway Sealing & Repairs ■ Annette Minutillo-Century 21 Professional Group ■ Apex Chain & Cable Inc. ■ Ardency Corporation ■ Arnold Anderson Sport Fund ■ ASCO Power Technologies Canada ■ Assante Capital Management Ltd. ■ Assess4theBest ■ Avenue Optical Eye Care ■ BDO Canada LLP ■ Beatties Business Products ■ Bell ■ Bell City Carpet One ■ Best Western Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre ■ Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Area ■ Billyard Insurance Group ■ BML Roofing Systems Inc. ■ J. P. Bowman Ltd. ■ Braneida Mechanical Service Ltd.

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March 2019

■ Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation ■ Brant County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ■ Brant Custom Machining Ltd. ■ Brant Overhead Door ■ Brant Renewable Energy ■ Brantford Blooms Florist Inc. ■ Brantford Flight Centre ■ Brantford Hydraulics Inc. ■ Brantford Hydro Inc. ■ Brantford Musicians Association ■ Brantford Symphony Orchestra Assoc. Inc. ■ Brantford Volkswagen ■ Brantworth Mechanical Inc. ■ Brokerlink ■ Bunnell Hitchon Insurance Brokers Inc. ■ D. A. Campbell Amusements Ltd. ■ Careerlink Employment Centre ■ Carrier Truck Centers Inc. (Head Office) ■ Charlotte Villa Retirement Residence ■ Christmas Spirit ■ CIBC LPM Banking Centre ■ Comfort Inn ■ Conestoga College ■ Cornell Construction Limited ■ Cowan Insurance Group Ltd. ■ Crabby Joe’s Tap & Grill ■ Crescent Mortgage Corp.

■ Da Vinci Hair Design & Skin Clinic

■ Damar Security Systems ■ Datasym POS Inc. ■ Davis Fuels (A Division of McDougall Energy Inc.) ■ Days Inn ■ Derek Bond Entertainment ■ Dominion Equipment & Chemical / Domclean Limited ■ Dr. Betty-Anne Story ■ Dr. Bouma ■ Dragon Sports Bar ■ Dragonfly Landscape Supply ■ E & M Copper Products Inc. ■ Easton Mechanical Contracting Limited ■ The Electricians ■ Emerson Climate Technologies Canada Copeland/Flow Controls Divisions ■ Energy+ Inc. ■ Enterprise Brant ■ ESSE Canada ■ Essential Under Things ■ Execulink Telecom Inc. ■ The Expositor ■ Extend Communications ■ Family Counselling Centre of Brant ■ Rhonda Fawcett ■ Finetex EnE Canada Inc. ■ George and Edmison Partners ■ Gilbert-McEachern Electric Ltd. ■ Goodbye Graffiti London

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Membership Renewals Cont...

Renewals occur on the anniversary of the date a member joined. The following represents those renewals that have occurred since the previous issue of In Touch.

■ Grand Erie District School Board ■ Greenspace Waste Solutions ■ Guru Training Centres Canada ■ Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton ■ J. P. Harris Burford Ltd. ■ Hewson Brothers Supply Limited ■ Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brantford ■ Horseshoe Tax & Bookkeeping Services ■ IDS Inc - Integrated Digital Solutions ■ Incor Enterprises Inc. ■ Investors Group ■ S. C. Johnson and Son, Limited ■ Jones & Associates, Chartered Accountants ■ Juniper Dining Co. ■ Ken Burns ■ Kneaded Care Inc. Multidisciplinary Clinic ■ R. L. Lancaster Construction Limited ■ Lauderdale Developments Inc. ■ Levac’s Trophies Unlimited Inc. ■ Liftway Limited ■ Ludlow’s Mens Wear ■ Lynden Park Mall ■ M&T Printing Group

■ Massilly North America Inc. ■ Maxwell Management Group Ltd. ■ McCleister Funeral Home & Chapel ■ McClelland Glass Centre (002310921 Ontario Ltd) ■ Millard Rouse & Rosebrugh LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants ■ MMMC Architects ■ Mohawk Motel ■ Mulrain Guitars ■ My Tailor ■ Myra’s Bar & Grill ■ MYRDH Dental Hygiene Spa ■ Northstar Travel ■ Olde School Restaurant Est. 1982, The ■ Paris Crane Inspection Services ■ Paulmac’s Pets Brantford ■ Pauwels Travel Bureau ■ Pencar Sales Rental Leasing ■ Prima Klean ■ RBL Services ■ Reliance Home Comfort ■ RV Parts Plus ■ Savory Electric Ltd.

■ Send Out Cards - Paul Vandeven ■ Services Unlimited ■ Sherwood Restaurant & Catering ■ ShopBrantford.com ■ Silo Inc. ■ H. C. Sleeth & Sons ■ Sonoco Canada Corporation ■ Sparling’s Propane Co. Ltd. ■ Speekezzies Cafe & Wine Bar ■ Staats Law Barristers And Solicitors ■ Strong Start to Reading ■ Steven J. Szasz Fine Quality Homes ■ The Beauty Barn Spa ■ True Results Consulting ■ Tulsar Canada Ltd. ■ Turtle Island News ■ Underwood, Ion & Johnson Law ■ Union Gas Limited ■ David Van Elslander ■ Waste Connections of Canada ■ Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP ■ Wright Image ■ Your Neighbourhood Credit Union Charlotte St.

Welcome to Our New Members n Alzheimer Society of Brant Non Profit Organizations Sue Arsenault 25 Bell Lane Brantford, ON N3T 1E1 (519) 759-7692 sarsenault@alzbrant.ca

n Coudenys Management Systems Inc. Management Consultants Larry Coudenys 621 West Quarter Townline Road Princeton, ON N0J 1V0 (519) 458-1121 larry@msi.com

n Elle Et Lui Events Designs Event Planners Stephanie Ilunsa 340 Henry Street Brantford, ON N3S 7V9 (647) 865-7181 elleetluieventsdesigns@gmail.com

n Billyard Insurance Group Insurance Brokers Steve Lott 155 Lynden Road Brantford, ON N3R 8A7 (519) 759-4128 brantford@thebig.ca

n DistINK’d Custom Apparel Promotional Products Santina Young 122 Middleton Street Brantford, ON N3S 7V7 (519) 753-5656 info@distinkd.com

n General Industrial Services Scrap Metals Jazwinder Sahota 327 Murray Street Brantford, ON N3R 0A4 (519) 756-6918 gis_brantford@yahoo.ca

Business After Hours

March 12 - Seasons Brantford Retirement Community April 9- Tulsar Canada Ltd.

Business After Hours is held the *second Tuesday of each month, and is a great opportunity for Chamber members to network. For more information on hosting a Business After Hours, contact Leslie Barker at: leslie@brcc.ca. *Occasional exceptions do occur. Visit brantfordbrantchamber.com to confirm event dates.

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March 2019

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Welcome to Our New Members Cont... n Guru Training Centres Canada Health & Safety – Occupational Tyler Schneider 9-45 Dalkeith Drive Brantford, ON N3P 1M1 (647) 389-9171 info@trainwithguru.com

n Lionhead Electric Inc. Electricians & Electrical Contractors Dan Hotte 783 Mount Pleasant Road Mount Pleasant, ON N0E 1K0 dan@lionheadelectric.com (519) 761-0707

n

Ren’s Pet Depot Pet Foods & Supplies-Retail Fiona Rose Caiser 218 Henry Street Brantford, ON N3S 7R4 (519) 751-1570 fiona-rose.caiser@renspets.com

n Home2 Suites by Hilton Brantford Hotels Karen McQuade 27 Sinclair Blvd Brantford, ON N3S 7X6 (226) 368-3000

n Massage Addict-West Brant Registered Massage Therapists Joanne Patak 320 Colborne Street West Brantford, ON N3T 1M2 (519) 304-7522 jpatak@massageaddict.ca

n StoneRidge Insurance Brokers Insurance Brokers Avi Singh 130 Clarence Street Brantford, ON N3T 2V5 asingh@stoneridgeinsurance.ca (519) 759-7911

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Ask a lawyer

Advertisement

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP Understanding changes to the Employment Standards Act

Derek Sinko Lawyer Bill 47, the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018, received Royal Assent on November 21, 2018. Bill 47 includes changes to the Labour Relations Act, 1995, and the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”). This article discusses some of the changes to the ESA, which took effect on January 1, 2019.

Bill 148 changes that were slated for implementation on January 1, 2019 have been repealed. The standard minimum wage remains at $14.00 per hour until 2020.

Minimum wage will be subject to annual inflation adjustments beginning on October 1, 2020.

The minimum on-call pay and cancellation pay provisions included in Bill 148 have been repealed. Employers may continue to use employees on an on-call basis at no cost, unless the employee attends at work. Employers are not required to provide three hours of pay to employees when a shift is cancelled within 48 hours of its commencement.

Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP Brantford office is located at 20 Wellington Street, Brantford.

There are significant new changes to personal emergency leave entitlements under the ESA. The previous entitlement was 10 personal leave days (two of which were paid).

Current entitlements no longer include two paid days.

Employees are now entitled to three unpaid days for personal illness, injury or medical emergency, three unpaid days to attend to family responsibilities, and two unpaid bereavement days when certain family members pass away. Employers may now request a medical note to substantiate employee time from work for medical reasons, where that request is reasonable in the circumstances.

Employers will not be required to pay part-time, casual, or temporary assignment employees the same rate of pay as

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full-time staff performing the same work. The prohibition on misclassifying an employee as a contractor remains, however the reverse onus has been repealed. Previously, the burden was on the employer to establish that a complainant is not an employee. The burden is now on the complainant to establish they are an employee.

Employers should take note that if they are making significant changes to an employee’s entitlements, they may be at risk of a constructive dismissal claim.

Employers should written employment agreements that reserve the employer’s right to change an employee’s entitlements to correspond with the minimum entitlements set out under ESA.

Other Bill 148 changes to the ESA remain in place, including three weeks minimum vacation time (6% of wages) for employees with five years or more service. Changes to various extended Leaves of Absence provisions also remain, including those to pregnancy and parental leave, critical illness leave, family medical leave, child death leave, domestic or sexual violence leave, and crime-related child disappearance leave.

Please contact Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP if you have questions about how these most recent changes apply to your business, or for any other employment related questions.

March 2019

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Financial Feature

Advertisement

Brant Financial Group Is TFSA or RRSP the better investment choice?

Brenda L. McCrae, CCS Wealth Advisor, Brant Financial Group There has been a long standing debate since the inception of the Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) in 2009, whether the TFSA or RRSP is the better investment choice. Which is the better choice from a tax perspective, now and in the future?

Most of us are familiar with and have in our personal investment portfolio the Registered Retirement Savings Account or RRSP. Whatever amount you contribute, you get to deduct from your taxable income, therefore recovering the tax that your employer deducted from your pay cheque. If you are self- employed, it works the same way but instead of recovering the tax your employer deducts, it simply reduces the amount you owe.

This can be of great monetary benefit if your marginal tax rate is north of 30%. You are basically getting back 30 cents for every dollar you invest before any returns. Not too shabby! Now the downside: yes, you must pay tax on the withdrawals, when that time comes.

Now, if you completed some pre-planning with your advisor, you should have determined from the beginning whether the

tax bracket in retirement would most likely be higher, the same or lower in retirement. If the answer was anything but the latter, an RRSP would be no benefit to you. Reason being, is you would pay the same amount of tax, or possibly more later than you would pay today.

In addition, you’re paying for that tax with saved money! Not a good investment as you simply deferred the inevitable.

This most frequently occurs when someone has a robust company pension. If that pension provides an income of $55,000 for example, add to it CPP and OAS and suddenly your income is $75,000 before even taking out your RRSP income! Let’s assume your RRSP minimum is $10,000 and now your taxable income is $85,000. That could be very similar to what you were making during your working years and therefore the same tax liability.

The Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) works like this. You contribute what you want, up to the set maximums. It grows in the markets and when you withdraw the money or any part of it, it’s all tax free. If your tax

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bracket will be similar or higher in retirement, then the TFSA would have been the better choice. Pay the tax now and have yourself a nice non-taxable bucket of money in retirement to supplement your taxable income. You can have the same lifestyle, but control your tax bracket somewhat. Additionally, should you have a situation arise in retirement where you need to access a large chuck of money in one tax year, keeping that chuck non-taxable will ensure no changes to any pension or social benefits such as Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, HST return, etc.

Purely from a tax perspective, there is no advantage to contributing to an RRSP or TFSA, if you will NOT be in a lower tax bracket in retirement.

If you are in this situation, I would definitely pick a TFSA. Now, before determining what’s appropriate for your situation, you need to talk to your Wealth Advisor. Your advisor will take into consideration many different variables unique to you, which could change the course outlined above. For instance, pension splitting

techniques or deferred CPP or OAS strategies could change things. There are simply too many to write about in one article, so I’ve included only the basic consideration which applies to the majority of people. By taking the time to review your finances annually, and examining all variables closely, your advisor will be able to determine any strategy changes necessary as time goes on and make a professional recommendation based on that.

Here at Brant Financial Group, of Assante Capital Management Ltd., we are very much aware that RRSPs aren’t for everyone.

We work closely with our clients to stay informed of their changing circumstances and, by having regular reviews with them, ensure that they always have the most tax efficient strategy working for them.

For more information or to discuss your personal situation, please feel free to contact me at 519-752-3155 or email me at brmccrae@assante.com.

March 2019

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March 2019

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Annual Report 2018 Message from the President the several other formal and informal events organized. These events would not happen without the active engagement of our members who sponsor and participate in them, and I would like to thank all members who supported and attended Chamber activities this year.

David Prang President The Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant is a unique organization in our community, providing services and opportunities that no other group can. In 2018, our work was highlighted through the provincial and municipal election debates, but they were just a few of the activities of the Chamber last year. Please take a few minutes to review the enclosed committee reports and to acknowledge and appreciate the work of our member volunteers, sponsors, and staff in helping to build a business-friendly community through the work of the Chamber.

It was the Chamber’s 152nd year in business, and our MP/MPP breakfast, Business After Hours events, annual golf tournament and Business Excellence Awards dinner were all well attended and executed, in addition to

In partnership with Rogers Television, Chamber staff and a team of volunteers produced seven televised election debates.

Each debate required up to five volunteers, and each received significant exposure on Rogers, Facebook, and YouTube. A special acknowledgement and thank you to Charlene Nicholson, Chamber CEO, for her leadership in coordinating these events which raise our Chamber’s profile in the community and help to build trust in our elected officials.

Massive changes to workforce legislation by the Liberal and PC governments prompted significant advocacy work, in addition to issues related to transportation, economic development, retail cannabis, and pumping station capacity in support of infill and new development. These, among other issues, required active participation in local, regional,provincial, and national conferences and meetings with government.

I would like to acknowledge the extended commitment of Allan Lovett and Tony Araujo in 2018, and thank them for returning to their roles for two consecutive years in support of the Chamber. Their leadership and time commitment to the Board and executive team were essential to the successful operation of the Chamber in their

formal volunteer roles. We look forward to seeing them at future events.

Our committee chairs, members, and general volunteers help to make the work we do meaningful, and help to ensure members from all areas are engaged in improving our business community.

Thank you to these members for the time and energy dedicated to the work of the Chamber. I encourage all members to get involved with one or more of our committees or to participate actively in an event or two (or more!). There are several ways to network with other Chamber members and contribute to building our business community.

Chamber committees help to plan and evaluate events, engage speakers, further advocacy research and initiatives, and keep the staff and Board of Directors accountable.

Many committees link to our community partners by providing liaisons from the Chamber. The representative voice of business helps to strengthen our community by giving voice to employers and community builders.

I would like to welcome Ashley MacBeath to the Marketing and Program Coordinator role, who brings a new perspective and set of experiences to the events and activities she is the key coordinator for. The Chamber staff of Charlene, Lana, Leslie and Kathy deserve an enthusiastic thank you and warm congratulations for another successful year.

The Chamber team is available daily for questions, calls, advocacy issues, and service, and welcome your calls and visits.

Advocacy Committee Report Committee Mandate: To monitor the actions of provincial, federal and municipal governments and identify issues that ay directly or indirectly affect Chamber members and conduct research and develop strategies and/ or recommendations resulting from the identification of issues.

To actively monitor and review the platforms of those running for elected office federally, provincially and municipally and, where

appropriate, develop candidates’ surveys and hold public meetings.

Committee Chair: David Prang Committee Members: Tony Araujo Wilfrid Laurier University Colleen Miller Colleen E. Miller Enterprises Ross Cochrane Liftway Limited

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Ed Jakub Assess 4 The Best Sandy Lee Ontario Lung Association Andy Woodburn Woodburn Insurance Ken Karakas ReMax Twin City Realty Inc. Cindy Swanson Enterprise Brant Vincent Geerdinck STM Construction Jay Allen Advantage Insurance Nick Nemes BDO Canada Group Trevor Rumble The Marco Corporation Mike Bork TD Bank

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Advocacy Committee Report Cont...

Staff Resources: Charlene Nicholson, CEO Activity Report for 2018: In 2018, the major work of the Advocacy Committee was co-producing the seven televised municipal and provincial election debates. Through the support of the committee the MP/MPP Breakfast rounded out the Chamber’s public political events.

The committee helped to support these events by developing questions and speaking topics, and contributing volunteers.

The Committee considered a variety of issues during the year, including Bill 148/Bill 66, the omnibus workforce bills passed by the Liberal government and repealed by the

Progressive Conservative government.

Retail Cannabis and Waste Water Servicing generated substantial discussion outside of the labour act issues.

The Committee refined our Transportation Policy paper, and created our BusinessFriendly Community Policy Paper. Our policy papers identify key issues, provide background, and make clear the position of the Chamber to our membership, government, and the general public.

The papers are available to our membership and the community via our website.

These policy papers are to be used as a reference tool for board members, staff, member businesses and community stakeholders. The committee will continue to review and develop papers in 2019,

reflecting a list of issues identified by the membership and prioritized by the board of directors.

Other efforts of the Advocacy committee included: Presentations to City and County Councils, on a variety of issues Advocated for and participated in meetings with respect to skilled training and apprenticeships with local stakeholders, local and provincial government representatives and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development Advocated to both the City and County with respect to boundary negotiations Developed advocacy-focused questions for the Annual Membership Survey

Business Excellence Committee Report 2018 Committee Chair: Chris Rayfield, ACIC / Methapharm Committee Members: Jason Cybulski Brant Mutual Insurance Keri Korfmann Tim Hortons Rae Lynn Aramburo Brantford Public Library Lucas Duguid Octopus Red Alfred Hauk Holistic Healing Arts Centre Angela Henrique Brooks Signs Maurice Lesperance PrimaKlean Ryan Murphy Wade Antenna Greg Neven TD Bank Kristin Pass Braemar House School Garnet Lasby Massilly North America Dennis Touesnard Waterous, Holden,

Amey, Hitchon Colleen Miller Colleen E. Miller Enterprises Activity Report: 2019 marks the 35th year of the Business Excellence awards. As with previous years, the term for the Business Excellence committee differs from other Chamber committees, in that it runs from September

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to June, instead of the calendar year. This is to facilitate the completion of tasks leading up to the awards dinner in May. Award winners are invited to participate as committee members each September and many on the current committee are previous winners.

The 2018-2019 committee held its first meeting in the fall of 2018 to review the status of nominations in the three available categories: Company, Entrepreneur, and Community Builder, selecting three finalists in each category.

In addition to their duties as judges, committee members are responsible for assisting Chamber staff with securing sponsors for the Business Excellence Awards. This wonderful evening would not happen without the dedication and generosity of our membership. We are very pleased that once again, Rino Bidenti and his team at BDO Canada, have come onboard as our Presenting Partner and we are looking forward to working with them to bring you a great gala event in May. In addition to awards presentations, each year a Chamber not-for-profit receives the proceeds of draws that take place at the

gala. Thanks to our grand prize provider, BDO Canada, and Nancy Tomkins Implant & Denture Clinic, which matched funds for our 50/50 draw, the Brant Community Health Care System received a donation of more than $3,000. Proceeds of draws for our 2019 event will go to The Brant SPCA. Finalists for the 2019 awards were announced on January 23rd at the Brantford Golf and Country Club. Now that the finalists in each category have been chosen and announced, the committee will continue to meet to review the completed long-form questionnaires and video profiles in March to select a winner in each category.

Names of the winners are kept confidential until the announcement is made at the May 16th gala.

We invite you to join us for the Chamber’s biggest night of the year, when over 350 members of the Brantford-Brant business community come together to honour outstanding local entrepreneurs and businesses. It’s a great night and a great tradition. Online registration is now available at brantfordbrantchamber.com.

We look forward to seeing you there.

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Education Committee Report Committee Chair: Cynthia Swanson, CPA CGA, Chair Committee Members: Terry Collins I.D.E.A.S. Inc. David Eelkema Grand Erie District School Board Karen Towler Conestoga College Marilyn Kaus St. Leonard’s Community

Employment Centre Cindy Swanson Enterprise Brant Annette Minutillo Brant Museums & Archives Jill Halyk Workforce Planning Board

of Grand Erie Kristin Pass Braemar House School Tim Stedman Laurier University Peter Svec & Carmine Romano Brant Haldimand Norfolk

Catholic District School Board Caroline Howard Tutor Doctor David Vujasinovich City of Brantford

Staff Resources: Charlene Nicholson, CEO Ashley MacBeath, Marketing & Program Co-ordinator Activity Report for 2018: During 2018 the Education Committee continued to provide a forum for the sharing of ideas and challenge.

The committee members brainstorm potential solutions primarily regarding the development of a skilled, motivated, available workforce for Brantford/Brant businesses. In addition, another primary role of the committee is to develop questions that can be posed to local politicians. Questions were developed for the MP and MPP breakfast and presented to the Chamber Board early in the year.

During the year, the committee received presentations about the Brant Vital Signs

Project, Newcomer Connections, the Education Alliance for Brantford, and Brant County Federation of Agriculture. This lead to continuing discussions about messaging with respect to work environments and potential jobs in manufacturing and agriculture. Several committee members undertook to research developing promotional videos. Both sectors have changed greatly with the availability of new technologies leading to new opportunities for workers. Videos for guidance counsellors to use could promote emerging opportunities for student consideration when career planning.

The committee provides an excellent opportunity for sharing and updating of individuals within the many sectors of education in our community with representatives from private education to university representatives.

Connections Committee Report 2018 Committee Chair: Steve Assel – Century 21 Professional Group – The Munir Group Mandate of Committee: Connections is a special program that promotes business opportunities among Chamber members by: Developing on-going relationships among members.

Creating awareness about the products and/ or services of various members.

Utilizing the products and services of members.

Generating and exchanging leads.

Committee Members: Steve Assel Century 21 Professional

Group – The Munir Group Wenda Allicock Wenda Allicock Legal Services Nancy Blunden Dominion Lending Centres

– Home Capital Solutions Paul Harding BinPak Compactors

Amber Kane Hampton Inn & Suites - Brantford Paul Vandeven Send Out Cards Blake Spittle Completewaters Steve Garnham CPR – Cell Phone Repair Chris Scott Peninsula

opportunities provided by the BrantfordBrant Chamber of Commerce. As members, we are gratefulfor these opportunities to advance our businesses and thank Chamber Staff in their continued support.

It has been an exciting year among Chamber Connection Committee members.

Members will recognize our Connection member, Mr. Paul Harding of BinPak Compactors who represents the Connection Committee at the Chamber Business after Hours held monthly. Paul has been actively and successfully advocating for and advertising the benefits of a Connection membership to members at large.

In addition to our bi-weekly networking and referral meetings, Connection members have been engaged in off-site sessions designed to grow our businesses. Steve Garnham of Cell Phone Repair has been working on our Social Media for the Connections Group and getting the word out through Instagram and Facebook about what we do during our meetings.

On a quarterly basis, Connection Committee members reach out directly to all new Brantford-Brant Chamber members who do not conflict with current member categories.

This task is overseen by Ms. Wenda Allicock of Wenda Allicock Legal Services but delegated between all members to promote the benefits of a Connection Committee membership.

Keeping always with the theme of growing our businesses, we have also taken advantage of the many advertising

We look forward to welcoming new members throughout 2019! Feel free to contact us at connections@brcc.ca

Staff resources: Leslie Barker Activity Report:

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

March 2019

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Golf Committee Report Mandate: To organize an annual golf tournament for members of the Chamber of Commerce Brantford Brant.

Chair of Committee: Paul Harding – BinPak Compactors Committee Members: Karen Doctor Emerson Climate Technologies Steve Wood Brantwood Community Services Staff Resource: Leslie Barker – Program Coordinator Charlene Nicholson - CEO Activity Report: The 2018 Chamber Golf Tournament was held on Wednesday, June 6th at the Oaks of

St. George Golf Club with sunny skies and very comfortable temperatures.

The 88 participants were greeted by committee members and club staff, who assisted with registration and loading of the golfers’ clubs onto their cart.

The day was capped by the usual networking, refreshments and a wonderful dinner.

Food for Thought was the not-for-profit organization chosen to receive the proceeds from the restaurant tree raffle. They also received a generous donation of $1000.00 made by RBC Insurance.

The tournament was well supported by sponsorships from a wide variety of Chamber members in the form of green and tee advertising, prize donations, competitions on the course and products for the “goody

bag” received by each participant. A divot repair tool was the token prize received by every golfer.

A scramble format was used for the tournament, with prizes being presented for the Lowest Score by a Foursome (male, female and mixed), Longest Drive, (male and female), Longest Drive in a Foursome, Closest to the Line, Closest Drive to the Lawyer, sponsored chipping and putting contests, and of course, the coveted Most Honest Foursome prize.

The golf committee is moving full steam ahead with plans for another excellent day of golf in 2019. Please join us Wednesday June 5th at the Oaks of St. George for our 52nd Annual Golf Tournament.

Women in Business Committee Report Chairs of Committee: Narinda Coward – Fifth Avenue Collection

2018 Committee Members: Narinda Coward Fifth Avenue Collection Viola Gabriel Viola Gabriel RMT Deb Halloran Thirty-One Gifts Tina Latta Young Living

Essential Oils Karen Robb Wealth Management/

RBC Dominion Securities Karen Wood Enterprise Brant Janan Aboughanem BMO Staff Resource: Leslie Barker – Program Coordinator

Activity Report: 2018 was another productive year for the Women in Business Committee, with the continuation of two of our initiatives “Business Blitz” and “Community in Action”.

2018 proved to be a year of motivation and inspiration. Kicking off the new year was Kelly Donovan from Fit4Duty who presented The Ethical Standard - Workplace Integrity, Ethics and Conduct.

In April Holistic Healing Arts Dr.’s Hanlon,

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March 2019

Albano and Burke presented “A Naturopathic Approach to Women’s Health & Personal Empowerment”.

Women and Shopping” event in November.

May featured the Dynamic duo of Lindsay Menich and Nicole Pereira who were definitely “Women of Influence”. This event was sponsored by BMO. They spoke about how to navigate a successful business in a male dominated world.

put together their baskets for their annual fundraising event.

September found us at the Design Centre for an interactive evening which focused on the latest interior design trends. The team from the Design Centre did an amazing job.

As always Chef Andres prepared delicious samples for us to try. He showed us how to use olive oil provided by The Olive Oil Co. It was a night full of laughs and learning.

Our October Business Blitz event took us to Wylde Rose Handmade Soaps (10 King George Rd. Unit # 2), where entrepreneur Jeannine Webster told us about all the wonderful natural products she makes and sells. We got a head start on our Christmas shopping.

Once again due to an amazingly committed volunteer committee and a diverse selection of vendors, we sold out at our “Wine,

A wonderful group of ladies joined us at the SPCA warehouse, where we helped them

The Women in Business planning committee is a diverse group of dedicated women, with a variety of business sectors represented.

The committee’s goal is to help women grow personally and professionally by offering professional development and a variety networking opportunities.

We hope that you can join us this April for our first ‘Step Into Spring’ event featuring a Fashion Show by Patricia’s and Ludlow’s.

There will also be 14 vendors for your shopping pleasure and of course lots of opportunity to network and connect with like minded business women. Event details are on the Chamber website and the Women in Business event page on Facebook and Instagram.

As the Chair of the Women in Business committee for 2019, I welcome ideas and suggestions from the membership and invite anyone to contact her at narinda@facmail.com or 519-771-2606.

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

Membership and Program Committee Report Chair of Committee: Ken McNaughton – McNaughton Agency Inc. Mandate of Committee: Responsible for Ambassador Duties Development and Member Service programs, including the program committee.

Carry out the duties of ambassadors in relation to new members.

Confirms applicants for Membership in the Chamber have met all criteria for membership prior to being recommended for acceptance by the Board of Directors.

Advises the Board of Directors on membership matters.

May employ working sub-committees in order to carry out its responsibilities.

Consider membership issues that may be referred to it by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Committee Members: Darryl Alonzo BDO Canada Jay Allen Advantage Insurance Ken McNaughton McNaughton Agency Inc. Mandy English TDG Marketing Cory Peterson BMO Brad Staley RBC Commercial

Banking Centre Annette Wawzonek BIA Brantford

Staff Resources: Leslie Barker, Program Coordinator Lana Lang, Business Development Coordinator Charlene Nicholson, Chief Executive Officer Activity Report The Membership and Program Committee is tasked by the Board of Directors with identifying potential new members and initiatives, supporting membership events, and evaluating activities on a regular basis.

On a monthly basis, we examine proposed new members and assess the attrition of members. As one might expect, business closings, retirements, and budget pressures are primary reasons for attrition. A volunteer from our committee personally welcomes each new member and shares their experience with the Chamber.

With experienced members in 2018, the committee fulfilled its mandate, discussing issues referred to it from the Board and welcoming our newest members through in-person visits and Business After Hours events throughout the year.

The committee welcomed 64 new members this year, across the range of our membership categories. We are strong in recruiting new entrepreneurs, and will continue to focus on the larger businesses in our communities as well. Our retention rate of 88% continues to be among the leaders of our peers across the country.

In 2018 the committee identified and

recognized significant milestone anniversaries of our membership in each InTouch magazine.

In continued partnership with Advantage Insurance, the Chamber hosted the 3rd New Member Social prior to the Chamber Tradeshow as a casual networking event and an introduction to the Chamber affinity programs.

In 2019, the committee will continue to enhance the value proposition we offer to current and future member businesses in our community. We will also be focussing on key priorities as identified in the board’s Strategic Plan and further these action steps: Develop a value proposition for agricultural businesses in order to re-engage the agricultural community. Engage with the Ontario Chamber to take advantage of their research for this sector Increase efforts to engage members in subject specific issues that are relevant to their business sector Identify and enhance value offered to Chamber members. This item has several action items underneath it which the committee and staff will be working on throughout the year As a member, your support through referrals to potential members, participation in events, testimonials to the benefit of Chamber membership, and sharing your ideas for new events or programs is always welcomed. We look forward to hearing from you!

Email your press release and photo to ashley@brcc.ca

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

March 2019

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PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY 134 Shaver Street, Brantford

Boardroom Rentals The Chamber boardroom is available to members to rent on part-day, daily & weekly basis.

Inquire at (519) 753-2617

Download rental form at brantfordbrantchamber.com/aboutus

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March 2019

Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com

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