Chamber This Week – January 13, 2017
January 13, 2017 | Submissions? email brad@gncc.ca |
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Table Talks
January 19, 2017 • 12:00pm—1:30pm
Big Marco’s Italian Restaurant
274 Fourth Ave.
St. Catharines
State of the City
January 26, 2017 • 11:00am—2:00pm
Meridian Centre
1 IceDogs Way
St. Catharines
Lunch and Learn: NAFTA – 20 Years Later
January 31, 2017 • 12:00pm—1:30pm
Coppola’s Ristorante & Banquet Facility
203 Carlton Street
St. Catharines
Business After 5
St. Catharines Club
February 7, 2017 • 5:00pm—7:00pm
77 Ontario St., St. Catharines
Full BA5 Schedule coming soon!
International Women’s Day
March 3, 2017 • 11:00am—2:00pm
Club Roma
125 Vansickle Road
St. Catharines
Save the Date!
State of the Region
March 24, 2017 • 11:00am—2:00pm
Scotiabank Convention Centre
6815 Stanley Avenue
Niagara Falls
NEW MEMBERS:
FALL 2016
Please join us in welcoming the new members who joined in Fall 2016!
Member Spotlight:
Suitcase In Point
Theatre Company
Suitcase in Point is an award-winning ensemble of artists who aim to engage the Niagara community through original performances and cultural events. Founded in 2001, we have created more than 20 original plays, 40 comedy shows (think SNL for local community), annually directed the STRUTT Wearable Art Show and run a rehearsal space on James Street in downtown St. Catharines. We also co-founded and produce In the Soil Arts Festival, a multi-disciplinary arts festival that showcases more than 150 acts/installations in music, theatre, media, comedy, streetscape art and more at 15+ venues in downtown St. Catharines each April.
As a not-for-profit and charitable organization, Suitcase in Point serves our community through the arts. Come see us perform, hire us to perform our wildly-popular comedy shows at your corporate events or contact us to explore partnership opportunities.
GNCC
ADVOCACY
Balsom: Go outside the box with tax system
Ontario’s cap and trade program went into effect on Jan. 1. At Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, we recognize the importance of fighting climate change and passing on a habitable planet to our children, and we acknowledge that costs for some services will have to rise.
What we don’t accept are policies conceived and implemented in isolation, without balancing incentives to businesses that would stimulate growth and investment.
Teresa Cascioli to speak at International Women’s Day
Teresa Cascioli is one of Canada’s top business minds. She is the former CEO of Lakeport Brewing, who took the company from bankruptcy to a $201 million sale, and the author of M is for Money, a book series that introuduces children to the world of financial literacy
Cascioli has been featured on Profit and Chatelaine Magazine’s lists of Canada’s most successful women and was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women. She will speak on March 3 at the International Women’s Day celebration, held this year at Club Roma in St. Catharines.
Pitch series will ignite businesses
Entrepreneurs from across the region will have their chance to pitch their business ideas to win money and prizes to help get their enterprise off the ground in a series of Niagara’s own pitch competitions.
This year, Meridian Credit Union has partnered with Niagara College and the GNCC to support these local entrepreneurs through the Meridian Ignite! series, including Niagara College’s Pitch Perfect competition, the Startup Weekend event and the the GNCC’s Ignite pitch competition.
Niagara-US trade built on enduring relationships
Thomas Beach is an optimist. He has to be. Currency markets, business shocks and surprises must be deftly navigated in his world. So the shock-election of Donald Trump as America’s next president won’t change things for his Grimsby company.
“I have relationships that I believe in,” said Beach, president of Handling Specialty. “And I believe they will outlive a short-term ripple effect of Trump’s appointment.”
NextNiagara: 2016 Year in Review
The end of a year can be bittersweet…reflection of the year that has passed (not wanting it to be over just yet) and excitement about the year ahead (anticipation for all that it will bring).
“This year I had the privilege of working with some amazing members of the emerging generation and supporting a number of awesome initiatives that were led by the NEXTNiagara council,” said NEXTNiagara chair Stephanie Harper.
GNCC works for fee review in Port Colborne
On November 14th in Port Colborne, the GNCC represented local businesses shocked by a 350 per cent rise in fire inspection fees since last year. In his address to Port Colborne City Council, Policy & Government Relations Manager Hugo Chesshire remarked that for the affected businesses, Port Colborne already levied the highest taxes in Niagara at 25 per cent more than the regional average.
Taxes and user fees represent opposite ends of a continuum, he said, and while high taxes represent a view that the public goods of government ought to be paid for by all, high fees reflect a belief that government services ought to be funded by those who benefit most. However, it was unfair to charge both.
Members
In the News
Money Matters with Gail Belchior
Gail Belchior is a certified money coach, and an accredited financial and family mediation expert. Gail started the company Financial Divorce Solutions to better serve those across the Niagara Region who want to make the best financial decisions during an emotional and stressful time.
Over the years, Gail became increasingly aware that the money profiles of her clients were holding them back from attaining more fulfilling lives. To better serve this need, through countless hours, she worked with the Money Coaching Institute to gain her Certified Money Coaching designation
Have you heard about Haste and Hustle?
It’s Canada’s most anticipated marketing event – A two-day conference designed to inspire and explore the alignment of sales and marketing. Transformative ideas, actionable marketing insights and big value for any marketing and sales professional.
GNCC members get an exclusive discount code! To get your discount, enter promo code “GNCC” for a $150 discount on all ticket types until February 8th, 2017.
The Vagina Monoloques arrive in Niagara
Gillian’s Place, in partnership with Alexandria Professional, is presenting the Tony Award winning The Vagina Monologues on February 4th and 5th at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
For more than sixteen years, The Vagina Monologues has celebrated women’s sexuality and strength with humour and grace — giving voice to experiences and feelings not previously exposed in public. Get you ticket today; Chamber members get 10% off.
NSI Winter Social
Join the Niagara Sustainability Initiative for their Winter Social on January 18 in Grimsby. The social takes place at Station 1 Coffeehouse and features a performance by Soulstice.
NSI is the not-for-profit organization engaging and connecting businesses in Niagara in an effort to advance economic and environmental sustainability.
Toque Tuesday: Warm your head, warm your heart
The 17th Annual Mayor’s Pancake Breakfast returns on Tuesday, February 7 from 7-9am at the Market Square in St. Catharines. Bring your appetite … and help put a “cap” on homelessness.
This event — said to be the most important breakfast you will have all year — supports the Housing Help Program of Community Care and the programs and services they deliver to those most vulnerable in our community.
The 2017 Canada Summer Jobs application period is open
Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative. It provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees to create summer jobs for students between the ages of 15 and 30.
You can submit your application online, by mail or in person at any Service Canada Centre. For a better understanding of the Canada Summer Jobs program including key tips to apply, please watch this YouTube video.
Spring Job Fair February 1
On February 1, 2017 CERF Niagara and the Niagara Employment Help Centre are teaming up to host the largest Spring job fair in Niagara!
Held at the American Water Park and Resort, the Spring Job Fair has room for 100 employers. Be seen and find great employees at this event.
Vacancy on Niagara District Airport Commission
St. Catharines citizens with an Airline and Business Development background are invited to apply to serve on the Niagara District Airport Commission. The Commission was established in compliance with Transport Canada to work as a Joint Municipal Services Board to provide for and facilitate the operation of the Airport.
This commission meets on the third Thursday of every month or at the call of the chairperson at the Niagara District Airport. The deadline to apply is January 22.
Volunteer Fest returns to Brock
Brock University’s Student Life & Community Experience along and Career Services would like to invite community organizations, to attend the annual VolunteerFEST on Wednesday, January 25th, 2017 from 10:00am-2:00pm.
By reserving a booth, you will have the opportunity to promote your organization to many students, staff and faculty as well as foster a positive community image. A four foot table, two chairs, and a parking pass will be included in a $15.00 registration fee. Reserve your spot today!
Humanitarian of the Year Award Nominations Open
The prestigious, T. Roy Adams Humanitarian of the Year is awarded annually by Niagara Region to a current resident of Niagara to honour the memory of the late T. Roy Adams.
This is the fifteenth year of the Award. The recipient will be someone who best exemplifies Roy’s values and dedication to community service; a person who sees volunteerism as an integral part of their life.
Discover 3D Printing Applications for your Business
The next workshop at the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre takes place on Wed., Jan. 25 at the Welland campus of Niagara College.
Learn how the use of 3D printing has expanded, and come see the Fortus 900mc, second generation, the first 3D printer of its kind in operation in Canada — installed at Niagara College!
Take a Chance on the Black Tie Monopoly Fundraiser
The United Way of South Niagara is hosting a black tie fundraiser on March 1 in the Centre Court at the Seaway Mall.
Tickets include hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening, two beverage tickets, a swag bag, a Monopoly competition, and prizes at every table.
Scale Up at the Food & Beverage Convention
The Food and Beverage Convention Niagara 2017 is coming to the Scotiabank Convention Centre. The convention connects food and beverage businesses with the resources they need to find success by managing their growth and increasing their profits.
The Food and Beverage Convention Niagara 2017 is ideal for established businesses, startups and industry partners and arrives on March 3, with pre-conference events on March 2.
Megalomaniac Winery enjoying the full-bodied taste of success
John Howard was all set to grow his Megalomaniac Winery at a leisurely pace. But after introducing his first vintage to market, the brand soon became one of the fastest growing in southern Ontario.
When a second vintage made the front page of USA Today, business exploded. “We have grown from 2,000 cases a year to 40,000,” Howard says.
Many hands project celebrates 20 years
The Many Hands Project is proudly in its 20th year of supporting communities within the Niagara Region. The Many Hands Project encourages community co-operation and pride through volunteer-driven projects aimed at assisting non-profit organizations.
ARTISANS & VENDORS! Are you looking to promote your business? Life N Style Niagara would love to have your unique products at our marketplace this spring. Send your vendor application now. See it — Love it — Buy it. All proceeds will go towards The Many Hands Project in support of the creation of “The Marketplace” at Hotel Dieu Shaver.
Network
News
Closing the Tourism Gap
On November 17, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has released new data that reveals a significant tourism opportunity gap when compared to international growth rates.
According to the organization’s report, Closing the Tourism Gap: Creating a Long-Term Advantage for Ontario, Ontario has foregone nearly $16 billion in visitor spending between 2006 and 2012 by not keeping up with global growth trends.
Mr. Trump and the Economy: Making Bond Yields Great Again
Market reaction to Mr. Trump’s victory has been mixed, but one part of the world economy is unambiguously grumpy! In the month following his surprise election win, a staggering $1.7 trillion was been wiped off global bond markets.
So what does it mean for Canadian business? Who cares if bond yields rise? We do. Canadian rates closely follow those in the U.S.
Keep Calm and Climate On
The fight against climate change had what we in the biz like to call “momentum.” Countries agreed to limit rising temperatures in the UN’s 2015 Paris Agreement. Two other deals were struck to check emissions. The world was on a roll!
This undoubtedly pleased the Prime Minister, who champions action on climate change both at home and abroad. But political climates can change even faster than global ones and some cold winds are blowing on Canada now.
Renewing MEMBERS:
FALL 2016
The following members renewed their membership in autumn for another year. Thank you for supporting the Chamber — and supporting business in Niagara!
MEMBER
PROGRAMS
If you’re thinking of adding group benefits to your company, there are a lot of good reasons to put your Chamber membership to work for you. Not the least is exclusivity: only members have access to the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan®.
To contact your local insurance rep, call Jim Garrett or Cindy Haines at 905-468-8575
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MEMBER 2 MEMBER SAVINGS PROGRAM
Many other Chamber of Commerce members feature discounts and special offers — tailored specifically for other GNCC members! Check out the full Member 2 Member database. If you’d like to add an offer for your company, sign in to your account. You can add and update your offer any time you wish!
MEMBER
PARTNERS
