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Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Daily Update: May 9, 2023

Your Niagara: Commitment to people drives Welland businesses, U.S. debt limit looming, may have spillover effects for Canada, and more.

In this edition:


Your Niagara: Commitment to people drives Welland businesses

This new series from the GNCC in partnership with Niagara Economic Development showcases the businesses in your community, uncovering both the hidden gems and the famous brands all across the region.

At first glance, a printing company, florist, insurance broker, building supply store, and vertical farm might seem like they have little in common. But what unites these Welland businesses is their unwavering commitment to delivering something better for people.

In a world where the bottom line often seems to be the only priority, Welland-based businesses like Vision Greens, D’Angelo Printing, Goodman’s Florist, Youngs Insurance, and Build It Again Ron are refreshing reminders of the power of commitment to people. Whether it’s through sustainability, personalization, or community engagement, these businesses demonstrate that success can be about more than just profits.

Click here to learn more about these Welland firms!


U.S. debt limit looming, may have spillover effects for Canada

Experts say a default would spell disaster for the domestic economy, with dramatic spillover effects for allies, such as Canada, whose own economic fortunes are closely tied to the U.S.

President Joe Biden will meet with congressional leaders on May 9 as the race against the clock to raise the U.S. debt limit gets underway in earnest.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that the country could run out of cash as early as June 1 without an agreement.

Click here to read more.


Ontario residential building permits declined in 2022

For the first time in three years, Ontario saw the number of residential building permits drop after reaching all-time highs during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent report from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).

Last year, 108,080 building permits were issued across Ontario for new development as well as home improvement. This represents an approximate 11.6 per cent decrease from the previous year, ending a trend of year-over-year increases and returning to 2020 levels, stated a release.

Click here to read more.


New national framework intended to help individuals enter the workforce faster

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) released a national framework that will support lifelong learning, help streamline skills upgrading for Canadians and support workforce development across the country. The Canadian expertise brought together in the framework will be also shared with international partners to help bridge skills gaps and support vulnerable individuals entering the workforce.

The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Reference Framework outlines the well-developed national tools, processes, and quality practices that allow people to receive recognition for what they bring from previous formal and informal training and work experience, known as Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), or Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC).

Click here to read more.


Niagara Region seeking applicants for Committees

The Council of The Regional Municipality of Niagara is seeking community members to join a number of its Committees. Serving on a Committee is a great way to provide valuable insight, get involved and play a key role in the future of your community.

Members of the public interested in applying for a committee may complete the online application form.

Click here to read more.


Pillitteri named as one of Brock’s Co-op Employer of the Year winners

Julia Zhu, associate director of co-op education and workplace partnerships at Brock University, said there are three co-op employer awards given out: one for non-profits, one for large businesses, and one for small and medium businesses.

Jamie Slingerland of Pillitteri Estates Winery said he was very proud to accept the award. “It is a really prestigious award,” he said.

Click here to read more.


Meridian OneCap and motusbank Donate $25k to Alberta Wildfire Relief Efforts

Meridian Credit Union’s national subsidiaries, Meridian OneCap Credit Corp. and motusbank, have donated $25,000 to the Canadian Red Cross 2023 Alberta Fires Appeal in support of those affected by the disasterhis donation will support the Canadian Red Cross’s work to provide ongoing relief, recovery and resilience efforts for those impacted by the wildfires, and community preparedness and risk reduction for future disaster events.

Click here to read more.


Coca-Cola to invest $8M+ in Hamilton distribution centre

Coca-Cola Canada has announced its plans to invest more than $8 million in its local distribution centre in Hamilton, Ont.
“We are a family-owned business and are guided by our Mission to deliver optimism and create a better future for our customers, consumers, and communities,” said Todd Parsons, Coke Canada Bottling CEO. “As Hamilton’s Local Bottler, I’m proud that these investments set us up for continued growth, while ensuring we meet best practices for our facilities.”

Hamilton is home to more than 150 Coke Canada employees who work to distribute, merchandise, and sell the brand from Fort Erie and the Niagara region through Hamilton to Brantford.

Click here to read more.


Neil Campbell Rowing Centre wins Wood WORKS! design award

The St. Catharines Neil Campbell Rowing Centre has won a Wood WORKS! award. The awards program honours the people and organizations that, through design excellence, advocacy, and innovation, are advancing the use of wood in all types of construction.

Ontario Wood WORKS! presented the awards at a reception held at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, an event hosted in conjunction with the Ontario Forest Industries’ 80th AGM.

Click here to read more.


Did you know?

Candy Crush generated $1.2 billion in 2021.


Focus on Finance & Economy

Canadian annual merchandise exports increased 22.5% in 2022

In 2022, the value of Canada’s annual merchandise exports increased 22.5% to $779.2 billion, while the value of annual imports rose 19.9% to $757.4 billion. As a result, Canada’s merchandise trade surplus with the world widened from $4.6 billion in 2021 to $21.8 billion in 2022. Compared with the value of total trade (imports and exports combined, totalling $1.54 trillion), the trade surplus represented about 0.01% of the total trade value in 2022.

Click here to read more.


Through the Daily Updates, the GNCC aims to deliver important business news in a timely manner. We disseminate all news and information we feel will be important to businesses. Inclusion in the Daily Update is not an endorsement by the GNCC.


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