Chamber This Week – September 14, 2018

Chamber This Week 905-684-2361 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram
September 14, 2018

Submissions? email brad@gncc.ca

Priceless
GNCC
EVENTS
Priceless
Lunch & Learn: How To Not Suck at Sales
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Coppola’s Ristorante & Banquet Centre
203 Carlton Street, St. Catharines
12:00pm to 1:30pm

Learn how conversation drives successful customer experiences. Learn how to build positive customer experiences through conversation, communication, and creating connections.

Tickets

Priceless
Priceless
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
6:30pm to 9:30pm

Priceless is the Art Auction for Yo-Pros. Bid with your time, not your dime, by pledging volunteer hours to local non-profit organizations. Featuring the Brush Brawl, the Devin Cuddy Band, Kalle Mattson, and more!

All Access Tickets & Info

BA5 – September 4, 2018
Business After 5
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls
5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls
5pm to 7pm

Meet and mingle with Chamber members and their guests. It’s a great place to relax and do business! No registration is required to attend this event.

BA5

Niagara Economic Summit
Niagara Economic Summit
Friday, November 2, 2018
White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa
253 Taylor Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake
7:30am to 2:30pm

The Niagara Economic Summit brings us together to celebrate shared successes, strategize the way forward for our regional economy, and increase collaboration.

Tickets & Info

BA5 – November 6, 2018
Business After 5
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Greg Frewin Theatre
5781 Ellen Avenue, Niagara Falls
5pm to 7pm

Meet and mingle with Chamber members and their guests. It’s a great place to relax and do business! No registration is required to attend this event.

Get a Reminder

Women in Business Awards
2018 Women in Business Awards
Friday, November 16, 2018
Marriott on the Falls
6755 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls
11am to 2pm

The Women in Business Awards (WIBA) is an annual event to recognize the leadership and success of women in our business community.

Get Tickets

NEW MEMBERS:
AUGUST 2018
Please join us in welcoming the new members who joined in August 2018.

9Round Fonthill
ABS Hospitality Inc.
Balaji Katlai PHD, CPA, CGA
Boccabella Beauty
Century 21 Avmark Realty Limited Brokerage
CTRL V
Essential HR
Girotti Machine
Harris Lawyers LLP
Precision Electric
Rockway Vineyards
Rockway Vineyards Golf Wine Dine
TD Wealth Financial Planning
The Enviro-Niagara Group Hearth and Barbeque
Welland Toyota
Experience. Career Success.
MEMBERS
IN THE NEWS
Career Opportunity: Executive Vp Of Operations And Communication

Career Opportunity: Executive VP Of Operations And Communication

The GNCC is creating a new position of Executive VP of Operations and Communication to secure the functionality of business and to drive extensive and sustainable growth.Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the EVP will be leading the organization’s ongoing operation and marketing activities as well as implementing new business services.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing leadership in client services and value propositions in support of GNCC’s mission; leading the development, implementation, and analysis of communication and marketing strategies; introducing valued business services for clients, and more.

Read Description

NCO Hosts Shifting Gears Panel

NCO Hosts Shifting Gears Panel

Brock University’s Niagara Community Observatory will be hosting an event on Thursday, Sept. 27. The NCO will be partnering with the Political Science Speaker Series to present their latest policy brief Shifting Gears: Examining the recent upswing in Niagara’s manufacturing sector, by recent master’s graduate Sean Calcott and NCO director Charles Conteh.

The event includes a presentation and a panel discussion featuring the GNCC’s Mishka Balsom, South Niagara Chamber’s Dolores Fabiano, and Niagara Region’s Blake Landry from the economic development department.

Register now

Doors officially open at Niagara College’s Community Employment Services’ 43 Church St. office

Ignite Giving at Sogni D’Oro

Kick off the new school year by supporting the Education Foundation at their Sogni D’Oro fundraising event at Cefalù Rustica Eatery on September 29. The event features authentic Italian food stations and fantastic live salsa music, all to raise funds to support student success.

Along with supporting students in financial need, the Education Foundation of Niagara supports progressive programs and services in DSBN schools that enrich students’ educational experiences.

Register now

‘This is rocket fuel’: Constellation Brands spending $5 billion to boost stake in Canopy Growth

Dreaming of Having a New Kitchen for the Holidays?

Call Habitat for Humanity’s Salvage Team to remove your old kitchen cupboards, countertops, sink, appliances and other items for FREE! They work within your timeline and will leave your space clean and tidy, ready for your new install!

The Habitat Salvage team has skilled volunteers and Habitat team members who will remove your existing kitchen and other reusable items FREE of charge and you’ll receive a charitable tax receipt for the donation.

Details

Niagara College recognized as top performer, earns silver for sustainability

Stroke Program Continues to Excel in Quick Care

Niagara Health continues to stand out when it comes to stroke treatment. Someone has a stroke every 10 minutes in Canada. Time is of the essence when treating a person suffering a stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain.

According to the Central South Regional Stroke Network, the Niagara District Stroke Centre has one of Central South and the province’s top rating for “time to first visit” following stroke symptoms. This is due in part to the Stroke Rapid Referral Clinic’s six-days-a-week operation.

Find out more

New head of Folk Arts Multicultural Centre ready to say welcome

Pelham Ready to Celebrate Meridian Community Centre Opening

While the doors have been open for a little over two months things get into full swing at the Meridian Community Centre next week and the town is planning to celebrate. “It’s going to be a celebration of Pelham and all we have accomplished,” said special events and festivals programmer Sally Jaeger.

With programming getting started next week at the new $36.2-million facility in Fonthill the official grand opening of the facility, and its twin pad arena, gymnasium and community spaces, will take place this weekend, with a private donor appreciation event on Friday evening and a public celebration on Saturday.

Find out more

New head of Folk Arts Multicultural Centre ready to say welcome

Brock Program Ready to Help Develop Ideas of Young Niagara Entrepreneurs

Bailey Cochrane had the business idea, but it was a boost from BioLinc that helped take it from concept to reality. The fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student in Brock University’s Goodman School of Business knew he wanted to design an online resource for people who were interested in Ontario wine.

Through his participation in BioLinc’s Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship Program, he was able to transform the vision for Stocked Cellars into an operating online business. Although this wasn’t Cochrane’s first time starting a company, the program gave him resources that built on his previous knowledge and helped him step outside his comfort zone.

Read More

New head of Folk Arts Multicultural Centre ready to say welcome

Doors Open in Lincoln on September 29

The Town of Lincoln is opening its doors to you as part of Lincoln Rerooted celebrations On September 29! From greenhouses to wineries, museums to breweries, Lincoln is opening its doors to the public to celebrate our history, heritage and local businesses. Come explore our roots!

Sites to explore include Bench Brewing (formerly Maple Grove School), Bennett Hall, Cherry Creek Greenhouses, Ivy Masonic Lodge 115, the Jordan Fire Station, Vineland Estates Winery, and more.

Read More

New head of Folk Arts Multicultural Centre ready to say welcome

Finding New Customers in a Digital World

The Niagara Falls Review, Welland Tribune and St. Catharines Standard are pleased to extend an invitation for you to attend their 2018 Marketing Workshop. As a true workshop, your involvement, interaction and participation is encouraged in every way.

Topics for the workshop include best practices for website design, what digital opportunities work best, how traditional media can support your digital assets, the three pillars of good marketing strategies, and ways to make your marketing investment get a better return on investment.

Find out more

IronMan
Chris Zhu, an Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities and Chair of the Niagara Chinese Business Council, recently took place in the Wisconsin Ironman Triathlon. Congratulations, Chris! Click on any image for a larger version.

For more information on the Niagara Chinese Business Council, visit our website, or follow them on Twitter.

Priceless

Priceless

Priceless

Niagara Economic Summit
NETWORK
NEWS
Canadian economy surges on export growth but falls short of forecasts

Join Minister Jim Wilson at the Ontario Economic Summit

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that the Hon. Jim Wilson, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade will be addressing OES delegates at this always sold out event.

Don’t miss this opportunity to influence advocacy with the new government and discuss how Ontario can build the workforce of tomorrow.

Register now

U.S. trade commission kills duties placed on Canadian newsprint

Developing a Strategic Canadian Economic Strategy

In a few weeks, chambers of commerce and boards of trade from across Canada will be gathering in Thunder Bay to discuss and debate how to influence federal public policy. It’s fitting that this year’s Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) Annual General Meeting is happening in a city that’s fairly close to being the middle of our country.

Now more than ever Canada and Canadian businesses need to band together behind common values and ideals of how to move our economy forward.

Read more

Ontario to cut natural gas price October 1

Early Bird Rate Extended to September 16 for 2018 Canadian Open Data Summit

The Canadian Open Data Summit is the latest in a long series of annual conferences held across Canada to convene and bolster the Open Data movement. This year’s CODS takes place from November 7th to 9th at the Fallsview Casino Resort and Hilton Hotel in Niagara Falls.

Open Data refers to the movement to have governments at all levels, as well as willing private and non-profit organizations, publish structured data sets in common, machine-readable formats at advertised locations to the utmost extent that is practical and ethical; and to allow the reuse and republishing of these data sets at will with, at most, attribution and sharealike stipulated.

Register Now

RENEWING MEMBERS:
AUGUST 2018

The following members renewed their membership in August for another year. Thank you for supporting the Chamber — and supporting business in Niagara.

13th Street Winery
A & M Electric
Airbus Helicopters Canada Limited
Anfra-Tile & Stone
Art’s Tool Sales Ltd.
ASK Disposal and Services
BDC Business Development Bank Of Canada
Big Brothers Big Sisters – St. Catharines-Thorold
BTS Network Inc.
Burke Employment Solutions
Business Builders Club of Niagara
C Burt & Associates
C. Fleming & Associates Ltd.
Casino Niagara
Catfish Calhoun Inc.
CEE Green
CIBC Small Business
Citrus Boutique Inc.
City of Port Colborne – Economic Development Division
Cobblestone Gardens Retirement Residence
Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold
Cookware Health Clubb Inc.
CoWork Niagara
Creative Outdoor Advertising
Custom Metal Frame And Door
DBS Financial Management
Dominion Lending Centres Home Capital Solutions Inc.
Dr. Andrew Panko
Emporium Carpet & Flooring
Enns Cabinetry Inc.
Fallsview Casino Resort
Family Hearing Clinic Inc.
FDM Holdings Inc.
Front Row Sports
Glen Merritt Collision
Globetron Controls Corp.
Goodwill Niagara
Imagine Research Inc.
INdustry Hair & Esthetics
Innovative Kitchen Design
Inteleservices Canada
Jobs Niagara
Lakeside Electrical
Mele Trattoria
Mental Health Solutions
Moore Insulation Ltd.
National Bank Financial Wealth Management
Niagara Centre for Independent Living
Niagara IceDogs Hockey Club – OHL
NuVest Management Services Corporation
Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel
Partridge Iggulden LLP Chartered Accountants
Performance Auto Group
Peter Janzen Electric Ltd.
Pleasantview Funeral & Reception Centre
Pleasantview Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Pollington Productions Inc.
ProActive Chiropractic & Training Centre
Red Roof Retreat
Rod Barber – Detail Supply
Royal LePage NRC Realty, Brokerage
Scrimp and Save Ltd.
SelloffVacations.com
Skyway Truck Stop Inc.
Stacey’s (1994) Moving & Storage
The Graphix Works
The Lighthouse Restaurant on-the-Pkwy
The Post Office – Shannon Passero
The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation
The Vision Clinic
Transitions College of Business & Career Studies
Trinity TCI Inc.
Van Egmond Electric
Vern Martens Painting
Victim Services Niagara
VinFirst Inc.
—————————
MEMBER
PROGRAMS
Chambers Group Insurance
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

H2Only
Try the purest, freshest water available — one month absolutely FREE. Experience the taste of clean water AND discover why so many homes, schools, and businesses love H2Only… it’s the service. No contracts, no set schedules. You call, we deliver the following business day. That simple since 1995.

Contact: 905-934-0966
sales@h2only.ca www.h2only.ca

Member 2 Member Discounts
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.

Chambers Group Insurance
BUSINESS SAVINGS PROGRAMS

The GNCC offers many business resources that are regionally, provincially or nationally endorsed – programs offered to Chamber Members through the OCC (Ontario Chamber of Commerce) or the CCC (Canadian Chamber of Commerce). Affinity programs include the Chamber Group Insurance, FedEx savings, Gales Gas discounts, Desjardins payroll service, Chase Paymentech and FirstData merchant services, etc. For more information click HERE.

If your organization is interested in partnering with the GNCC on an affinity program, please feel free to reach out to Mishka Balsom, CEO, at mishka@gncc.ca.

GNCC Referral Program
GNCC REFERRAL PROGRAM

From the beginning, the GNCC has grown because of your word-of-mouth support.

This Referral Program is our way of saying thanks.

Get your choice of a $25 Starbucks Gift Card for every new member you refer and who joins the Chamber -OR- $50 in GNCC Cash for every new member you refer and joins the Chamber towards GNCC ads, sponsorship or event tickets.

More program information HERE.
—————————
MEMBER
PARTNERS
Brock University Meridian Credit Union Niagara Workforce Planning Board

CHAMBER
THIS WEEK
© 2018 www.gncc.ca. All rights reserved.

If you believe you have received this message in error, click here to unsubscribe.
Please put “UNSUBSCRIBE” in the subject line.

Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
NEW ADDRESS — 80 King Street, Unit 3
St. Catharines, ON L2R 7G1 Canada
Telephone: 905-684-2361 | Fax: 905-684-2100
Email: info@gncc.ca | Website: www.gncc.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday — 8:30am to 4:30pm

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Chamber This Week – September 7, 2018

Featuring member news, upcoming events and more, Chamber this Week is your source for information on the GNCC.

Chamber This Week 905-684-2361 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram
September 7, 2018

Submissions? email brad@gncc.ca

Priceless
GNCC
EVENTS
GNCC Fall Classic
GNCC Fall Classic Golf Tournament
Monday, September 10, 2018
St. Catharines Golf & Country Club
70 Westchester Avenue, St. Catharines
11am to 7pm (Dinner)

Join us for the largest business-to-business fall classic golf tournament in Niagara. The tournament has been sold out for the past 44 years!

NCBC Social
NCBC Social
Thursday, September 13, 2018
ZenQ
Pen Centre, 221 Glendale Rd., St. Catharines
5pm to 7pm

Join us for this social event put on by the Niagara Chinese Business Council in conjunction with the GNCC. Network with NCBC and GNCC members as well as students from Niagara College and Brock University. Hosted by ZenQ.

Free Registration

Priceless
Priceless
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
2565 Niagara Parkway
6:30pm to 9:30pm

Priceless is the Art Auction for Yo-Pros. Bid with your time, not your dime, by pledging volunteer hours to local non-profit organizations. Featuring the Devin Cuddy Band.

All Access Tickets & Info

BA5 – September 4, 2018
Business After 5
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Prime Steakhouse Niagara Falls
5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls
5pm to 7pm

Meet and mingle with Chamber members and their guests. It’s a great place to relax and do business! No registration is required to attend this event.
Niagara Economic Summit
Niagara Economic Summit
Friday, November 2, 2018
White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa
253 Taylor Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake
7:30am to 2:30pm

The Niagara Economic Summit brings us together to celebrate shared successes, strategize the way forward for our regional economy, and increase collaboration.

Tickets & Info

Women in Business Awards
2018 Women in Business Awards
Friday, November 16, 2018
Marriott on the Falls
6755 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls
11am to 2pm

The Women in Business Awards (WIBA) is an annual event to recognize the leadership and success of women in our business community.

Get Tickets

NEW MEMBERS:
AUGUST 2018
Please join us in welcoming the new members who joined in August 2018.

9Round Fonthill
ABS Hospitality Inc.
Balaji Katlai PHD, CPA, CGA
Boccabella Beauty
Century 21 Avmark Realty Limited Brokerage
CTRL V
Essential HR
Girotti Machine
Harris Lawyers LLP
Precision Electric
Rockway Vineyards
Rockway Vineyards Golf Wine Dine
TD Wealth Financial Planning
The Enviro-Niagara Group Hearth and Barbeque
Welland Toyota
Niagara Economic Summit
MEMBERS
IN THE NEWS
Campaign Experts Join Growing Enterprise Government Relations Practice

Applications Open for 2018 Shannon Passero Women in Business Grant

Shannon Passero is thrilled to continue supporting woman entrepreneurs with her annual Women’s Business Grant Program. Introduced in 2013, The grant program seeks applicants from businesses that have a woman in a significant leadership role, and combine the principles of social consciousness, sustainability, and innovation to create new businesses or invigorate existing ones.

“Now, more than ever, it is time to instill confidence in women entrepreneurs. I want to encourage creative business women with a focus on introducing and developing new innovative products.” said Passero.

Read more

Doors officially open at Niagara College’s Community Employment Services’ 43 Church St. office

Caverners Help Calamus Estate Winery Celebrate Grand Re-Opening

Canada’s longest-running Beatles tribute band, The Caverners, will help celebrate Calamus Estate Winery’s grand re-opening on September 23. Peter and Rosalee Van Helsdingen are the new owners of the winery, located in the Winemount Ridge Appellation in Vineland.

New additions and openings at the winery include a 3-level deck and a 350-barrel cellar. The grand opening features all-you-can-eat casual Farm to Table BBQ presented by Feastivities Events & Catering. The winery staff hope you can attend their grand opening with the Beatles!

Find out more

‘This is rocket fuel’: Constellation Brands spending $5 billion to boost stake in Canopy Growth

Ben Jones Named Captain of 2018-2019 IceDogs

The Niagara IceDogs are extremely proud to announce that Ben Jones has been named the franchise’s 11th captain in team history. Jones, a fourth-year veteran quickly became a fan favourite early in his time in Niagara and has continued to be one of the team’s most relied upon forwards.

“Over the past 3 seasons, Ben has not only developed into a strong leader and ambassador but an elite player as well. Ben has earned this honour and is ready to lead our group this season,” said IceDogs head coach Billy Burke.

Read more

Niagara College recognized as top performer, earns silver for sustainability

Street Hoops Tournament Benefits Heart Niagara

The Street Hoops 3-on-3 basketball tournament is coming to Niagara Falls on September 22. The event features free throw, 3-point and dunk competitions, with cash prizes going to the winners. All proceeds from the tournament are going to Heart Niagara and The Ronald McDonald House South Central Ontario.

Street Hoops Canada was founded on the principles of skill development and fun, all while bringing play back to the streets. The events are designed to be fun, inclusive and provide opportunities for people of all ages to hone and show off their skills in the sport of basketball.

Register Now

New head of Folk Arts Multicultural Centre ready to say welcome

Big Band Fundraiser Supports Niagara Health Foundation

Canada’s ‘Sweetheart of Swing’ Alex Pangman will be featured at the TD Niagara Jazz Festival’s 3rd annual Big Band Fundraiser. The evening features the Jimmy Stahl Big Band and special guests Juliet Dunn and Peter Shea.

This year’s Big Band fundraiser will be giving 50% of its proceeds to support the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis program at the St. Catharines General Hospital. The other half will support the not-for-profit TD Niagara Jazz Festival.

Find out more

New head of Folk Arts Multicultural Centre ready to say welcome

Paintings of a Survivor

Artist Renu D’Cunha of Niagara Falls rediscovered her passion for art after surviving cancer, then a stroke. In her mind, she imagined painting something bright and bold, a visual depiction of her inner soul. “I wanted to show that I had gone through this and I survived,” said Renu. This led to a series of paintings she called her Survivor series. Renu is also featuring a painting, Power, at Priceless Niagara.

Renu has donated some of these paintings to the Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre to raise funds for its new cancer rehab program. The outpatient program, which opened in July, receives no government funding. It’s intended for cancer patients who have recently finished treatment but are at risk for a decreased independence with day-to-day activities..

Read More in the St. Catharines Standard

See her work at Priceless Niagara

Reporting Foreign Property: when does this become relevant for your case?

Reporting Foreign Property — When Does This Become Relevant for Your Case?

Many Canadians enjoy a home away from home and/or have assets, investments or other specified foreign property held outside of Canada. Under certain situations, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requires Canadian residents to file an annual declaration (in a prescribed manner) of all such specified foreign property valued over a $100,000 via prescribed form T1135.

Failures can result in hefty penalties (up to $2,500 and even more for gross negligence). This declaration is to be filed along with your personal tax returns.

Read more from Balaji Katlai

New head of Folk Arts Multicultural Centre ready to say welcome

Niagara College Sees Record Enrolment

Niagara College is welcoming its largest-ever intake of students this week with activities like speed friending and wellness workshops, to a carnival and vendor fair and even goat yoga. The college said preliminary enrolment numbers show the college is expecting more than 10,000 students for the fall term, which starts Wednesday, with about 6,000 of those new students.

“Enriching lives and fulfilling dreams for students is part of our ‘Niagara College DNA’ and we are looking forward to welcoming our largest-ever intake of students this fall,” said college president Dan Patterson in a release. “Our unique approach to applied learning is drawing students from across Canada and around the world, and we look forward to providing them with an outstanding start to their college experience.”

Read More

New head of Folk Arts Multicultural Centre ready to say welcome

Big Move Doing Big Things for Niagara Cancer Care

With the 10th annual Big Move Cancer Ride just around the corner, The Walker Family Cancer Centre has reason to celebrate. The centre is recognizing the significant ways in which cancer care has changed in Niagara over the past 10 years.

Dr. Janice Giesbrecht, medical director of the centre for Niagara Health said the greatest improvements to local cancer care are the development of programs. Niagara now has a radiation program — a treatment that wasn’t available in region before the centre opened in 2013.

Read More

UPS Store Election Special
NETWORK
NEWS
Canadian economy surges on export growth but falls short of forecasts

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Reacts to Announcement that NAFTA Negotiations Will Continue Next Week

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomes news that the parties remain at the NAFTA negotiating table. Achieving a trilateral agreement remains a priority for the Canadian business community and we are encouraged that the parties appear to be committed to continuing negotiations.

The CCC is hopeful that the extension signals continued forward momentum and a focus on reaching an agreement that will continue to support the highly integrated North American supply chains of Canadian companies.

Read more

U.S. trade commission kills duties placed on Canadian newsprint

Ontario Chamber Calls on Provincial Government to Immediately Repeal Bill 148

On August 30, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce called on the Government of Ontario to immediately repeal the drastic labour reforms introduced by Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces Better Jobs Act, 2017. Recent testimonials from the Ontario business community showcase a common theme — the labour reforms established by the previous government were too much, too fast and have significantly limited their ability to maintain or grow the workforce they need to be competitive.

“Businesses across the province are experiencing real consequences from this legislation’s lack of stakeholder consultation and unrealistic implementation timelines,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the OCC.

Read more

Ontario to cut natural gas price October 1

Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and Ontario Chamber of Commerce Unite in Support of Free Trade

Recognizing the strong economic ties that have long existed between Pennsylvania and Canada, the PA Chamber of Business and Industry joined the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in calling for the renewal of the North American Free Trade Agreement in order to strengthen cross-border trade.

“There is no upside to an economic trade war, which threatens to undo all of the positive economic gains Pennsylvania has seen as a result of federal tax and regulatory reforms,” warned PA Chamber President Gene Barr. “The Commonwealth’s trade relationship with Canada is a critical component in advancing the state’s overall economy.”

Read more

RENEWING MEMBERS:
AUGUST 2018

The following members renewed their membership in August for another year. Thank you for supporting the Chamber — and supporting business in Niagara.

13th Street Winery
A & M Electric
Airbus Helicopters Canada Limited
Anfra-Tile & Stone
Art’s Tool Sales Ltd.
ASK Disposal and Services
BDC Business Development Bank Of Canada
Big Brothers Big Sisters – St. Catharines-Thorold
BTS Network Inc.
Burke Employment Solutions
Business Builders Club of Niagara
C Burt & Associates
C. Fleming & Associates Ltd.
Casino Niagara
Catfish Calhoun Inc.
CEE Green
CIBC Small Business
Citrus Boutique Inc.
City of Port Colborne – Economic Development Division
Cobblestone Gardens Retirement Residence
Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold
Cookware Health Clubb Inc.
CoWork Niagara
Creative Outdoor Advertising
Custom Metal Frame And Door
DBS Financial Management
Dominion Lending Centres Home Capital Solutions Inc.
Dr. Andrew Panko
Emporium Carpet & Flooring
Enns Cabinetry Inc.
Fallsview Casino Resort
Family Hearing Clinic Inc.
FDM Holdings Inc.
Front Row Sports
Glen Merritt Collision
Globetron Controls Corp.
Goodwill Niagara
Imagine Research Inc.
INdustry Hair & Esthetics
Innovative Kitchen Design
Inteleservices Canada
Jobs Niagara
Lakeside Electrical
Mele Trattoria
Mental Health Solutions
Moore Insulation Ltd.
National Bank Financial Wealth Management
Niagara Centre for Independent Living
Niagara IceDogs Hockey Club – OHL
NuVest Management Services Corporation
Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel
Partridge Iggulden LLP Chartered Accountants
Performance Auto Group
Peter Janzen Electric Ltd.
Pleasantview Funeral & Reception Centre
Pleasantview Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Pollington Productions Inc.
ProActive Chiropractic & Training Centre
Red Roof Retreat
Rod Barber – Detail Supply
Royal LePage NRC Realty, Brokerage
Scrimp and Save Ltd.
SelloffVacations.com
Skyway Truck Stop Inc.
Stacey’s (1994) Moving & Storage
The Graphix Works
The Lighthouse Restaurant on-the-Pkwy
The Post Office – Shannon Passero
The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation
The Vision Clinic
Transitions College of Business & Career Studies
Trinity TCI Inc.
Van Egmond Electric
Vern Martens Painting
Victim Services Niagara
VinFirst Inc.
—————————
MEMBER
PROGRAMS
Chambers Group Insurance
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

H2Only
Try the purest, freshest water available — one month absolutely FREE. Experience the taste of clean water AND discover why so many homes, schools, and businesses love H2Only… it’s the service. No contracts, no set schedules. You call, we deliver the following business day. That simple since 1995.

Contact: 905-934-0966
sales@h2only.ca www.h2only.ca

Member 2 Member Discounts
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.

Chambers Group Insurance
BUSINESS SAVINGS PROGRAMS

The GNCC offers many business resources that are regionally, provincially or nationally endorsed – programs offered to Chamber Members through the OCC (Ontario Chamber of Commerce) or the CCC (Canadian Chamber of Commerce). Affinity programs include the Chamber Group Insurance, FedEx savings, Gales Gas discounts, Desjardins payroll service, Chase Paymentech and FirstData merchant services, etc. For more information click HERE.

If your organization is interested in partnering with the GNCC on an affinity program, please feel free to reach out to Mishka Balsom, CEO, at mishka@gncc.ca.

GNCC Referral Program
GNCC REFERRAL PROGRAM

From the beginning, the GNCC has grown because of your word-of-mouth support.

This Referral Program is our way of saying thanks.

Get your choice of a $25 Starbucks Gift Card for every new member you refer and who joins the Chamber -OR- $50 in GNCC Cash for every new member you refer and joins the Chamber towards GNCC ads, sponsorship or event tickets.

More program information HERE.
—————————
MEMBER
PARTNERS
Brock University Meridian Credit Union Niagara Workforce Planning Board

CHAMBER
THIS WEEK
© 2018 www.gncc.ca. All rights reserved.

If you believe you have received this message in error, click here to unsubscribe.
Please put “UNSUBSCRIBE” in the subject line.

Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
NEW ADDRESS — 80 King Street, Unit 3
St. Catharines, ON L2R 7G1 Canada
Telephone: 905-684-2361 | Fax: 905-684-2100
Email: info@gncc.ca | Website: www.gncc.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday — 8:30am to 4:30pm

STAY
CONNECTED
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email

Membership Renewal

Login

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Chamber This Week – August 31, 2018

NETWORK

NEWS

Canadian economy surges on export growth but falls short of forecasts

Canadian Economy Surges on Export Growth but Falls Short of Forecasts

A surge in exports of energy, aircraft and pharmaceutical products helped propel Canada’s economy higher in the second quarter of this year, Statistics Canada said Thursday.

The economy rocketed to an annualized pace of 2.9 per cent in the period from April 1 through June 30, compared with a slightly revised annual pace of 1.4 per cent in the first three months of 2018, the agency said.

Read more in The Globe and Mail 

U.S. trade commission kills duties placed on Canadian newsprint

U.S. Trade Commission Kills Duties Placed on Canadian Newsprint

The U.S. International Trade Commission has overturned the duties imposed on Canadian newsprint by the U.S. Commerce Department earlier this year. The five commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday that imports from Canada of uncoated groundwood paper, used for newspapers, commercial printing and book publishing, do not injure U.S. industry.

The U.S. Commerce Department had imposed anti-dumping and countervailing duties of various levels on Canadian producers including Resolute Forest Product, Catalyst Paper Corp., Kruger Inc., and White Birch Paper.

Read more From Global News 

Ontario to cut natural gas price October 1

Ontario to Cut Natural Gas Price on October 1

Premier Doug Ford says his government will remove the cost of the now-repealed cap-and-trade system from natural gas bills, but opposition critics say the Tory government is not telling people the true impacts of cancelling the system designed to fight climate change.

At an announcement hosted by a Milton, Ont., diner, Ford touted the change, saying it will save families $80 a year and small businesses will save $285 annually. The government has issued a directive to the Ontario Energy Board that will see the price of natural gas reduced by 3.3 cents per cubic metre starting on Oct. 1.

Read more in iPolitics

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Reporting Foreign Property – when does this become relevant for your case?

Many Canadians enjoy a home away from home and/or have assets, investments or other specified foreign property held outside of Canada. Under certain situations, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requires Canadian residents to file an annual declaration (in a prescribed manner) of all such specified foreign property valued over a $100,000 via prescribed form T1135. Failures can result in hefty penalties (up to $2,500 and even more for gross negligence). This declaration is to be filed along with your personal tax returns.

Are there filing exemptions? Here are a few common scenarios:

  1. Your property is primarily used as a personal-use property – you need not file in T1135; the Income Tax Act excludes personal-use property as specified foreign property.In common terms, personal-use property includes vacation property used primarily as a personal residence.Per the CRA “primarily” means more than 50% in terms of usage. Whether a property is primarily for personal use and enjoyment is a question of fact that is determined on a case-by-case basis by your tax professional;
  2. Real property that is held and used as part of an active business in Canada is exempt from T1135 filing requirements;
  3. Listedpersonal propertysuch as works of art, jewelry, rare folios, rare manuscripts, rare books, stamps, and coins are also exempted for T1135 filing purposes;
  4. In addition, specified foreign property held in an RRSP or a TFSA is excluded from T1135 reporting requirements.

Example scenarios: Let us distill down the technicality:

a. John owns a US cottage valued at $110,000 and originally purchased at $70,000? Does John need to report this in T1135?

If the cottage was primarily for personal benefit i.e.,personal-use property– there is no requirement for reporting a T1135.

b. John inherits the cottage from his grandmother who initially purchased it for $70,000 and valued at $110,000 at the time of inheritance. John now uses the property for income.

At the time of inheritance, the property is valued at its fair market value (FMV) of $110,000 and the reporting is on the adjusted cost base or the fair market value which in this case is $110,000. Note, as a slight twist, if the FMV was below $100,000 then John does not need to report T1135, but, however, John must report the rental income as part of his world-wide income for his Canadian personal tax returns.

c. John inherits the cottage from his grandmother valued at $110,000 but due to market fluctuations, the value at the end of the year was below $100,000. John generates income during Jan to Aug. and occupies for pleasure during the balance period. Does John need to report this in T1135?

Yes, since (i) the property at one point in the year was valued at more than $100,000 and (ii) there was income generated from the property. Note that 7 months out of 12 in a year meets the primary intent test (more than 50% usage) for the CRA.

Immigration to Canada:

d. John originally purchased his cottage for $70,000 and years later was immigrating to Canada. At that time, the FMV was $130,000 and John has rented the cottage. Does John need to file T1135 along with his personal tax return?

Yes, John has investment to be reported at $130,000 (adjusted cost base at the time of immigration is the FMV) and investment income must be reported (at gross value) along with the T1135 filing.

Limited expectation of profit: John’s cottage is valued at $110,000 and during periods when John is not using this for personal use, he wants to rent the property for an income. However, there is no reasonable expectation of a profit from this income generation. Does he need to file in T1135?

No, John does not need to file in form T1135 as there is no reasonable expectation for generating a profit. However, this is to be determined on a case by case basis, and in any event, John must report his gross income from cottage as part of his world-wide income when filing his personal returns in Canada.

What have I learnt?You need to file in T1135 if the following situations (not meant to be exhaustive) apply for you:

  1. Own property or inherited property valued at $100,000 or more and used to generate an income but is not part of an active business?
  2. Have investments such as shares, stocks, etc which are held outside of Canada and valued more than $100,000?
  3. Examine whether you have been or consider using the property for active business; this option can eliminate T1135 compliance costs.

Finally, the CRA provides Voluntary Disclosure Program from failure to disclose, however, increasingly the CRA is less empathetic to tax payer errors. There are several other complex situations such as securities and other specified foreign property held via trusts or partnerships etc and is beyond the scope of this article. Please consult your professional tax advisor for further details specific to your situation.

If you need more detailed version, please visit or google: bkpc-cpa or contact Balaji Katlai at bk@bkpc-cpa.com

Disclaimer:This article is only for information purposes and is not a substitute for an actual tax planning or from a tax advice perspective. Any errors or omission is solely the authors responsibility. Always, contact your professional tax advisor before undertaking any action.

Author: Balaji Katlai PhD, CPA, CGAis an independent tax consultant (from Montreal) and works from both Niagara and Toronto. If you have any comments or suggestions, Balaji can be reached at bk@bkpc-cpa.com

 

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Chamber This Week – August 24, 2018

NETWORK

NEWS

Latest interprovincial wine-trade proposals not much to cheer about

Latest interprovincial wine-trade proposals not much to cheer about

Canadians can buy almost any good from another province, but not wine. With the exception of Manitoba, the laws against out-of-province direct-to-consumer shipments stand firm due to liquor retailers who want wine (as well as beer and spirits) sales to go through them as much as possible.

In 2012, the federal government took steps to remove the wine barriers by amending the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act (1928). The amendments were unanimously passed in Parliament, and allowed wine to be personally transported or couriered into any province or territory for personal consumption, as defined by the jurisdiction.

Read More in the National Post 

'The old plan wasn't much of a plan': How Ontario's new pot plan targets the black market

‘The old plan wasn’t much of a plan’: How Ontario’s new pot plan targets the black market

Chris Selley spoke with The Financial Post’s Larysa Harapyn about Ontario’s new cannabis retail plan and how it may be better suited to eliminate the cannabis black market.

“[Conservatives] think they can handle this, the existing market that is being served by ‘criminals,’ said Selley, a columnist for Postmedia.

See the Video From The Financial Post 

Tariffs hurting U.S. economy, economists warn, with more pain to come if Trump withdraws from NAFTA

Tariffs hurting U.S. economy, economists warn, with more pain to come if Trump withdraws from NAFTA

Business economists are sounding some sour notes about Trump administration policies, from trade to immigration to the budget, while expecting the short-term boost to growth from Republican tax cuts to lessen over time.

The National Association for Business Economics survey showed 91 per cent of respondents said current tariffs and threats of more to come were having “unfavourable consequential impacts” on the U.S. economy, according to a report released Monday.

Read More

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Doors officially open at Niagara College’s Community Employment Services’ 43 Church St. office

Downtown St. Catharines community members and and clients of Niagara College’s Community Employment Services (formerly Employment and Training Solutions) are invited to celebrate the grand opening of the team’s new office and community space, located at 43 Church St. in St. Catharines, on Monday, Aug. 27.

Guests will get an inside look at the new space, which maintains the office’s presence in the heart of downtown St. Catharines, and is steps away from local landmarks like St. Catharines City Hall and Market Square. The new space also features a bright, open work area and three large training rooms that will allow Community Employment Services to offer new and expanded training and support programs.

Guests will also hear from Mark Dellamano, President of Niagara-on-the-Lake Vacation Rentals and past client of Community Employment Services. Dellamano entered CES’ Self Employment Benefit program in 2015, and used the experience and knowledge he gained through the program to develop and grow his business.

Media are invited to attend the grand opening, hear remarks from Dellamano and Niagara College President Dan Patterson, participate in a ribbon-cutting, and explore the new community space.

                Monday, Aug. 27, 2018
10 a.m.
Niagara College Community Employment Services
43 Church St., St. Catharines

The team also recently underwent a name change from Employment and Training Solutions to Community Employment Services. The new name is meant to better reflect the fact that anyone in the community, not just NC grads, can avail themselves of the team’s programs and services.

Funded through Employment Ontario, Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities, NC’s Community Employment Services provides support for individuals seeking employment or training; a resource centre which includes computer access for job search; employment related workshops and assistance to employers to meet their hiring needs.

More information can be found online at www.niagaracollege.ca/ces.


Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Andrew Korchok
Communications/Media Advisor
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7430
Cell: 905 329-1642
akorchok@niagaracollege.ca

 

Michael Wales
Manager, Communications
Office: 905 735-2211 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328-4101
mwales@niagaracollege.ca

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Niagara’s economic growth expected to slow

Report says rising interest rates, stricter mortgage rules and tariffs are acting as dampers

Niagara can expect its economic growth to slow somewhat this year, the Conference Board of Canada says in its latest report.

The forecast is for real GDP to expand by 1.2 per cent in 2018 and 1.4 per cent in 2019. Declining new home construction is a drag on the economy of St. Catharines-Niagara, although “decent” non-residential activity will offset that decline and allow the overall construction sector to grow at what was described as a healthy rate.

That growth, however, will trail most Ontario’s medium-sized cities, except for Greater Sudbury and Thunder Bay.

“Our growth is moderate, and at a steady pace — and that’s a fair assessment of our economy,” said Mishka Balsom., president and CEO of Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce. She said Niagara is fairing better than in the past, but is slightly behind the provincial average.

“We have lost key industry and have had a decline in employment in key sectors; but, at the same time, other sectors are growing,” she said.

“There has been a shift to small- and mid-size manufacturing that has allowed us to hold our own, and we are seeing expansions in areas such as wineries and tourism that didn’t have 20 years ago. The economy in Niagara is changing, and I think there is a readiness to support that change.”

The statistic she would like to see climb in Niagara is home construction.

“That would be an indication that some of the issues we are having are being addressed, including the low availability of rental properties and the affordable housing crisis.”

Balsom said the announcement of daily GO Train service in the coming years has increased the awareness of Niagara as a community that will be accessible with public transportation, and that can only help.


Original article: https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/news-story/8854934-niagara-s-economic-growth-expected-to-slow/

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Impact Promotions

Promoting | Branding | Marketing – We Make It Easy.

Impact Promotions is Niagara’s one-stop-shop marketing solutions provider. Our approach is simple. We listen and work closely with you to understand your vision and then we provide you with a suite of customized marketing solutions that make your vision a reality. We offer logo design, graphics, business cards, brochures, catalogues, websites, corporate apparel (embroidery, silk-screening and vinyl heat press), over 100000 promotional products, signs of all kinds, business cheques, self-inking stamps, online marketing, and more.

Impact Promotions has proudly served the Niagara region and Southern Ontario for more than 10 years. Our unwavering focus on service, quick turnaround times, competitive prices and top-quality products have made us the trusted go-to partner for all of our customers’ marketing needs.

When you work with Santino and the team at Impact you can’t help but get caught up in their positive, high-energy approach to marketing and promotions! Innovative, fast paced and honest from the first interaction on, you know they always have your interests at heart. They are truly a shining light in the industry” – Dave Peters, Absolute Change Management.

We genuinely care about the success of your business and our service will prove it. Much of our growth has come from referrals of satisfied customers who recommend us to their colleagues, family and friends. Our best compliment is a referral and we take them seriously.

To see why Impact Promotions should be your marketing partner, visit our website at www.impactpromotions.ca or connect with us by phone (289.362.5646 ) or in person at our showroom and production facility, located at 32 Front Street South in Thorold.

Santino Perri Impact Promotions


Impact Promotions
32 Front Street South
Thorold, Ontario
L2V 1X1
info@impactpromotions.ca
impactpromotions.ca
289.362.LOGO (5646)

Monday – Friday 10am to 5:30pm

Saturday by Appointment Only
Sunday Closed

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Ignite Pitch Series Powered by Meridian Continues to Inspire Local Entrepreneurs to Achieve Their Dreams

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 25, 2018

(Niagara) – Ignite Pitch Series Powered by Meridian Credit Union, in partnership with the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, Innovate Niagara, St. Catharines Enterprise Centre and Niagara College Canada is back. The event will be held at the Greg Frewin Theatre (5781 Ellen Ave, Niagara Falls) on May 8, 2018 from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. Ignite Niagara’s six finalists will pitch their business ideas to a panel of Niagara’s top business experts. The grand prize winner, as selected by the judging panel, will receive a $7,500 cash prize to support to grow their dream. The People’s Choice Award winner will also receive a $2,500 cash prize.

The six finalists with diverse business proposals in this creative event are:

  • Huvr Media – A company that offers full service real estate marketing serving southern Ontario with a specialty in video and social content.
  • LifePoints – An app that rewards its users for their time spent being physically active with discounts at local health-oriented businesses.
  • Niagara Canine Conditioning Centre, Inc. – A business that offers full service rehab-only facility for pets in the Niagara Peninsula, the first of its kind.
  • The Foster Theatre – A theatre company dedicated to producing a performing arts festival inspired by the work of Canadian playwright, Norm Foster, to educate and advance understanding and appreciation of performing arts.
  • Underdogs Boxing Club – A women-led organization that empowers individuals and fosters social inclusion through boxing-focused social and recreational activities for specific groups, along with relevant social supports.
  • Date in a Box – a dating app that allows the user to be matched with someone based on similar product interests.

“This competition provides an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to showcase their innovation and creativity to industry professionals,” said GNCC President & CEO, Mishka Balsom. “We are happy to partner with Meridian to fuel their business to help them continue to grow and build in Niagara.”

For more information, please contact the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce at 905-684-2361 or visit www.gncc.ca.


ABOUT THE GREATER NIAGARA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: As the champion for the Niagara business community. With over 1,600 members representing more than 50,000 employees, it is the largest business organization in Niagara and the third largest Chamber in Ontario. The Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada has recognized the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce with its highest level of distinction.

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For further information and interviews, please contact:

Mishka Balsom
CEO, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
905-684-2362 ext. 227 or mishka@gncc.ca

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