Speaker Profile: Dino Miele

October 20, 2017 | Blog, In The News

2017 Niagara Economic Summit

Dino Miele is the Chief Information Officer of the District School Board of Niagara, and manages the effective operations and provides strategic and operational leadership to the DSBN’s Information Technology Services Department, in both the enterprise and educational divisions.

One of the many projects that Dino is involved in is the Educational Research and Innovation Hub (ihub). The ihub is the first educational technology incubator in North America to be located inside a K–12 school facility. Additionally, Dino serves as an Advisor on the Generator at One Advisory Panel. The Generator at One is powered through the Regional Innovation Centre, Innovate Niagara. ihub’s network of industry, community and educational partners include the Generator at One, Innovate Niagara, BioLinc and the Goodman School of Business at Brock University.

Dino is also the founder of CONNECT. CONNECT is Canada’s largest education technology conference and is the Canadian National Conference that connects educators with technology for the 21st century teaching and learning. CONNECT has attracted over 2000 participants, plus countless Exhibitors and Sponsors that come together under one roof to share best practices and expand the horizons of education technology in an ever increasing global and digital economy.

At the Summit, Dino will join a panel on accelerating innovation for jobs and growth. His wealth of expertise in innovation and incubators, in addition to his position in the K-12 educational system which is training the innovators of tomorrow, will be uniquely valuable. Dino’s insights into the future hotspots and trends for innovation cannot be missed by anyone interested in Niagara’s future in the innovative space.

To hear Dino speak at the Niagara Economic Summit, visit https://gncc.ca/economicsummit/.

Share this:

Chamber This Week – October 13, 2017

October 13, 2017 | Non-Advocacy

Share this:

Chamber This Week – October 6, 2017

October 6, 2017 | Non-Advocacy

Share this:

Chamber This Week – September 29, 2017

September 29, 2017 | Non-Advocacy

Share this:

Winter WineFest returns January 12

September 29, 2017 | Members in the News

Setting the stage for Icewine Harvest Celebrations

Celebrity Chef Susur Lee

Lincoln, Ontario – Niagara’s Twenty Valley is thrilled to announce Celebrity Chef Susur Lee as host of the 2018 Winter WineFest. Chef Lee is a Hong Kong-Canadian chef based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Lee owns several Toronto Restaurants and is a seasoned judge on Chopped Canada and Top Chef Canada.

This is Chef Lee’ s first appearance at Winter WineFest. He will be hosting the popular ‘Sparkling Dinner’ January 13th and the ‘Icewine Brunch’ January 14th, bringing his flair for authentic culinary flavours to create menus that focus on beautiful wines from Niagara’s Twenty Valley.  Both events are hosted in the panoramic Windows Room at Inn on the Twenty.

The Sparkling Dinner features a four-course dinner, inspired and curated by Chef Lee. Each delectable course is paired beautifully with VQA Wines. Dinner tickets are $125 plus HST and seating is limited. The Icewine Brunch, also inspired by Chef Lee, features aromatic wines paired with a three-course menu fit for any foodie! Brunch tickets are $80 plus HST with limited seating. Tickets are on sale now.

In addition to the Celebrity Chef, we have a weekend filled with stellar live entertainment. We are equally excited to announce that on the evening of Saturday, January 13th, the Canadian Alternative Folk Rock band, Cowboy Junkies will be gracing the Winter Winefest stage. For more than 30 years the Cowboy Junkies have remained true to their unique artistic vision and to the introspective, quiet intensity that is their musical signature, creating a critically acclaimed body of original work that has endeared them to an audience unwavering in its loyalty.  This authentic Canadian voice likens the authentic winter experience Winter WineFest celebrates annually. Local bands from Niagara and beyond will be heating up the festival stage while you make your way around the event.

Annually, Winter WineFest kicks off the month-long Icewine celebrations throughout the region.  The event showcases over thirty-five premium food and craft beverage producers from the region for an authentic winter experience. The outdoor European-styled market highlights the beauty of the season and the charm of Jordan Village with warm cozy fire pits, outdoor art installations surrounded by thousands of twinkle lights. In addition to seasonal celebrations and healthy competitions, the Celebrity Chef also hosts and judges the One-Pot Challenge Saturday afternoon, offering all guests the opportunity to meet him in person.

The Cowboy Junkies

“This year in particular, as celebrations close on Canada’s 150, we are excited to announce Twenty Valley’s twist on a truly iconic Canadian winter event” said Kristene Smith, Executive Director, “Winter WineFest celebrates all things Canadian; from our Headliner and Celebrity Chef to our competitive winter spirit, and finally, the authentic Icewine Harvest which only can happen as a result of our beautiful winter climate.”

Festival hours are Friday, January 12: 6:00 – 10:00PM, Saturday, January 14: 12:00PM – 10:00PM and Sunday, January 15: 12:00PM – 5:00PM. Stay tuned for more exciting news about Winter WineFest’s 2018 programming. For news and tickets visit: http://www.20valley.ca/site/winter-winefest.

Share this:

Apply for NEXUS by Oct. 13th and Receive Expedited Enrollment Processing

September 29, 2017 | Members in the News, Network News

Calling All Border Crossers, Airport Travelers & Hockey Fans:
Apply for NEXUS by Oct. 13th and Receive Expedited Enrollment Processing

Expedited NEXUS enrollments available in preparation for upcoming IIHF World Junior Championship

The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (Peace Bridge Authority) and Niagara Falls Bridge Commission reminded local motorists and travelers that individuals who apply for NEXUS before Oct. 13, 2017 will receive expedited vetting, interviews and enrollment in the program.

This enrollment initiative was announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in anticipation of increased traffic levels on both sides of the border during the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship tournament, which will be held in Buffalo from Dec. 26, 2017 through Jan. 5, 2018. NEXUS usage helps to eliminate border wait times and vehicle congestion at area bridges.

NEXUS enrollment costs individuals $50 for five years and children under 18 can enroll for free. NEXUS users are automatically enrolled – at no additional charge – in TSA Precheck and Global Entry in the U.S. and the expedited CATSA lines at Canadian airports.

To apply for NEXUS:

  1. Visit nexusniagara.com and the “Click Here to Begin the NEXUS Enrollment Process” link/button
  2. Once you have applied through the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES), email your First Name, Last Name and PASS ID to the NEXUS Niagara inbox: nexusbuffaloniagara@gmail.com

All prospective enrollees are encouraged to sign up by Oct. 13, 2017 in order to potentially meet related membership vetting procedures and timing for the enrollment initiative, although no guarantees are available.

NEXUS usage at the Peace Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston, Rainbow and Whirlpool Bridges continues to increase steadily each year:

  • There are 1.4 million trusted traveler enrollees throughout North America, with Western New York and Southern Ontario accounting for more than 15 percent of total enrollments
  • Overall NEXUS trips/conveyances in the region rose to nearly 1.6 million in 2016, a significant increase from the previous year
  • NEXUS users account for roughly 17 percent of overall border crossings in the region

NEXUS is a bi-national program jointly administered by CBSA and CBP for low-risk, pre-approved travelers into Canada and the United States. For more information about NEXUS, visit nexusniagara.com.

About the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority:

The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, a binational bridge authority, has owned and operated the Peace Bridge since 1933. The bridge, which was opened to traffic in 1927, spans the Niagara River between Fort Erie, Ontario, and Buffalo, New York, and is a key international border crossing.

About the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission:

A Joint Resolution of the 1938 U.S. Congressional Third Session created the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission The Extra Provincial Corporations Act of the Province of Ontario, Canada licenses the NFBC. Canada and the U.S. are equally represented on the NFBC by an eight-member Board of Commissioners. Initially established to finance, construct and operate the Rainbow Bridge, the Commission proved sufficiently efficient and effective to assume responsibilities for the Whirlpool Rapids (Lower) and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges. The NFBC builds and maintains all facilities for Customs and Immigration functions on both sides of the international border. The NFBC is self-supportive, largely through user fees (tolls) and private-sector tenant leases. NFBC is federally chartered to conduct international commercial financial transactions and issue federal (U.S.) tax-exempt bonds.

Share this:

Niagara College to offer Canada’s first postsecondary credential in Commercial Cannabis Production

September 29, 2017 | Members in the News

Responding to a need for skilled graduates who are knowledgeable in the complex regulations and requirements of an emerging industry, Niagara College will launch a Graduate Certificate program in Commercial Cannabis Production in 2018 – Canada’s first postsecondary credential in the production of commercial cannabis.

The program, which was approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development over the summer, would prepare graduates to work in the licensed production of Cannabis, which is used as a therapeutic drug (Marijuana); fiber (Hemp) and as a source for seed oil  (Hempseed).

Niagara College’s Commercial Cannabis Production Graduate Certificate program will produce graduates who are skilled and knowledgeable Greenhouse and Controlled Environment Technicians who are also trained in all of the procedures, requirements, regulations and standards of the commercial cannabis industry. Shown in the Niagara College Greenhouse are Al Unwin, associate dean of Niagara College’s School of Environmental and Horticultural Studies, and Denzil Rose, a student in Niagara College’s Greenhouse Technician program.

Niagara College’s Commercial Cannabis Production Graduate Certificate program will produce graduates who are skilled and knowledgeable Greenhouse and Controlled Environment Technicians who are also trained in all of the procedures, requirements, regulations and standards of the commercial cannabis industry. Shown in the Niagara College Greenhouse are Al Unwin, associate dean of Niagara College’s School of Environmental and Horticultural Studies, and Denzil Rose, a student in Niagara College’s Greenhouse Technician program.

“We’re a pre-emptive college, and one of our key strengths is our ability to anticipate and respond to emerging industries, trends and labour-market needs,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “The Commercial Cannabis Production program reflects the College’s mandate to develop responsive applied learning programs that address industry needs – much like our Commercial Beekeeping, Culinary Innovation, Renewable Energy Technician and other programs.”

“Driven by legislative changes in Canada and abroad, there is a growing labour market need, and education will be a key component of the success of this emerging industry,” said Al Unwin, associate dean of Niagara College’s School of Environmental and Horticultural Studies. “This program will produce graduates who are skilled and knowledgeable Greenhouse and Controlled Environment Technicians who are also trained in all of the procedures, requirements, regulations and standards for this industry.”

“There is a tremendous demand for knowledgeable, skilled workers in this highly technical industry,” said Roger Ferrreira, CEO of Beleave, Inc., in Hamilton, ON. “Niagara College having the vision to fill this knowledge gap is commendable.”

The production of cannabis is a very highly regulated process, with very strict government regulations. Niagara College’s program will conform to all regulations and requirements, including providing a separate and highly secure learning environment/growing facility.

The Commercial Cannabis Production program is a one-year post-grad program open to students with a diploma or degree from an accredited college or university in agribusiness, agricultural sciences, environmental science/resource studies, horticulture or natural sciences, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.

The program will be located at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, which is home to the College’s other agri-business programs, facilities and research projects. The initial intake for the program is scheduled for Fall, 2018. For further program and application information visit http://www.niagaracollege.ca/ccp.

Currently celebrating its 50th year as a College of Applied Arts and Technology, NC is a leader in applied education and a key contributor to the economies of Niagara and Ontario. A regional college with global reach, NC offers more than 100 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs. Visit niagaracollege.ca.

Share this:

Extending Minimum Wage Implementation Will Reduce Risk of Job Losses by 74%: Economic Analysis

September 28, 2017 | Media Releases

Final analysis of Bill 148 reveals $12 billion economic problem that the Ontario Government must resolve

Today, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Keep Ontario Working (KOW) Coalition released two major reports that broadly capture the challenges associated with Bill 148 and the concerns of the employer community. The first report is the final economic impact analysis of Bill 148 by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis’ (CANCEA), which was peer-reviewed by Professor Morley Gunderson of the University of Toronto.

CANCEA’s analysis reveals that if Government were to do nothing other than implement the minimum wage increase over five years instead of in the next 15 months, jobs at risk would decrease by 74 per cent in the first two years.

The analysis also indicates that while the proposed changes will see $11 billion in wage stimulus flow into the economy in the next two years, a remaining $12 billion problem exists which will lead to jobs lost, added costs, and general damage to the Ontario economy.

“The final report from CANCEA confirms the other alarming analyses from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario and from TD – there will be significant negative effects in job losses and costs to business from this legislation,” said Mishka Balsom, President & CEO of the GNCC. “We are calling for the government to study these impacts, to implement a slower roll-out and to introduce offsets to help businesses adjust and hopefully avoid these dire consequences.”

The Keep Ontario Working Coalition and CANCEA released interim findings of this Analysis in August, ahead of final amendments being submitted for first reading of the legislation. To date, CANCEA’s work remains the only peer-reviewed economic analysis of Bill 148. In having been reviewed by Morley Gunderson, the work has benefited from one of the leading economists in Canada, who the Ontario Government has turned to on multiple occasions, such as during the Changing Workplaces Review which became the foundation for Bill 148.

“Our risk assessment of the Act is that there is more risk than reward for Ontarians despite the stated goal of the legislation in helping Ontario’s more vulnerable and the Ontario economy,” Paul Smetanin, President of CANCEA. “Given the risk of consolidating income and wealth inequality, putting about 185,000 people out of work, and the risks of small/medium businesses being exposed to their larger competitors, the unintended consequences are significant.”

In addition, the Keep Ontario Working coalition released a second report, The Flip Side of “Fair”, which showcases testimonials from employers and outline how they will be impacted by the legislation. The report gives a voice to those businesses who have felt excluded from the committee process and policy discussion around this legislation. The testimonials all share a common theme, that the minimum wage increase and labour reforms will have serious consequences for their business and their communities.

The KOW Coalition will continue to advocate that the government:

  1. Consider the risks outlined in this economic impact analysis while also conducting their own analysis;
  2. Implement broad amendments to Bill 148; and,
  3. Slow down implementation to avoid unintended consequences and protect Ontario’s jobs, communities and our most vulnerable.

The Keep Ontario Working Coalition (KOW) is a broad-spectrum group of business sector representatives concerned with sound public policy to help produce jobs and grow Ontario. For more information please visitwww.keepontarioworking.ca.

Members include:

Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services (ACSESS)
Canadian Franchise Association (CFA)
Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers
Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC)
Food and Beverage Ontario (FBO)
National Association of Canada Consulting Businesses (NACCB Canada)
Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA)
Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC)
Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA)
Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA)
Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA)
Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA)
Restaurants Canada
Retail Council of Canada (RCC)
Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) 

Media Contact

For more information, please contact:
Mishka Balsom, GNCC President & CEO
Mishka@gncc.ca or 905-684-2361

Share this:

Chamber This Week – September 22, 2017

September 22, 2017 | Non-Advocacy

Share this: